One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make for your home is choosing the right HVAC system. Aside from making your home life smooth and comfortable, the right system also reduces the chances of having to deal with constant breakdowns and repairs. If you take the time to choose the HVAC system that really suits your budget and your lifestyle, you may be lucky enough to have it for life.

While personal preferences are typically considered, it’s worth noting that you should prioritize energy-saving features for your new HVAC unit. Although an energy-efficient unit may cost more to install, savings on energy bills will soon become apparent. Here are some other factors that you should consider when you’re planning to get a new HVAC system:

Inspecting Your Old HVAC System

Before you have a new HVAC system installed, you should first consider having your old unit inspected or repaired. Professional technicians like those from Winchester HVAC repair will be able to tell you whether your current unit can still be repaired or you’re better off installing a brand new one.

Additionally, a technician can also give you qualified advice about the most appropriate HVAC system for your current vent set-up and ducting. Your needs and preferences will be carefully considered when they make recommendations.

Getting Quotes and Project Details

It’s recommended to get quotes from two to three contractors to ensure that you’ll be able to go over your best HVAC options. Also, don’t accept a quote from a contractor if they haven’t gone to your home and inspected your set-up. The questions you should consider asking are:

• What are the payment terms?
• What is the estimated yearly cost of your recommended HVAC unit? What are the maintenance measures that I must take note of?
• How long is your estimated timeframe for this project?
• What do other customers say about your recommended unit?
• What HVAC system does your company specialize in?

Choosing the Right HVAC Size

When it comes to HVAC systems, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. A system that is too big will be idle most of the time, resulting in unpleasant levels of humidity in the house. On the other hand, a system that’s too small will always be overcompensating just to reach the optimal temperatures. In this case, you’d end up with an unreasonably large energy bill.

Choosing Filter Types and Thermostat Options

Filters come in two types: disposable and permanent. Most HVAC units are compatible with either of these filters. When choosing which one is better suited for you, ask yourself if you’re willing to spend time, effort, and money in cleaning them or if you’d prefer to replace them every two months.

Thermostat options also come in two variants: programmable devices and ones that you manually set yourself. There are many advantages to using programmable devices but it may not be compatible with your HVAC system. Ask your technician about all your possible options so you can take care of your unit the right way.

Scheduling Maintenance

To prolong your HVAC’s lifespan, maintenance plans should always be kept in mind. Hence, it’s worth noting if maintenance plans and warranties are included in the contractor’s price quote. Although it may initially cost more, the fees will end up being cheaper over time compared to an installation project that doesn’t have it.

Generally, technicians will visit your home twice a year to evaluate your HVAC system and see if anything should be fixed. For best results, ask your technician about the recommended maintenance schedule for your particular unit.

Preparing Your Home for HVAC Installation or Repair

When you’ve finally decided on a contractor and everything has been agreed upon, it’s time to get your home ready for the work that has to be done. Make sure that the technicians have enough space to do everything they have to do. They should be able to easily carry their equipment from their vehicle to your home and back.

Once your new HVAC system has been fully installed, you should take note of the following:

• How often should my HVAC system be checked and assessed by a professional?
• How should the air ducts be cleaned? How often should I clean them?

Almost half of a home’s energy bill is associated with HVAC systems. Hence, carefully choosing your heaters and air conditioners can help you save a huge amount of money in the long run.