What to Consider with HVAC Systems

When it comes to preserving a comfortable and safe environment in your Austin, Texas home, there are few systems more important than your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Especially in Texas, where summers often bring triple-digit temperatures and winters have the potential to bring snow and/or plummeting temperatures, having an HVAC system you can trust is key.

Before making an HVAC purchase, it is always important to understand the exact needs of your home. Since there are a large range of HVAC systems, each made for different types of homes and climate, finding the one that is best suited for your home is important. Whether you are looking for a ductless system or something more complex, there are certain elements of a system that you need to consider before the purchase. In this article, we will explore five in-depth aspects to consider when purchasing an HVAC system for your 78749, Austin, Texas home.

Efficiency Rating

When considering a new HVAC system for your home, you should first understand the system's efficiency rating. An efficiency rating provides a measuring stick for how much energy the system will consume and can be found in the form of a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system will be. Generally, national regulations have set a bare-minimum SEER rating of 13 for all system, with many models reaching a SEER rating of over 20. Those with higher SEER ratings will cost more initially but will save money in the long run due to their increased levels of efficiency.

Size of Unit

In addition to the efficiency rating, it is also important to consider the size of the unit. If an HVAC system is too large for your home, it will cause energy to be wasted, as it will quickly cool a space without providing efficient cooling. On the other hand, a unit that is too small will be unable to cool your space effectively. When it comes to size, bigger is not always better. An HVAC expert will have a proper calculation tool to measure the square footage and type of insulation in your home to determine your exact needs.

Installation Process

In addition to the efficiency rating and size of the unit, it is also important to consider the installation process. While HVAC systems can be installed by homeowners, depending on the complexity of the unit, it is generally best to hire an experienced HVAC professional to do the job and ensure it is done properly. An experienced HVAC professional will be able to determine the perfect size for your home and provide the most optimized installation.

Long-Term Maintenance

An important aspect to consider when purchasing an HVAC system is long-term maintenance. A system may last anywhere from 12-15 years if properly maintained, but the type of maintenance needed can differ from system to system. To ensure your system keeps going long-term, you should properly maintain filters, unit housing, and all other components on a regular basis.

Additional Benefits

Finally, when purchasing an HVAC system, it is worth considering the additional benefits the system can provide. Many newer HVAC systems come with special features, such as the ability to adjust settings from a smartphone, robotic maintenance, energy-saving settings, and more. Depending on the features, some of these benefits could save you money in the long run and provide additional convenience.

When it comes to purchasing an HVAC system, there are many important factors to consider. Efficiency rating, size of the unit, installation process, long-term maintenance, and additional benefits are all key elements that should be considered, as they can all impact the cost and performance of your system. Taking the time to consider all aspects of your purchase will ensure you find the perfect HVAC system for your Austin, Texas home.

HVAC

Austin

Texas