Top 5 Things to Consider When Purchasing an HVAC System for a Home in Austin, Texas (78726)

For those living in Austin, Texas (zip code 78726) and interested in upgrading their home's heating and cooling system, there are a multitude of factors to consider. In order to narrow down the process and make the best decision, home owners should take into account the size of their house, the intensity of the climate in Austin, as well as which system type, brand, and features best fit their needs. This article will go over the top 5 key factors to consider when purchasing an HVAC system.

Size

Overlooking or disregarding size could lead to a variety of HVAC-related problems. If the system is too small, it won't be able to keep up with the demand in larger homes, leading to inconsistent temperatures and inefficient energy consumption. An oversized system will be more expensive as well, and can ultimately create temperature differences between rooms or cause damage to the system's components.

In order to purchase the best size HVAC system, a home owner should get an energy evaluation from a qualified professional, who can measure the size of the house and the efficiency of the current system. The energy evaluation will also inform an Austin home owner of the best systems and features that should be taken into consideration.

Climate

The climate in Austin differs significantly between summer and winter, often ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold. This is where having the right system size and features are essential. To control extreme heat during summertime, a home owner should purchase an HVAC system with features that promote air circulation, such as efficient cooling systems and properly placed air vents. This will help regulate temperatures and keep the air circulating throughout the house.

In the wintertime, the climate in Austin is prone to extreme cold temperatures. To combat this, home owners should consider purchasing an HVAC system that has a heating capacity that is up to the job. Efficient furnaces, radiant floor heaters, and electric resistive heaters are all systems that can help keep the home warm without having to break the bank.

Type

HVAC systems come in many different makes and models. A couple of the most common types of systems are the split and packaged units. Split systems are the most popular type, having two components: an outdoor condenser and an indoor air handler. The split system doesn't require much installation and offers flexibility in size and brand selection. A second type of HVAC system is the self-contained unit, also called a package unit. This unit is installed outside the home and comprises of both the condenser and the evaporator in one single unit.

While split systems offer more flexibility, the package unit is the most popular choice for mobile homes and other tight spaces because it takes up less floor space. Selection between these two types of systems should be decided depending on the size of the house, the climate in Austin, and the budget of the home owner.

Brand and Features

Once the type of system and size have been determined, the home owner should look to make a selection between several brands and features. It's important to keep an eye out for system features, such as EnergyStar, AHRI, and SEER ratings, as well as wiring options and thermostat compatibility. All of these features will determine the systems efficiency and how well it will perform during both summer and winter months.

The price of an HVAC system can also be affected by brand. For those on a budget, there are plenty of expensive brands available, however home owners could also look to mid to lower range brands for a comparable and more affordable system.

Maintenance and Professional Installations

Finally, it's essential for any home owner to keep up with regular maintenance and repair of an HVAC system. Not doing so can lead to decrease in efficiency, leading to increased energy costs. Investing in a good quality service contractor or HVAC technician is another key factor in maintaining and ensuring an efficient system.

A good technician should be able to provide maintenance advice, help troubleshoot issues, as well as install the system with professionalism and without any complications. When selecting a professional, its important to consider their experience, credentials, and the reviews from their past customers before making a decision.

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Austin Texas

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