5 Tips to Choose the Right HVAC System

Posted on September 6, 2017September 8, 2017 by Vital AC Solutions | Posted in Blog

Choosing a new HVAC System, let alone finding the right one, can be a challenging decision. It takes careful budgeting and planning, especially for Florida homeowners.

The sunshine state can produce relentless heat which increases AC demand. In turn, the utility bill starts to grow and the greatest asset to combating the scorching weather starts to become a financial concern.

That is why choosing a quality system that properly heats and cools your home is a priority. Many factors go into an HVAC and it’s one of the most complex systems to have. Here are some tips to help you choose a cost-effective, eco-friendly system for your comfort.

1. Find the “Right” Size

This is one of those decisions that require precision. A suitably sized air conditioner will properly cool the temperature to slightly higher thermostat settings, while extracting the moisture from the air.

Professionals measure the size (cooling capacity) for the new unit by calculating the cooling load (cooling requirement).

The benefits for sizing with the closest accuracy include:

• Greater Comfort
• Reduces Utility Bill
• Saves Energy
• Better Humidity Control
• Less Stopping and Starting
• Higher Percentage of Run Time
• Reduced Number of Cycles=Longer Equipment Life

Oversizing is a common consumer mistake. Some people believe that getting a bigger system will cause greater efficiency.

Although room temperature cools down faster the consequences include:

• Additional Expenses (more maintenance and equipment fees)
• More Frequent Equipment Replacement
• Less Humidity Control (may cause potential mold growth or moisture-related damage)
• Uses Up too much Energy
• Can Cycle off before the Air Circulates
• Takes Up Unnecessary Space

Undersizing is another problem, on the other hand, which results in:

• Never Reaching a Comfortable Temperature
• Always Running
• Spiking your Bill

2. Decide if Packaged or Split Ductless AC is Best for your Home

Between the two options, the most common option is the split ductless. It consists of two units with one inside and one outside.

Now the pros for split are:

• Ductless Homes=No Duct Work
• Small
• Convenient for Affecting Different Rooms
• Easy to Install
• Safer
• More Flexible
• Cools Front of the House
• Condenser/Compressor is Close by but Discrete
• No Ducts=No Energy Lost by Ducts
• An Energy Star Split System can save up to 30%

The cons are:

• On Average they Tend to be More Expensive.
• Limited Heating Use in Winter Season
• Struggles to Properly Heat Below 32 Degrees Fahrenheit

For Floridians, most of the cons aren’t an issue in the subtropical weather and for some, split ductless is the best choice.

Packaged Systems also have their perks. The evaporator, condenser, and compressor are placed in one cabinet typically on the roof. They may include electric heating coils or a gas furnace.

The pros are:

• Well Spaced (everything is one location)
• Installation is Cheaper (even cheaper than a split unit)
• Great for Places with Limited Indoor Space

The con is:

• Limited Energy Efficiency

3. Plan to Prioritize Maintenance

Maintenance is a necessity and having a plan helps you stay on track.

Some homeowners don’t think about the long-term planning involved in maintenance. Once one is established you can have one or two scheduled meetings in the year and typically in the fall and spring.

Professionals visits provide:

• An Annual Tune Up
• Improvement for Energy Efficiency
• Filter Changes
• Detection for Small Problems Before they Escalate
• Improvement on Functionality Cutting Potential Costs
• Improvement for Air Circulation

4. Select a Thermostat that Best Suits You

The analog model is not a reliable model and is notorious for inaccuracy. The digital and programmable options; however, are both excellent choices.

With a digital thermostat you can expect:

• Better Temperature Regularity and Consistency
• A Faster Response to Temperature Changes
• The Time Delay Features Stop AC Activity from Turning on/off too Quickly

Another digital model is the programmable thermostat. Qualities for this particular type include:

• Allowing Set Temperature Changes within a 24 Hour Period
• Reducing Cooling Costs up to 20%

5. Have Efficiency Goals

Efficiency must be taken into account when it is potentially 40% of your home energy, and; therefore, 40% of your bill. With that said, it is no wonder people maximize the efficiency of their HVAC. It saves money and energy.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) describes how much each watt of electricity cooling the unit delivers. It also measures seasonal energy efficiency by taking a cooler season’s cooling output and during that same time dividing it by the total electric energy input.

In 2015, the Federal Standard for residential air specified that split system heat pumps will have no lower than a SEER 14. With higher ratings SEER can have a higher quality and lower energy costs. Also, be on the lookout for an Energy Star Rating. (ESR)

In short, SEER is eco-friendly, saves energy, and is cost-effective for the consumer.

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