Replacing your old HVAC system with a new model can be daunting. You want to get the best equipment for the least amount of money you can manage, which of course can be challenging. How do you know what the best equipment is? Is it determined by price? Efficiency rating? Bells and whistles?
Here’s how to avoid some of the most common mistakes other homeowners make when buying HVAC equipment:
Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing HVAC Equipment
- Choosing the wrong size. Homeowners often think they should replace their equipment with the same size they had previously. Often, though, the equipment was wrongly sized to begin with. HVAC contractors frequently install systems that are too big for the house, resulting in short cycling, which wears out parts before their time. Make sure your contractor uses HVAC industry software — Manuals J, S and D — to correctly size your equipment, rather than going on square footage alone.
- Going for the lowest price. Sure, price is important — you don’t want to pay more than you can afford. But low-balling when it comes to your HVAC system is not wise. Avoid bargains that seem too good to be true: they probably are. What’s more, the least expensive systems are generally less efficient than mid-range systems. Purchase the most efficient system you can afford.
- Not checking references. When you’re interviewing installers, be sure to check references. Failing to do so may lead to you hiring someone unscrupulous, or with a poor record of successful installations. Ask references if they were satisfied with the installation, if it was completed on time and if the contractor met the terms of your contract.
- Not considering efficient features. Be sure to take a look at some of the features that make today’s HVAC systems more efficient: high SEER seasonal energy efficiency ratio), scrolling compressor, modulating or condensing furnace. They may cost more, but you will save money on fuel in the long run.
To learn more about what HVAC equipment you should buy, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing of Brownsburg.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
