Time to live a little and get some high end products for your HVAC system. Or should you be prudent and save money? Well… Both. When it comes to HVAC costs, there are some things you should pay more for and others you shouldn’t. Here’s a guide to deciding which is which.
When to Splurge
The most important item you should splurge on is the HVAC system itself. Don’t automatically buy the most expensive model, but do your research to get the best quality available. An A/C with a higher SEER rating or furnace with a higher AFUE rating will provide more cooling or heating for the amount of energy it uses. You may pay more for it now, but owning it will save you in the long run by reducing your energy bills. A higher quality unit, if it’s well taken care of, will also last longer than a cheaper model.
Another product to splurge on is your thermostat. A programmable thermostat lets you adjust the temperature depending on whether or not anyone’s in the house. During the times when no one is home, your thermostat will automatically lower the temperature in summer, or raise it in winter, to save money by not cooling or heating an empty house. If you really want to splurge, you can even buy a WiFi-enabled thermostat, which lets you control the temperature remotely, from your mobile device.
When to Save
One of the biggest areas where you can save on HVAC costs is your air filters. An expensive HEPA filter won’t even work in a standard HVAC system. Designed for dedicated air filtration systems, it’s too thick for a furnace or A/C and will restrict airflow, using more energy and ultimately damaging your system.
Instead, look for a filter with a MERV rating between 9 and 12. This will keep your air clean and breathable, without harming your unit.
To learn more about which HVAC costs to splurge or save on, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. Indianapolis trusts us with all its HVAC needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
