Getting the most value out of any significant project on your home should always be a high priority. When it comes to your HVAC system, your decisions during installation can impact your budget for many years to come. By choosing the right system, you can help reduce your installation costs and maximize your system's value by avoiding high utility bills and future repairs.
Unfortunately, browsing through listings at your local big box store may not be the best way to undertake this project. Instead, consider these three tips to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck when replacing your old central AC or retrofitting a new one.
1. Determine Your Cooling Load
It's relatively easy to find heating and cooling load calculators on the internet. These tools can help you estimate the total BTUs required to cool your home, but you shouldn't treat them as more than a first guess. Using these calculators can give you a rough idea of the system size you'll require, but a trained technician can provide you with a more accurate number by performing a "Manual J" calculation.
This calculation will consider many additional factors, including subtle issues such as the orientation of your windows and how much air your home typically loses. A complete analysis may require some extra steps, but it can help you size your system more accurately. The time and effort will be worth it since a correctly sized system will cool more efficiently and last longer.
2. Check and Replace Existing Components
Your new AC system will typically include the indoor (evaporator/air handler) and outdoor (condenser) units, but these aren't the only components worth considering. Your HVAC installer should also evaluate your home's ductwork and existing refrigerant line set. You'll nearly always keep your current ductwork, but it may be worthwhile to address any leaks or other issues that appear.
On the other hand, you'll sometimes need to replace your old line set if it's incompatible with your new unit. Using a line set that's inadequate for your new system or one that's showing signs of wear can lead to inefficiencies, future repairs, and premature wear on your new system. Make sure your installation always includes an evaluation of this essential component.
3. Work With Your Installer
Although there's nothing wrong with doing your own research, you should work with your installer before making a final purchasing decision. HVAC technicians often have strong opinions on AC brands, and their advice can help point you toward a system that better fits your needs. It may be particularly beneficial to get their views on issues such as reliability and parts availability.
Remember that your central AC can last well over a decade if you perform proper maintenance. Choosing the right system is a small investment to make in a long-term piece of equipment for your home. Contact a company that offers air conditioning installation services to learn more.
Share15 October 2021
The quality of the air in your home is something that you should keep in mind every day. If the air that you breathe each day is filled with impurities, it can cause you to get sick more often and complicate matters if anyone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies. This blog is all about purifying the air in your home. You will learn everything about filtration systems and filters for your heating system to what you can do around the home to keep the air as clean as possible and create a healthy living space for your family.
