How to Select a HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation and cooling system (HVAC) is one of the most important parts of your home. It keeps your house cool in the summer, warm in the winter and free of harmful substances in the air. As a result, choosing the right HVAC system for your home is important. Things like the size, age and insulation of your home as well as the type of energy sources you have available will make a difference in the system you purchase. It is also helpful to consult an experienced HVAC professional who can provide expert guidance. Does this Spark an idea?
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Choose the right size. Selecting an HVAC system that is the right size will ensure that your home remains comfortable all year round and that you save money on energy costs. Some elements that will help determine the correct size HVAC system for your home include your local climate, the size and shape of your house and its orientation (east, west, north, south), how well or poorly it is insulated, location and size of windows, air infiltration rates, the number of occupants and their temperature preferences, and the types of lights and appliances you have in your home, which give off heat.
The best way to choose the right size of HVAC system is to hire an experienced professional who will perform the calculations for your home. If you do hire a contractor, make sure that he performs an assessment of your home, rather than just estimating based on square footage. This is one of the most common mistakes that homeowners make when selecting a heating and cooling system.
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Identify available sources of energy. The sources of energy available in your area will determine the type of system you will choose. Common energy sources are electric, natural gas, propane and fuel oil. Electric is widely available; natural gas is available in most developed areas by underground pipeline; and propane and fuel oil are available almost anywhere. If you are unsure of what energy sources are available in your area, contact a professional.
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Choose your options. Not all HVAC systems are created the same, and they come with different features to improve the comfort of your home. If all you want to do is heat and cool your home, then a basic system is all you need. However, if air quality and customizable comfort is important to you, then you will want to choose a system with more options. Some of the available options include: temperature control zoning, humidification and dehumidification, air cleaners and noise control components. If energy efficiency is important to you, you will also want to look at more energy efficient models or systems with energy efficiency options.
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