How to Purchase a Heating & Air Conditioning Unit

Buying a heating and air conditioning unit can seem like a daunting task for any homeowner. Whether you are buying a single window unit or an entire heating and air system for the home, there are a few things you need to know before making your purchase. Cnsider cost as well as the size of the unit.

Instructions

Purchasing a Heating and Cooling System

1. Use your previous utility bills to determine how many hours per day you will need to run your heating and cooling system. This will help determine which size unit to purchase.

2. Determine the size of your home where the heating and air conditioning unit will be placed. You will need the square footage of each room in the home, the square footage of the entire home and the number of rooms.

3. Speak with the professional who will be installing your heating and air unit. Give him all the information you have gathered, including your measurements and usage requirements. You may also use the size estimator tool in the Resources section below to get an idea of what size unit you will need.

   Resist the urge to purchase a larger unit than needed. If you buy a system that is too large for your home, it can affect your energy efficiency in a negative way. It will heat or cool your home too quickly, leading to more cycling of the system and unnecessary use of your equipment.

Choosing a Window Unit

1. Measure the window you will use to install the unit. If you live in an urban area with bars on the windows or very small windows, purchase a freestanding room air conditioner instead of a window unit.

2. Determine the square footage of your room. Begin to shop for a window unit by looking at the BTU (British Thermal Unit) measure. This number will tell you the amount of heat the air conditioner can remove from a room.

3. Check the package of the unit to find out which BTU you will need for the square footage of your room. A size chart is typically on the back of the box. A qualified sales professional can also provide you with that information. You may also use the chart provided in the Resources section below.

References

• Alpine Air Conditioning: Selecting a Size
• Bob Villa: Sizing Heating and Air Systems

Resources

• Determine the Size of Your Window Unit
• Equipment Sizing Estimator