How to Choose Small Home Heating & Cooling Units

Small home heating and cooling units

If you own a home, you know the importance of efficient heating and cooling. With the wrong heating or cooling unit installed, you basically throw money right out the window. Properly heating and cooling a small home will not only save you money, it will keep you much more comfortable. Simply follow a few guidelines, and you will know how to select the proper heating or cooling unit for your home.

Instructions

1. Match the size of the heating or cooling unit to your home. A unit that does not match your home's size will heat up too quickly and make you uncomfortable. Air-conditioning units that outmatch the size of your home will cool too quickly, and the motor won't run long enough to adequately dry the air. Consequently, humidity can lead to mold or mildew. To properly size your home, your contractor needs to provide you a heat gain / loss report that tells you how well your home retains heat. If you can't get one from your contractor, visit the Mr. HVAC website and enter your home's information. It will give you a report that shows how much heat loss you have.

2. Match the heating or cooling unit to your energy source. For instance, if you use natural gas, you need a heater that operates off gas. Most air conditioners use electric, so you will need to purchase an electric air conditioner. If you purchase electric appliances, make sure the electrical cord matches your outlets. Many electric heating and air-conditioning units come with 220-volt plugins. Most homes, however, have 110-volt sockets. If you purchase a 220-volt heating or air-conditioning unit, you may have to have an electrician install a new outlet in your home.

3. Decide if you want window units or a central air-conditioning unit. For small homes of 1,000 square feet, window heating and air-conditioner combination units can heat or cool the entire house. Window units, however, will not raise the value of the home. Central air-conditioning units will increase the resale value of your home.

4. Review the unit's efficiency rating. Government regulations measure heating and air-conditioning efficiency according to "seasonal energy efficiency rating" (SEER). Units with higher SEER ratings of 12 to 18 consume less electricity than older units with low ratings of 6.

5. Review the warranty. Heating and air-conditioning units carry standard 3-year warranties. Some units, however, carry 10-year parts replacement or limited lifetime warranties. Shop around. Get the most protection you can afford.

6. Make sure the price fits your budget. The cost of heating units depends primarily on size. Heaters cost $500 to $800. Air conditioners capable of cooling a 1,000 square foot home cost $500 to $700. Central heating and air-conditioning units for small homes cost $3,000 to $5,000.

References

• Energy Savers: Sizing Heating and Cooling Systems
• Energy Star: Heat and Cool Efficiently
• Bob Vila: Sizing Residential Heating and Cooling Systems
• Althoff Home: SEER Rating

Resources

• Buy an Air Conditioner Online