People spend over $10 billion each year on HVAC repair and maintenance worldwide. Sometimes, though, repair just isn’t worthwhile. Instead, it’s time to install an entirely new system.
Installing a new HVAC system gives a building manager—or homeowner—a unique opportunity. The right choice has the potential to save on heating, cooling, and repair costs—and work well with other interior design updates.
But, if you make the wrong choice when you buy a new HVAC system, it’s an expensive mistake. Before you do, consider the factors that determine whether a given system is the right choice for your building.
Wondering which factors count? To learn more, read on.
Buying a New HVAC System: Overview
Before you consider which factors impact which system to buy, clarify for yourself what you’re looking for. HVAC systems generally fall into five categories:
- Split heating/cooling systems
- Ductless systems
- Hybrid systems
- Packaged systems
- Geothermal heat pumps
Split HVAC systems are the most commonplace. Split systems utilize separate elements and parts for heating and cooling. This means the air conditioner replacement uses different components than the heating sections.
Typically the heating unit is underground, or in the basement, while the cooling unit is ground level and outdoors.
You can learn about other HVAC options through the Department of Energy. This guide can help you choose the right split HVAC system for your building.
7 Factors That Make or Break Your HVAC System Purchase
Industrial system dealers will advertise plenty of neat-sounding features. But, they aren’t all relevant at the end of the day. Here are the seven factors that matter when you buy a new HVAC system.
1. Energy Efficiency
An HVAC system with a high energy efficiency rating can effectively cool or heat the space while using little power—no matter the source. Look for the following energy efficiency ratings on different systems:
- Energy efficiency ratio (EER/SEER)
- Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE)
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
Learn more about each rating from EnergyStar. The more efficient, the better.
2. Ductwork Design
Ductwork design can be high-quality and efficient, or poor-quality and winding. The best new air conditioner ductwork design has strong, sealed joints. It may have leak-proof jacketing.
Efficient design distributes air throughout a home or building via the swiftest route. It also balances the degree of air pumped into each room.
3. Heat Pump Capacity
A heat pump’s capacity is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). The higher capacity, the more heat it can generate per unit of electricity.
Make sure your HVAC system’s heat pump is strong enough to get the temperature as high as you need it to be.
4. Durability (Materials)
HVAC systems may be exposed to extreme environments. The best materials for the system are strong and durable. Look for aluminum or specialized polymers.
5. Size
Size matters. If you try to wedge a large unit into too small a space, you run the risk of creating a safety hazard. Measure correctly when you look for estimates.
6. Installation (Time, Skill, and Cost)
Certain systems take longer to install than others. Also, the cost of air conditioner installation varies by size.
If time is of the essence, consider the system itself as well as location. How easy will it be to keep the air conditioning unit cold?
7. Budget
The cost of an HVAC system for a 1000-square foot home is $4,000-$5,000. But an apartment complex can cost $10,000.
Know your budget. Look for cost-saving measures, like space-savers, rather than buying the cheapest system on the market.
HVAC the Way You Want It
At Gillair, we know different homes and buildings have different needs. That’s why our experts are happy to walk you through the options for your new HVAC system.
Contact us, and the Gillair pros can get your space feeling comfortable.
