What to Consider When Buying a New HVAC System

The average residential HVAC system lasts about 15 to 20 years. However, eventually, your system will age out, and you’ll need a new one. But where do you start when buying a new HVAC system? 

The team at Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling has extensive experience across all types of HVAC systems. Read on to see what to consider when buying a new HVAC system, or contact our trusted HVAC company in Boiling Springs, SC, for more information.

HVAC Type

The very first thing to think about is what kind of HVAC system you want. Homeowners generally have the following three main options:

• Central packaged or split systems: contain a system that heats the whole house from a central point or splits it between an indoor and outdoor unit. These are the oldest types of systems and require ducts.
• Heat pumps: consist of a series of fans and pumps that extract heat from the ground, water, or air to heat your home. Reversing the pump’s direction moves heat out of your home to keep it cool in summer.
• Ductless systems: contain indoor and outdoor units that connect through a pipe running through your wall. These systems are smaller and don’t require duct installation, making them a cheaper option.

Size

It is crucial that you get a heating and cooling system that is sized properly for your house. If it's too big, it will cycle too frequently, which can consume more energy. If it’s too small, it will strain itself trying to heat or cool your house and burn out sooner.

Manufacturers measure HVAC size in terms of the total British Thermal Units the unit can produce. Experts like Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling will estimate the size unit you need by multiplying the square footage of your home by 25 and adding 1,000 BTUs for each window in the house. For example, a home of 2,500 square feet with six windows will probably need an HVAC that can produce at least 68,500 BTUs.

SEER or HSPF

Modern HVAC systems measure energy efficiency via the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Manufacturers calculate the SEER by dividing the total amount of heat the system removes by its total energy consumption. 

Most residential HVAC systems will have a SEER of at least 14. Many locations now have legal requirements on how efficient your HVAC has to be, so be sure to check with your local HVAC service provider before choosing your upgrade or new installation.

Are you considering a heat pump? The equivalent measurement is the heating seasonal performance factor, which is basically the SEER for heat pumps. It measures how much heat the pump moves compared to its energy consumption, with most homeowners shooting for an HSPF of between eight and ten for optimal heat pump performance. 

Programmable Options

Modern programmable thermostats allow you to create customizable routines you can control from your smartphone. Programmable thermostats are more efficient because they allow precision for maximum temperature control. The higher efficiency of a programmable thermostat should also make your HVAC last longer.

Price

Now that you know what to consider when buying a new HVAC, you might be worrying about the price. But you shouldn’t just choose the HVAC system that costs the least. Rather, you need the ideal ratio of price to performance and maintenance. 

Generally:

• Ductless systems are the cheapest to install. 
• Heat pumps are the most expensive to install. 
• Split systems occupy the middle ground.

However, it is best to check with a local professional like Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling to see what will suit your needs and budget best.

Signs You Need a New HVAC

The most common signs you need a new HVAC system include the following:

• Frequent breakdowns
• Coolant leaks
• Utility bills keep getting higher
• Uneven temperatures
• Scraping or grinding noises
• Bad smells from the vents
• Too frequent cycling
• Your system is over 15 years old

Experts advise getting a new air conditioning or heating system if repair costs start to reach around 50% of the price of buying and installing a new system. A new HVAC will offer high efficiency and be less prone to breakdowns, so it should quickly pay for itself. 



Call the #1 Heating and Cooling Company in Boiling Springs, South Carolina, Today!

Now that you know what to consider when buying a new HVAC system, you might want to read our blog to learn about some common HVAC issues and how to fix them. You can also contact Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling online or call (864) 804-6400 to speak to an experienced HVAC contractor.