HVAC systems are highly beneficial units with multi-purpose utility and long-term investment advantages. They provide energy efficient solutions and indoor comfort for homes and residential complexes. The main function of the HVAC system is to provide adequate indoor air quality. This happens by:
- Air-conditioning the air in the occupied space for the comfort and convenience of the occupants
- Providing proper building pressurization for adequate air-flow
- Removing and diluting any contaminants from indoor air through ventilation
Selecting a new HVAC system can be an overwhelming task. We recommend receiving advice on the best unit for your home from a professional HVAC service technician company. During your call with one of their specialists, they’ll be able to get a rough estimate on what you are needing to use your HVAC system for, the square footage of your home, placement of the unit, etc. This information is then used to provide the best recommendation for your needs.
Factors to consider while choosing a HVAC system
Some of the important factors that need to be considered while picking your HVAC system include:
- Efficiency of the HVAC system
To keep the costs of your energy bills under control, a huge factor in choosing the best HVAC system is to understand how energy efficient the system is. This is important because high-efficiency HVAC units produce excellent indoor comfort at much lower costs which in return, could save you and your family money.
Below are assessments you can make to determine the energy efficiency of your HVAC system:
- SEER: The measure to indicate the air conditioner efficiency is the SEER or seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The higher the number, the more energy efficient your unit is. Fun fact – SEER ratings are applicable to both air conditioners and to the cooling functions of heat pumps.
- The energy efficiency of the heating systems is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency or AFUE. A higher AFUE number indicates more efficient equipment.
- The efficiency of the heat pumps is assessed by HSPF or heating seasonal performance factor. In most cases, a high-efficiency heating system will have an HSPF of 8.2 or higher.
2. Size of the HVAC system
Another important point to consider while choosing the HVAC system is the sizing. It is important to note that ‘sizing’ does not refer to the actual physical dimensions of the equipment. Sizing is best explained as; knowing the need of how much heating or cooling is required to select the best HVAC unit. Sizing involves the process of evaluating both your personal needs and choosing a heating or cooling system based on the functional capacity. It is usually dependent on a number of factors including:
- Size of the place or residential complex
- All the physical and thermal characteristics of the space
- Individualized comfort requirements.
Choosing an HVAC system that is ‘too’ small might create an issue as the system will not be able to produce enough heating and cooling. This can affect your desired temperature goals, wasted energy, and higher energy bills. A system that is ‘too’ large could generate excess heating and cooling. This could also affect your energy bills, money spent, wasted energy, and/or create excess pollutants.
To ensure you have the best sized HVAC unit in mind when you start shopping around, contact one of the specialists at BMC Clower. Specialists can help you identify your needs and give sound recommendations on which unit will be best for your home.