Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are common household objects that are often taken for granted. HVAC systems play an important role in our quality of life by creating comfortable environments in homes, businesses, and even cars. HVAC systems are a luxury to have and do sometimes require a significant investment, so it’s important to know which type is best for your home. However, with careful planning and research, you can find a HVAC system that will ensure you have a comfortable home environment all year round. Check out the following guide to find out which HVAC option is best for you and your home!
Inspect the ductwork
When you’re thinking about purchasing a new HVAC system, one of the first things you may want to consider is your ducts that are currently installed in your home. Leaky and uninsulated air ducts waste energy and contribute to poor indoor air quality. Although a basic inspection can be done by a homeowner, it is best to have your ducts inspected by a professional.
Select the right furnace
It’s very important to have a proper heating system, and to do so you may want to start shopping for a new furnace. However purchasing a furnace isn’t as easy as it used to be, as there are many factors to consider.
Furnace efficiency ratings have improved dramatically over the past few years, and replacing the old furnace in your home with a new one can end up saving you up to 20 percent on your energy bills. With Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings as low as 56%, older furnaces are no match for the newer energy-efficient models. Newer furnaces have AFUE ratings as high as 98.5%. Over the past years, furnace efficiencies have increased due to manufacturers making improvements of the air handler. There are three different types of air handlers which should be considered when choosing your HVAC system.
Types of Furnaces
- Single Stage – Single-stage air handlers are most commonly found in older furnaces. This type of air handler has only one motor speed. When the system is on, single-stage motors operate at a maximum speed no matter what the indoor temperature requirements are. Single stage air handles can be inefficient as they cause peaks and drops in temperature, wasting energy.
- Two-Stage – Different from a single-stage, a two-stage air handler has two motors instead of one. These motors can operate on a low or high setting which allows you to save on energy costs. The lower setting of a two-stage air handler is usually capable of maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, without causing inconsistent rises and drops. In most cases, the higher speed is only necessary when a fairly massive amount of warm air is required during the more extreme temperatures.
- Modulating A modulating, or variable, furnace has motors that can operate at different speeds. Because of the ability to choose the best speed for temperature requirements, modulating furnaces allow for greater efficiency and comfort. Modulating air handlers are still fairly new to the industry but offer the ability to precisely control the airflow throughout your home in order to maintain an ideal temperature. These systems not only help you save money but can also be beneficial to people with allergy problems, as they create a consistent circulation of air. This allows for the air to pass through an AC filter which catches airborne allergens like dust and dander.
Select an Air Conditioner
Having an efficient and high-performing air conditioner is important for keeping your home cool and maintaining indoor air quality. Like furnaces, air conditioners have become extremely efficient. You can find the right air conditioner for you home by looking at the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). If an air conditioner has a higher SEER number, that indicates that the unit has a higher energy efficiency. Upgrading to a high efficient unit could help you save up to 40% on your energy bills. Another important factor to consider is an air conditioner with variable-speed scroll compressors as these models tend to be much quieter than older models. Selecting a unit with an all-aluminum evaporator coil will be beneficial in the long run as they don’t cause as many leaks and damage compared to other types of coils.
Choose a Professional HVAC Repair Service
When you get a new HVAC system in Chester County, Delco, and neighboring areas, you’ll need professional HVAC company to handle maintenance, installations, and service. The professionals at Tri-Elite Advisors can provide you with the service you need at an affordable price. For more information about our services or choosing the best system for you home, contact our HVAC professionals today!