Thousands of homeowners across the Huntsville and Tennessee Valley area will be faced with making a quick decision to replace their HVAC systems this winter. With cold to freezing temperatures on the horizon, you can’t risk being without heat for very long. If you must replace your HVAC system in the middle of winter, you won’t have as much time to research and evaluate your options as you would if you were replacing it in the off-season, when heating your home isn’t critical. Even if you have to purchase a system quickly, make informed decisions by asking your HVAC contractor or Bunn’s and Bennett Heating and Air Conditioning these questions to help determine the right choice for your home and family.
Ask Your Contractor These 5 Questions
- Which type of system is best for me?
A good contractor will evaluate your home and discuss with you the functionality you want in order to provide you with sound advice regarding which type of system is best for your home. For example, in homes with failing or nonexistent ductwork, a multi-unit ductless mini-split system may be the right choice for you. Your contractor can answer any questions you have about using a mini-split, central AC, or heat pump in your home.
- What size do I need?
Size does matter when it comes to your HVAC system. Undersized and oversized units will consume excessive energy while causing comfort issues in the home. In order to determine the correct size unit and configuration for your home, your contractor should perform a cooling load calculation specifically on your home.
- Are there other things that need to be done to my home to accommodate an HVAC system installation?
The air conditioner and furnace themselves are just two pieces of the HVAC system — other components include your duct work, thermostat, air handler, plus several more items. Replacement or repairs to these components may be necessary to accommodate the installation of a new HVAC system and facilitate efficient operation. Your new high-efficiency system won’t offer the savings you expect if your conditioned air is leaking out the duct system. Have your contractor evaluate all the components of your HVAC system to see if other work is needed.
- What do SEER ratings mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the ratio, the greater efficiency of the system. All air conditioners must be at least 13 SEER, but SEER ratings go all the way up to 23. If you decide to go with a heat pump, you’ll be looking at HSPF ratings (Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor). These equipment efficiency ratings will have a great impact on the energy use and operating costs of your new unit, and your contractor can help you estimate your monthly or annual costs associated with the new unit. Higher efficiency units typically cost more to purchase, but their savings can result in quick payback periods.
- What’s the warranty term and what does it include?
Manufacturers’ warranties cover various parts for a specific period of time. Make sure you know what is covered on your new unit and how long the warranty lasts so you can have qualifying work performed under the warranty if needed, rather than paying out of pocket. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties for purchase, and your contractor can help you out if you wish to extend the warranty term. Quality HVAC contractors will also offer a warranty for their labor, so be sure to ask what is covered by their warranty and how long the warranty term lasts
Bunn’s & Bennett Heating & Air Conditioning
Bunn’s and Bennett Heating and Air Conditioning is a full service, licensed and insured HVAC contractor serving the Huntsville, AL and surrounding areas for more than 30 years. If you have any concerns about your home’s HVAC system or want us to come by and check your system’s overall operating condition, give us a call at 256-536-0967.
