There’s no doubt that an HVAC system is one of the priciest investments you’ll ever make for your home. So if you’re doing your fair share of research for it, you’re on exactly the right track! Don’t be afraid to ask your trusted local HVAC company about everything you want to know, from unit sizes to pricing details – you might even bring a checklist to your conversations every step of the way just to be safe. Here are a few important things to add to it.
Be Sure It’s Time for a Replacement
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure your system even needs to be replaced. Call an HVAC company you trust (or ask around/research for recommendations if you’ve never worked with one before), and they can give you a professional opinion on whether a simple repair will do the trick, or if you’re best off investing in something new. If you’re in the Camarillo or Ventura County area, we’d love to have one of our Mom-Approved experts help you with this important decision!
You could take things a step further and get two or three recommendations if you don’t have a go-to company. That way, you can trust you’re making the right decision if you do opt for a new unit.
Get the Right Size System for the Job
One of the most important factors to think about when choosing a new system is its size. Too small, and it won’t be able to effectively cool or heat your entire home. Too large, and it won’t run efficiently, which could drive up the cost of your energy bills. No thanks!
Without getting lost in the nitty gritty of unit sizing, just know there’s more to it than your home’s square footage. Things like climate, ceiling height, number of windows and the directions they face, and the amount of insulation in your attack can all play a part in choosing the best unit for your needs. Your HVAC contractor will take all of this into account when making that decision, and they’ll be describing the size of it in tons; it might sound like it, but this has nothing to do with the weight of the unit. Think of it as the amount of cooling or heating power it has. Typical residential units range from 1 to 5 tons, so that’s why you may hear your contractor say you need a “two-ton unit” or something similar. If you’re ever confused about why you need a certain unit size or number of tons, they should be able to explain it to you and tell you everything that went into their calculation (if they can’t, that’s not a good sign!).
Ask About Energy-Efficient Models
Did you know that around half of the energy use in our homes goes toward heating and cooling? In fact the department of energy even states that for systems installed over 15 years ago, a new air conditioner uses about 50% less energy & new furnaces use about 10% less energy. If you have a bit of wiggle room in your budget, it’s a great idea to ask your HVAC contractor about more energy-efficient systems. Of course, these units are more expensive than something more standard, but you’ll see that investment pay off month after month when you open up your energy bill.
Depending on the type of system you’re considering (air conditioning, heat pump or furnace), the way you measure efficiency looks a bit different. Air conditioning, for example, is given a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system is. An average SEER rating might be somewhere around 16, while higher efficiency models could land as high as 23. Your contractor could certainly weigh in on the best energy-efficient systems for your home.
Say “Nope” to Noise
It’s easy to get caught up in finances, unit sizes, energy efficiency and other details when selecting your next HVAC system, but don’t forget to consider noise level too. If you end up going with a model that’s too noisy for your taste, you’ll be stuck with it for many years to come! Keep in mind, though, that new systems have become much quieter over time, so noise is less likely to be an issue these days. While you can search on the manufacturer’s website for the noise level, measured in decibels (dB), one of our Mom Approved System Designers can help pick the right model with you. You’ll want a system that measures 60 dB or less, which could be compared to the noise level of an electric toothbrush or a conversation between two people standing just a few feet apart.
Get Specifics on Financing
Most people don’t have thousands of extra dollars lying around that can be spent willy-nilly. It’s beyond reasonable to expect your HVAC contractor to provide fair financing options, including zero interest and low monthly payments. It’s important to ask about this up-front if financing is a requirement for you, because you don’t want to find out on installation day that you can’t afford to pay for everything all at once, or that your installer is planning on charging you interest that you weren’t aware of. AirWorks provides a seamless financing process – you will get a financing decision typically within 30 seconds while our System Designer is still in the home with you. Talk about peace of mind!
Find a Trustworthy HVAC Contractor
The good news is: When you find an HVAC contractor you trust, you don’t have to worry about checking all of these topics off of your “things to ask” list. A reputable, knowledgeable contractor will:
- Be sure you need a system replacement before suggesting it
- Use a reliable formula, and their years of experience, to decide on the best unit size for your home
- Suggest more energy-efficient models if it’s in your budget
- Be mindful of noise levels on all models they suggest
- Walk you through their process step-by-step and be transparent about pricing, as well as financing options
- Happily answer all your questions and won’t rush you into making a decision
Our family-run team at AirWorks Solutions was built based on the notion that HVAC service providers have no business selling homeowners systems they don’t need, so you can trust our Mom-approved technicians to treat you like family and be transparent with you every step of the way.
Mom-Approved HVAC Experts in Camarillo
Considering a new HVAC system? We know there’s a lot to consider, especially if you’ve had less-than-stellar experiences with industry experts speaking in jargon and pressuring you to make quick purchases. Camarillo and Ventura County homeowners can trust AirWorks Solutions to help with a decision that will impact your home and energy bill for years to come.Just look at our company reviews! There’s a reason Ventura County homeowners trust us with their home comfort. Call or schedule your service online today!
