A new HVAC system for your Sarasota, Florida, home is a big investment, but there will be additional costs involved to keep it working at its most efficient level. You’ll have to think about maintenance, repairs, and monthly energy bills, so investing in a model that delivers the best performance while meeting your expectations for family comfort, is key. The following insights will help you think about what you need to know when shopping around for a new unit.
Ratings
Air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces have changed a lot in the last decade. Systems made more than 10 years ago are not as efficient as the systems being made today, and as the technology in the industry improves, models will continue to change.
Look for units with high ratings. SEER, HSPF, and AFUE ratings basically tell you how efficiently your heating and cooling unit will run. The higher the number, the less energy the equipment will use to condition your air. Looking for appliances with an Energy Star rating is also a quick way to size up a system’s high performance.
Good Installation
The ratings of a unit are helpful, but they aren’t everything. You also need a dependable contractor who has the correct knowledge to situate your unit correctly, since the size of your unit does matter. So does the entire duct system in your home, in fact. Furthermore, some models, like heat pumps, are definitely not a DIY installation. These are all factors that should go into your selection process for a new HVAC system.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are bigger energy savers than air conditioners and furnaces. They offer up to four times the energy that they use in electricity, and they don’t require fuel to run. They work by moving available heat from indoors to outdoors and vice-versa instead of generating heat. They also don’t use combustion, so indoor pollution with gases like carbon monoxide is nonexistent.
One fallback of heat pumps is that they are the absolute best in climates where winters are mild. So while they are not the best options for homeowners in northern regions, for Florida homeowners, a heat pump can be a great investment.
Wi-Fi and Programmable Thermostats
Thermostat technology has really come a long way from the very first models decades ago. Now you can set your thermostat to mirror your lifestyle and daily schedule. You can even adjust its settings from your smartphone while you’re on a trip.
Programmable thermostats are a lifesaver for people with busy schedules, adjusting your home’s temperatures to your preferences without you needing to lift a finger. Programmable thermostats can also help you save money by conserving energy when you aren’t home or at nights when the family is asleep.
Energy Assessments
Consider getting an energy audit to see if there are areas of your home that are already compromising your heating and cooling system. If there are significant air leaks and you have poor insulation, your new HVAC system may not do well no matter how efficient it is. Cool spots or air leaks will diminish your HVAC’s ability to properly and evenly cool and heat your home, resulting in higher bills and some discomfort.
An energy assessment will help you decide what, if anything, should be changed in your home’s building envelope to maximize your heating and cooling performance.
Special Features
Florida’s humidity levels can get really high sometimes. Today’s HVAC units can be upgraded with special add-on features like humidity control. Other special features include filter check, which tells you when your filter is dirty, or air purification for people who struggle with respiratory conditions. If humidity, indoor air quality, mold, allergies, or asthma are concerns for any member of your family, consider investing in an HVAC unit that comes with or that can accommodate some of these upgrades.
Climatic is here to help guide you through any concerns in your research process. We will consult with you to come up with the best solution for all your needs. Give us a call today at (941) 758-3080.
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