Heating And AC Repair Service: 6 Things Homeowners Wish They Knew Before Getting A New HVAC System | Katy, TX
You never want to get caught with a dead HVAC system, especially since Katy, TX, can experience warm temperatures all year round. So if you think you are ready for a new HVAC system, go for it. But don’t rush into it. Being too hasty and not consulting reliable heating and AC repair service may end up costing you more than anticipated. Below we’ve listed 6 things homeowners wished they knew before hastily jumping into purchasing a new HVAC system.
Choosing the Right Size Unit for Your Home Is Crucial
This is a costly mistake that often occurs when homeowners trust inexperienced technicians with the installation of new HVAC units. An air conditioner should have enough output to keep your house comfortable without wasting energy.
Installing an undersized unit only makes work that much harder to heat and cool your home, which shortens its lifespan. On the other hand, an oversized system cycles on and off too frequently. This will result in energy wastage and inflate your utility bill. It will also shorten its lifespan and won’t offer the same level of comfort as a correct size HVAC unit.
Whether you are installing an AC in a newly built home or replacing an old unit, you must hire licensed heating and AC repair service. The contractor will perform a load calculation and advice on the right size unit for your house.
What Different HVAC Efficiency Ratings Mean
One of the most important features you have to consider when installing a new HVAC system is the efficiency rating. It is displayed using a few key acronyms, and understanding what they mean and what they are used for is crucial. The most common HVAC efficiency ratings include;
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): This rating measures the efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners. It tells homeowners how much energy their system is using. A higher SEER rating means low energy use and impact on the environment. The highest possible SEER rating is SEER rating, but the government requires a minimum SEER 13.0 for new installations.
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): It measures the heating efficiency of heating pumps. The higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient your heat pump will be. The highest HSPF rating is 13, while the minimum rating for a new heat pump is 7.7.
- Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV): It measures the efficiency of an air filter and ranges from 1 to 16. A higher MERV rating means that the air filter can filter out more pollutants.
- Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): It is the standard measurement of efficiency for oil and gas furnaces. It measures the percentage of heat delivered to your home, and as such, a higher AFUE rating is always better.
The different ratings can seem confusing, but they are designed to get you the most bang for your buck. A Heating and AC repair service can help you understand where your system lies on the scale and make the most of your investment.
The Option to Install a Heat Pump
Rather than purchasing a new air conditioner for your home, you can get a heat pump. It works similarly to the AC and can reverse the direction it runs. This makes it ideal for the warm climate in Katy, TX. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the heat pump losing its efficiency when the weather is cooler.
A heat pump can also help you reduce the impact on the environment while improving the quality of indoor air. This is because heat pumps are made to Energy Star specifications, meaning they go beyond federal government requirements. Here are more benefits of heat pumps and why you should consider installing one in your home. As always, you must consult a heating and AC repair service before making any decisions about your home cooling.
HVAC Is a Science and an Art
If you are hiring a heating and AC service to install a new system in a home that doesn’t have an existing HVAC, you must consider their expertise and experience. This type of installation is quite different from any other and a real design process. So, if someone says, “I can slap something in,” consider it a huge red flag – because it is.
A professional knows to consider different variables when putting together an HVAC system. These include your electrical panel, the duct system, and the local building codes. Careful calculations are vital when determining how much load the existing electric panel can handle and how much more it will need. The best heating and AC repair service will carefully design a system that keeps your house consistently at the right temperature.
A Variable-Speed Blower Fan Can be Quite Beneficial
You’ll see a lot of extra features on new air conditioners, and the variable-speed blower fan is a particularly beneficial one. It may not seem that important, but your heating and AC service provider has good reasons to recommend it.
For starters, a variable-speed blower fan is energy-efficient even though it runs constantly. It automatically adjusts to ensure that it only uses the amount of power required to maintain a consistent temperature. It is also quieter and offers better air quality and comfort than a single-speed furnace or air conditioner. A variable-speed blower fan is reliable and perfect for zoning.
A Bad Installation Can Be Costly
New HVAC systems aren’t exactly easy on the pocket, with the national replacement costs averaging $7000. And while that may make it more tempting to hire cheap heating and AC repair service, we recommend resisting the urge. After all, you get what you pay for, and poor installations will cost you in the form of higher utility bills and replacing the AC sooner rather than later.
As with all contractors, find out the following before hiring a Heating and AC Repair Service;
- Do they have liability insurance and worker’s insurance?
- Are the technicians punctual?
- How quickly does the contractor respond to emergencies?
- Do they provide written contracts?
- How willing are they to answer your questions regarding processes, procedures, and their pricing?
Your Comfort Is Our Business at Mr. Reliable Heating and AC Repair Service
The experts at Mr. Reliable Heating & Air’s heating and AC repair service are here to help with all of your HVAC needs in Katy, TX. We will help you choose the right system for your home and provide a quality installation so that your home runs at its best. Schedule an appointment today to explore your heating and cooling options.
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