When you’re looking for a new HVAC system for your Lexington, North Carolina, home, the process can feel quite overwhelming. With a number of leading manufacturers, each with its own lineup of products, many homeowners aren’t sure which option will provide the best heating and cooling throughout the changing seasons. With the help of an HVAC professional and a clear understanding of the options available, you can choose the right HVAC system for your home.
Calculating the Load
One of the most common problems of upgrading an HVAC system is installing a unit that isn’t sized correctly. The actual square footage of the home is only part of the formula used for load calculation. When performing a load calculation, a service technician will factor in the construction elements of the structure along with the number, placement and size of the rooms; the number of doors and windows; and the efficiency rating of each of those windows and doors.
The outside climate and the number of floors will also factor into the load calculation. In the past, service technicians had to calculate the load by hand. Computerization has made it easier to determine the proper load calculation so your HVAC system is the proper size for your home’s needs.
An HVAC system that is too small will have to run constantly to maintain a comfortable temperature, resulting in high energy bills. Excess use also leads to quicker wear of the components, which could require more repairs and replacements. A large system will waste energy, which results in you spending more on utility bills than necessary. Your HVAC service technician can help figure out the right size to avoid spending extra money on heating and cooling costs.
Remove Excess Humidity
The air conditioning system does more than just cool the air in your home; it also removes humidity to maintain a comfortable environment. When a large AC unit runs, it may cool the air very quickly, causing you and your family to feel cold and clammy.
In response, you might raise the temperature on the thermostat so the unit will stop blowing cold air. But this also means that it won’t dehumidify the air either. When the humidity level inside rises too high, it can make your home feel muggy and unpleasant. High humidity can also damage wood furniture, flooring and other items within the space.
Efficiency Ratings
Replacing an outdated HVAC unit might seem like a big expense, but when you’re getting rid of an older model, the improvement of efficiency is well worth the cost. In the past few years, heating and cooling systems have become much more efficient, which means that owners spend a lot less on utility bills. You can look at the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating to start, but that’s not the only factor to consider.
Gas furnaces also have Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings, while heat pumps use the Heating Seasons Performance Factor for efficiency. All of these numbers can lead to confusion, especially if you don’t know what they all mean. In general, higher numbers mean better efficiency, but it’s smart to consult an HVAC professional to get more information on how to choose the most efficient unit.
Ducts vs. Ductless
Some HVAC companies also offer ductless HVAC systems. If you choose this option, the installation will take less time and the efficiency will increase.
Ducts can allow air to leak through gaps and cracks, which leads to your HVAC system working harder to move the same amount of cool or warm air. Without those leaky ducts, the system can move air more efficiently to each room of the home. You also won’t have to worry about dirt, pollen, dust, dander, hair and other debris accumulating in the ducts. However, a ductless system does come at a higher cost.
If you’ve already purchased a new HVAC system, rest assured that our experienced service technicians know how to complete the installation to a high standard. For help choosing the right heating and cooling system for your home, contact Charlie’s Heating and Cooling at (336) 629-5453.
Image provided by Shutterstock
