An HVAC system is among the essential purchases a person makes for his/her sweet home. The importance of it can be indicated by the report carried out by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), which states that almost 90% of U.S. homes have an air conditioning system. A solid HVAC system is important to combat all types of weather situations, whether extremely hot or extreme cold. An efficient system is vital to a comfortable living environment where you can work peacefully, relax and rewind, or simply enjoy being there.
Considering the importance of an HVAC system, the real issue most homeowners face is what to check and consider while choosing one. We understand that online research may not be as helpful, as the amount of data available only contributes to confusion.
What should you do now to choose the HVAC system for your home in 2024? Relax. We have covered you by creating a buying guide for U.S. residents. So, without any further ado, let’s begin with it.
What is an HVAC system?
The HVAC system refers to technological developments that help regulate the atmosphere of your home. The word “HVAC” is basically an abbreviated form of ‘heating,’ ‘ventilation,’ and ‘air conditioning.’ These HVAC systems allow residents to have complete control over the heating and cooling of their living environment. These systems are not familiarly known as HVAC systems but have names like ductless air conditioning units, heat pumps, furnaces, or central air conditioners.
What are the Types of HVAC Systems?
Like every other appliance or technological development, HVAC systems come in different sizes. This section will discuss all 4 types of HVAC systems, allowing you to choose the one that works well for you.
1. Split Systems
As the name suggests, split HVAC systems are two-unit systems. One unit is indoors, and the other is outdoors. These systems offer both cooling and heating. They are the most common type of HVAC system.
2. Hybrid Systems
Hybrid HVAC systems are the advanced technology of split systems. The additional element of these systems is that they come with improved technology and offer energy efficiency, as they have a hybrid electric heater system.
3. Ductless Systems
These HVAC systems are also the common ones. They do not come with any ductwork and provide individual room cooling for every room. These systems are perfect for environments where duct systems cannot be installed.
4. Packaged Systems
Packaged HVAC systems offer both heating and cooling in one system. They are ideal for homes without basements or much room for split systems. Moreover, they are mostly used for outdoors.
Factors to Consider While Choosing an HVAC System
You should consider a few factors to make a sound decision like any other appliance, device, or gadget. We are listing the important ones below:
1. Price
The goal of an HVAC system is to control the temperature of your atmosphere and provide your loved ones with a better living environment. And even if it costs you a fortune, you are most likely to do it.
While it is true that one should spend under the budget, getting an HVAC system that is cheap but poorly built and likely to develop issues in a few years is never a wise decision. When purchasing, focus on essentials like energy efficiency and durability instead of low prices.
It is a fact that most cheap appliances aren’t of good quality and fail to perform well in the long run. Remember that buying a good quality expensive HVAC system saves money on repairs and repurchasing. It’s always a win.
2. Quality of Air & Temperature
There are many different kinds of HVAC systems in the market, many other companies making these systems, and many different ways these systems impact the air quality of your environment, temperature, and overall energy consumption. For instance, choosing an HVAC system with UV light will likely increase your surroundings’ EPA indoor air quality score. A bit of research will help you decide which HVAC system can work best for your environment’s air quality.
3. Maintenance Requirements
The optimal performance of an HVAC system depends on the regularity of maintenance checkups. Therefore, investing in a low-maintenance yet cost-effective HVAC system is wise. While considering the installation service, it is important to check on the labor warranty, regular inspections, and availability of discounts on the overall price.
4. Efficiency
Today’s HVAC systems are more efficient than ever. Today, we have rating systems that calculate the efficiency of HVAC systems. Check these ratings before choosing an HVAC system that fits your needs. These rating systems include:
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
- HSPF
- AFUE
- EER
5. Capacity
The capacity of the HVAC system is a vital factor to consider. The capacity of an HVAC means its ability to cool the area of your living space properly. The capacity of your HVAC system is measured in BTU. If your system has a high British Thermal Unit, it has a high capacity.
6. Compatibility with Programmable Thermostat
When buying an HVAC system, ensure it is compatible with the programmable, modern thermostat. The programmable thermostat helps you control the heating and cooling of your system from anywhere in a virtual way. Moreover, this helps reduce energy costs as you can turn off the systems when not in use. Apart from money, this will also increase the lifespan of your HVAC system.
7. Sound
Well, yes. The sound of the HVAC system is also a factor to consider. Check out the place of installation and the system you will install, as they can be noisy. It is important to consult your contractor to choose a system that makes less noise.
Cost of HVAC Systems by Type
System Type |
Average Cost Range |
| Central Air Conditioner | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Gas Furnace | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Heat Pump | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Ductless Mini Split | $2,500 – $5,000 per unit |
| Geothermal Heat Pump | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Who to Choose for HVAC Installation?
Have you chosen an HVAC system but need clarification on who to trust for installation? Pack HVAC’s Ac Installation Baton Rouge services are all you need if this is your situation. With a brilliant team, years of expertise, affordable rates, and timely task execution, this company stands as the leading HVAC company in Baton Rouge. When air conditioning of your atmosphere is considered, choosing a reliable and endorsed team is vital.
Conclusion:
HVAC systems play a vital role in our daily lives. For this reason, choose a system that performs well, is energy efficient, and fits your air conditioning needs. We hope our quick buyer’s guide helps you choose a system that benefits you in the long run without costing you peace and extra bucks.