Is your current HVAC system running out of steam? If you’re tired of dealing with a malfunctioning heating and cooling system, start shopping for the perfect replacement system sooner rather than later. To help you get the most from your investment, you have two primary considerations to make: the equipment size and the efficiency rating.
Sizing an HVAC System
Your home’s heating and cooling loads are based in part by its square footage, but true load calculations go far beyond that to include:
- Building materials
- Home orientation
- Insulation levels
- Room number, size and placement
- Window and door orientation
- Number and layout of floors
- Climate
Reputable contractors use Manual J to guide their load calculations and provide you with an accurate size recommendation. This is imperative because an oversized HVAC system has the following downfalls:
- More expensive operation
- Humidity problems
- Uncomfortable temperature swings
- Stress on equipment
Choosing an Efficiency Rating
The U.S. government has mandated minimum efficiency ratings for all types of heating and cooling equipment. For example:
- Air conditioners and heat pumps: 13 Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
- Gas furnaces: 78 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
- Heat pumps: 7.4 Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
You can opt for the minimum, or you can pay a little more upfront for a higher-efficiency system that provides energy savings for years to come. If you’re not sure how much you’re willing to invest, work with a contractor to calculate your return on investment. The number of years it takes for the furnace to pay you back depends on how much energy you use and how much you pay for fuel.
You could easily recuperate the difference in purchase price between an 80 percent efficient furnace and a 90 percent AFUE model within five to 10 years, especially in Minnesota where you rely a great deal on heating for home comfort. Since furnaces can last two decades or more with proper maintenance, the extra initial investment could clearly be worth it.
To learn more about choosing a new HVAC system for your Twin Cities home, please contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. Our experience dates back to 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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