Deciding on an HVAC system for your Twin Cities home may be one of the most complex tasks you’ll face. These systems are complicated, at best, and not something you have to choose often, unlike other major purchases such as vehicles. Use these five tips to start the process:
- Decide whether you want to include central air conditioning in your purchase of a heating system. Although heating is more important in our climate, summers in the Twin Cities can be hot and humid. You may be able to get a package deal, which will not only ensure that your two systems are compatible but also be cheaper than buying the two separately.
- Work with an HVAC contractor to get help sizing your system. Professionals in this field use a system called Manual J to determine the right size. Manual J accounts for characteristics in your home such as insulation levels, windows and their efficiency, landscaping factors, air infiltration levels, cubic footage indoors, and your preferred temperatures. Putting in too large a system will waste energy and not improve heating and cooling. It’s better to choose a system that’s the right size or slightly undersized, because systems that are too big turn on and off frequently, which increases your bills and the wear and tear on the system.
- If you’re deciding on an HVAC system because you’re adding to your home, you may be able to use your existing system by extending the ducts or other HVAC components rather than buying an entirely new one. An HVAC contractor can help you decide which would make better economic sense.
- Quality counts when you’re purchasing new HVAC equipment. Systems with higher energy efficiency ratings typically cost more, but you’ll get the extra cost back in energy savings. An HVAC system is something you rely on for safety and comfort. Choosing one from a reliable manufacturer, even though it costs more, is the best approach.
- Always buy HVAC equipment from a reliable, licensed HVAC contractor. This equipment needs to be installed and serviced by a licensed dealer to keep the warranty valid.
If you’d like help deciding on an HVAC system, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve provided quality heating and cooling services to the Twin Cities area since 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, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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