Finding the right HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system for your home can be challenging due to the wide range of system types, sizes, and ratings available. But, it’s essential to make a wise decision to keep your home comfortable year-round. This decision affects not only your daily comfort but also your monthly utility bills and overall home efficiency. If you don’t have much knowledge about the HVAC system, our HVAC selection guide can help you make the right choice for your home. Here is what you will learn from our blog:
Types of HVAC Systems
There are four main types of HVAC systems; each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. Let’s understand each type in detail:
Split System:
The most common type of HVAC system is the split system, which has two main parts: one for heating and one for cooling. The big AC unit that is placed outside is a cooling part that cools the air using refrigerant and a fan to blow out hot air. While the heating part is found in a basement or storage space.
These systems use a regular thermostat to control the temperature, helping to keep your home comfortable. Many units also come with air purifiers and humidifiers to maintain a good environment regardless of the weather. They are popular because they work well for most homes and don’t require special conditions or adjustments.
Hybrid Heat Split System:
A hybrid HVAC system is similar to a split system but with a few differences. It combines gas and electric heating, so you have the option to switch between the two as per your requirements. This helps save on energy costs and lower utility bills because you can use electric heat when it’s not too cold and switch to gas when you need more warmth. These hybrid systems are great for areas with mild climates.
Duct-Free:
These are also known as ductless mini-split systems, providing independent temperature control for each room. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units mounted on walls or ceilings. Each indoor unit controls the temperature of individual rooms or zones. These are energy-efficient, easy to install, and provide targeted comfort by avoiding energy losses from ducts. This makes them perfect for homes without ductwork, as well as garages or other spaces.
Packaged Heating and Air:
Packaged Heating and Air systems are compact units stored inside the home, mainly in attics or top floors. They provide both heating and cooling, which makes them perfect for smaller spaces where exterior installation isn’t possible. Due to their less powerful heating capability, these are best suited for warmer climates.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an HVAC System
Unit Size:
The HVAC system needs to be properly sized to heat or cool your space ideally. A system that’s too small won’t be able to maintain relaxing temperatures, while one that’s too large will cycle on and off frequently, which reduces the efficiency and lifespan. To know which system is suitable for your home, conduct a load calculation by considering factors such as:
- The Size Of Your Home
- Insulation Levels
- Climate Zone
- Air Leakage
- Building Materials
- Roof Type and Attic Space
- Flooring Type
- Occupancy Patterns
- Internal Heat Loads
For an HVAC system selection, you can hire a professional HVAC technician from Classic Air Conditioning and Heating in New Braunfels, TX. We can perform this inspection to recommend and install the right size unit for your home.
Energy efficiency:
When selecting an HVAC for a home, don’t forget to consider the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. Those systems that are energy-efficient use less energy to heat or cool your home, which automatically lowers utility bills and reduces your environmental footprint.
Look for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling and the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for heating. For example, the SEER rating should be at least 15 because higher ratings mean better efficiency. Also, you can consider ENERGY STAR®-rated models for more energy-efficient solutions.
Budget:
When budgeting for an HVAC system, it’s important to compare the prices of different systems across various HVAC brands. Sometimes, a higher initial investment can lead to lower operating costs over time and greater efficiency in the long run. Hence, to stay within budget, choose a reasonably priced system with required features that fulfill your needs and requirements.
Maintenance requirements:
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system. When you compare different HVAC systems, you must check how easy they are to install and maintain. Some systems require more regular and complex maintenance than others. So, choose a system that is simple to set up, and doesn’t require a lot of regular upkeep and expensive maintenance. See if the system has features that make maintenance easier, like washable filters or self-cleaning components.
Noise level:
Everyone wants a quieter and calm environment when relaxing at home because the noise levels can impact your comfort, especially if the HVAC system is located near living or sleeping areas. No doubt, quieter units are more expensive, but they make sure to maintain your surrounding comfort by reducing noise pollution in your home. To measure the system’s noise level, check out the system’s decibel (dB) rating or you can check the online reviews to compare the noise levels with other HVAC systems.
Warranty and service options:
Most of the new HVAC systems come with a manufacturer warranty, but they can vary in duration and coverage. So, it’s better to choose a system with the longest warranty. Check if the manufacturer provides regular servicing to keep the system working well. A good warranty and reliable service options provide peace of mind and protect your investment.
Final Words
Consider all the factors mentioned when choosing the right HVAC for your home’s comfort and efficiency. If you are still unsure about which system to install or need professional assistance for your HVAC in New Braunfels, TX, trust Classic Air Conditioning and Heating. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you in selecting and installing the right system for your needs. Contact us today for personalized guidance and service!
