Your heating and cooling system is an important component of your home and should provide year-round, worry-free comfort. That’s why our team has outlined key considerations that will help you avoid common mistakes when buying an HVAC system. For energy-efficient equipment that is reliable, durable, and tested to perform, depend on Durastar.
Mistake #1: Waiting too long before replacing your existing equipment.
How to determine if I need a new HVAC system?
One costly mistake we see time and again is waiting too long before replacing your heating and cooling equipment. We recommend keeping a close eye on your system to ensure it is operating at its peak. If you wait too long to replace a worn-down system, then you may unknowingly be spending unnecessary money on energy waste. One way you can gauge this is by noting any spikes in your energy bills, weak airflow, or new noises. Furthermore, be sure to get a full system overview from your certified HVAC technician during your annual inspection and maintenance visit. They should be able to provide insight on any parts that are showing signs of wear and the projected lifespan of your system.
Mistake #2: Hiring the first contractor you meet.
How to select a well-qualified HVAC contractor.
Selecting a well-qualified and experienced HVAC contractor is a big step in the process of upgrading your heating and cooling system. Not only will they install the new equipment, but they’ll also help guide you through the decision-making process and provide professional recommendations on details such as unit size and equipment specifications. As a general rule of thumb, obtaining three to five quotes is a good place to start. Talk to friends, family, and contractors you’ve had good experiences with in the past, and conduct some online research to find the best fit. During this step, the selected contractor will perform a home inspection to assess your existing system and make custom recommendations for improvements.
I Need A New HVAC System – Now What?
If you’ve decided it might be time to buy new or replace existing HVAC equipment, then here are a few considerations that will set you up for success. Complete this checklist before hiring a certified HVAC contractor.
Here are some important details to discuss with your contractor to avoid common mistakes when buying a new HVAC system.
Unit Types
In order to determine the best combination of HVAC equipment for your home, your contractor will consider various details. For example your home’s geographic location, square footage, and number of floors. If you’re questioning why they recommend a heat pump over a furnace, for example, just ask! They are there to help you better understand your options and select the best system for your budget, home, preferences, and efficiency standards.
Equipment Size
Like in the case of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, a unit that is too small will have to work too hard to maintain a consistent temperature in your home; and a unit that is too big will continually turn on and shut off, using more energy and struggling to control airflow and humidity properly. Your contractor will provide size parameters for your equipment to ensure the system operates efficiently and airflow is evenly distributed throughout your home.
Air Quality
Did you know that your heating and cooling system plays an important role in maintaining healthy air quality within your home? It’s true! Beyond catching air particles and dust in their filters, high-quality HVAC systems, like those from Durastar, also help regulate indoor humidity, improving the air you breathe.
Unit Placement
Thinking about where your equipment will rest is an easy step to overlook. We recommend asking your contractor to join you for a parameter walk around your house so they can identify potential placement options. You’re looking for a discrete location, however, it also needs to be free of debris and direct sunlight, fairly level, and easy to access.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency rating of your unit is an important specification to review. Although units with the highest efficiencies may cost more upfront, they often generate long-term energy savings.
Pro-tip: If the energy-efficient unit you are eyeing is just outside of your budget, check to see if there are any available rebates. The rebate savings may offer enough kickback to put the premium unit back on your list of potentials while remaining within budget.
Protect your new HVAC system and avoid these common mishaps.
Forgetting to register your HVAC equipment.
Registering your HVAC equipment ensures you receive complete warranty benefits from the manufacturer. Sometimes your contractor may submit the registration for you, however, we urge you to double-check. Please note that each piece of equipment needs to be submitted. For example, both the indoor and outdoor units of a split system have individual warranties and need to be registered separately. You’ll need to locate the serial numbers on your HVAC units to do so.
Spending money on unnecessary and expensive additives.
When you purchase heating and cooling equipment from Durastar, you can rest easy knowing each product has been manufactured and tested for optimal performance – they do not require any additional or costly refrigerant fluids. We do not recommend using 3rd party additives as they can adversely affect your compressor and overall system efficiency.
Durastar offers a wide selection of energy-efficient HVAC products that perform consistently and are accessible at a value that’s friendly for everyone. Whether you’re looking to replace your entire system or upgrade an individual heating or cooling unit, our offering is diverse, high-quality, and backed by premium industry-standard warranties. Durastar, engineered for comfort.®