Which Furnace or Air Conditioner Should You Buy?
Having to replace your furnace or air conditioner isn’t always convenient, but it does grant you the unique opportunity to improve your home comfort and efficiency as you select a new, high quality unit. When you choose the right heating or cooling unit to replace your old equipment, you can reduce home energy consumption, lower your monthly utility bills, stabilize indoor temperatures, and so much more. In order to help you get the most from your new heating or air conditioning system, here is a brief guide to selecting the right HVAC equipment for your Portland or Vancouver area home.
Assess your home environment.
HVAC equipment is never a one-size-fits-all solution. As you select a new furnace or air conditioner, be sure to consider the unique aspects of your home environment. Do your HVAC systems currently heat and cool your home using ductwork? Do you have rooms that tend to be too cold or too hot? Have your utility bills been astronomically high? Does anyone in your family suffer from allergies? Asking yourself these types of questions can help you determine what you are looking for in a new furnace or air conditioner.
Consult a home performance expert.
Once you’ve spent some time thinking about what you want from your new HVAC equipment, it’s a good idea to consult a home performance contractor who can help you weigh your options. The right contractor will take into account the things you want to prioritize, such as indoor air quality, energy efficiency, remote monitoring, or quiet operation. They will also consider factors such as square footage and perform a manual J load calculation to determine what size unit your home needs.
Go for High Efficiency & Professional Installation
Whatever you decide, we recommend investing in a high efficiency unit — that is, a furnace with a high AFUE rating or an air conditioner with a high SEER rating. Though a high efficiency unit may have a higher upfront cost, it can save you money in the long run by reducing your home’s overall energy usage. Plus, you’ll experience the added benefits of greater home comfort and better indoor air quality. Be sure to work with an experienced HVAC specialist to install your new furnace or air conditioner so you can experience all of the promised benefits of your new unit.