Better Homes And Gardens Can Those Be Heated

How to Choose a Heating and Cooling System for Your Home

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If you want the maximum comfort a heating and cooling system can provide, it's essential to pick the right unit. This isn't always an easy task, but this quick and easy guide takes you through the steps for choosing the right system for your home. With these tips, maintaining an optimal temperature inside your home is a breeze.

To Go Ductless or Not

When you consider how to heat or cool your home, you have the option of going ductless. A ductless system enables zoning and more efficient heating of a particular room, but it also means you need to have a separate unit for each area of your house. On top of that, these units are visible and can take up a lot of space.

Central heat and air systems are the real deal when it comes to HVAC. These systems are complex and utilize a duct network to transfer heat or cold to all the rooms in your home. The only visible proof of the system is the ducts that deliver air to the rooms. It's essential for the architect to plan ductwork placement carefully and for the contractor to execute the plan properly to minimize energy loss.

Picking a Suitable Furnace

Choosing a suitable furnace is a far more important concern if you live in a cold climate with harsh winters. If you care about energy efficiency, always consider the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) percentage. There are several types of air handlers, including:

Single-state: This is an outdated type of unit with a single speed setting and unoptimized energy efficiency. Two-Stage: These units have two different options for setting the motor. The high setting heats the room, and the low maintains the temperature. You can't go wrong with Bryant heating and cooling units if you choose this type. Adjustable Speeds: This type includes a motor that can be set at different speeds, allowing you to easily maintain optimal temperature in your home and achieve maximum energy efficiency. Be sure to go with a reliable brand, such as Ruud Heating and Air, for added longevity.

What Is the Perfect Air Conditioner?

The primary factor you want to consider is the SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is incredibly important as it can significantly reduce utility bills. Always look for a unit that has at least a 16 SEER rating. Apart from that, be sure to choose a reliable brand, such as Carrier Heat and Air or Heil Heating and Cooling.

The Cost

Finally, when considering the total cost of your AC heating and cooling system, there are two factors to keep in mind. The first one is the price of the system, which should include installation fees. This is the upfront cost for your unit. However, maintenance costs, which may include replacement of central heat and air parts, operation fees and the estimated longevity of the device, are also very important. Only purchase the unit if you're satisfied with both the upfront cost and the long-term costs.