Ideally, exploring various HVAC options is part of planning for building a new house. However, it’s never too late to make these considerations now, particularly if you’re looking into replacing an old one.
If you are replacing an old unit, by now you should have some ideas about the needs and characteristics of a heating and air conditioning system. But, just to help you make the best choice, here are 5 things that you should do before buying a new HVAC unit:
1) Do your research
There are countless HVAC manufacturers out there, each arguing that its product is the best. But, how do you know which one is the best?
Internet research, website reviews, word of mouth, family and friend’s recommendation, consultation and many more – there’s more than a single way of determining which brand and model is the best, and we suggest that you employ as many methods as you can.
It also helps to establish your own standards. For instance, you can say that you’ll only go for models with high energy star ratings, those with built-in timers, or ones with high efficiency ratings.
2) Set your budget and compare quotations
Of course, it’s not enough that you find a unit that’s the best in terms of performance. You also need to ensure that it’s within your budget. Do this by requesting price quotations from your top three manufacturers and comparing rates along with unit specifications.
You may need to leave some leg room in your budget if you want to maintain a balance between affordability and quality – you don’t want to get the cheapest one you can find and suffer repair and replacement expenses in the immediate future.
3) Check insurance coverage
Before paying for home modifications or replacement, it’s a good protocol to first check with your insurer, or at least consult your insurance agent. With some companies, general property insurance coverage extends to the repair and replacement of major home appliances. However, if it doesn’t in your case, you may want to purchase a separate insurance to secure the future of your properties, HVAC included.
4) Find out what’s ideal for your home
There are certain pros and cons with different types of HVAC. For instance, opting for a window unit is known to be a more economical choice, and it allows you to store it during the seasons when it’s not in use, ergo keeping it safe and away from various damaging elements. A centralized one on the other hand means a single unit to control the temperature level in the entire house, which some may find more convenient.
5) Find a reliable contractor
Your relationship with your HVAC contractor should not end after the installation of the unit. It will need regular maintenance – some tasks you may do on your own, such as changing filters, but others are best left in the hands of experts – check-ups and tune-ups, and it will eventually need repairs and part replacements. Having a go-to contractor or technician relieves you of the pressure of finding another service company and providing them all vital information on your system every time a problem occurs.