Selecting the right HVAC (heating, ventilation and
air conditioning) system is an important decision that impacts your home's
comfort and your energy bills. With many HVAC options available, from furnaces
to heat pumps to ductless systems, how do you pick the type that best fits your
home? Ensure a healthy and efficient indoor environment with our
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Follow
this guide to choose the ideal HVAC system based on factors like climate,
energy sources, size and layout of your home, efficiency needs, and budget.
Consider Your Climate
Your
climate is the number one factor that determines what type of HVAC system makes
sense:
- Temperate
climates need both heating and cooling. Heat pumps can provide year-round
climate control without a separate furnace.
- Warm climates
like the South may only require cooling and dehumidification. An air
conditioner or evaporative cooler will meet the needs.
- Cold climates in
the North need a furnace or boiler for heating. Can supplement with a
central air system for any cooling needs.
- Mixed and
extreme climates may benefit from a dual fuel system that combines an
electric heat pump and gas furnace. The system selects the most cost
effective heating for the conditions.
Take Note of Energy Sources
What
energy sources are available and cost effective in your region?
- Homes with
natural gas service may prefer gas furnaces or boilers for affordable
heating.
- Without gas,
heating options are electric furnaces, baseboard heaters or heat pumps.
- Heat pumps offer
heating and cooling from one electric system, but perform better in milder
climates.
- Solar
panels can supplement electricity to run heat pumps, fans and cooling
systems.
Consider Efficiency Needs
Higher
efficiency units cost more upfront but save on energy costs long-term:
- Standard
efficiency furnaces and air conditioners are the most affordable option.
- Mid-range
efficiency units provide good energy savings for a moderate cost increase.
- Premium
efficiency models maximize energy performance but at a higher initial
cost.
Home Size and Layout
Larger,
open layouts can utilize powerful central systems:
- Forced air
furnace or heat pump coupled with central air conditioning.
- Ductwork
and vents distribute heating and cooling throughout.
Smaller homes may be better served by:
·
Ductless
mini-splits for zoned control without ductwork.
·
Wall
mounted space heaters and window air conditioners for smaller spaces.
Unique
architecture like additions and attic conversions may benefit from:
- Ductless
mini-splits for addressing problem zones.
- A smaller
central system paired with ductless units.
Noise and Visible Impact
Ductless
and mini-split systems have minimal visual impact and very quiet operation.
Central forced air units require visible vents and noisy blowers.
Home Addition or Renovation
For
additions to an existing home, consider:
- Expanding the
current HVAC system if suitable.
- Ductless
mini-split for just the addition if existing system can't be expanded
efficiently.
- Separate
packaged unit serving addition, allowing existing HVAC to remain
unchanged.
For whole home renovations:
- Opportunity to
replace old inefficient system with new centralized HVAC system properly
sized for updated home layout.
- Install
higher efficiency equipment like multi-stage compressors, variable speed
motors and sealed ductwork.
Budgeting
Factor in
both equipment and installation costs:
- Ductless
mini-split units cost more than window ACs but provide zoning flexibility.
- Furnaces are
simpler systems than heat pumps in terms of equipment cost.
- But heat pumps
eliminate the need for separate cooling equipment.
- Labor
costs can vary greatly between HVAC system types and complexities.
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