If your HVAC requires frequent repairs or is unable to keep your home comfortable, it may be time to replace it with a new unit. ENERGY STAR (a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), recommends replacing an HVAC once it turns a decade old. So if any of the above-mentioned conditions apply in your case and your HVAC contractor also recommends replacing your old HVAC with a new one, then here’s a post that will help you ensure a seamless HVAC replacement in Ellenton, Sarasota, and surrounding areas.
1. Choose The Right HVAC Size
It’s a no-brainer that an undersized HVAC will not offer the required level of heating and cooling. Also, it will have longer run times leading to high electricity bills. But did you know that buying an oversized HVAC is as big a mistake as buying an undersized HVAC? Well, that’s true, and it’s because oversized HVACs have frequent run cycles that not only lead to inadequate heating and cooling but also lead to high energy bills. Besides, oversized HVACs also result in increased humidity levels. Most importantly, oversized HVACs tend to have shorter lifespans. So make sure you choose the right HVAC size. Call an HVAC replacement expert for a home inspection to determine the exact size of the HVAC required.
2.Go For a High Energy-Efficient HVAC
The higher the energy efficiency of an HVAC, the higher its cost. But that shouldn’t deter you from buying a highly energy-efficient HVAC. That’s because the higher the energy efficiency, the lower the operating cost, which means the sooner the HVAC will recover its cost. In fact, if you live in an area where you need to run your HVAC all around the year, you must go for a 5 Star Rated HVAC. Also, talk to an HVAC expert to learn about the latest inverter technology in HVACs that can substantially reduce your energy bills.
3.Buy a Feature Rich HVAC
One of the biggest advantages of HVAC replacement is that you get to choose an HVAC with the latest features. For instance, you can go for an HVAC with a smart control feature that allows users to control the HVAC with their smartphones from wherever they are. In fact, HVACs with smart control features can also be controlled through virtual voice assistant devices such as Alexa. Another feature that you should look for when buying a new HVAC is the zone-wise heating and cooling feature that will allow you to save big on your energy bills.
4. Replace the AC and Furnace At the Same Time
Usually, the furnaces outlast the air conditioners. While the average life of an air conditioner is around 10 years, the furnaces last around 15 years. And so you might be tempted to replace the air conditioner and the furnace separately. But we don’t recommend that because replacing both the units together offers higher efficiency. On the other hand, replacing only the air conditioner or the furnace may lead to compatibility issues which in turn results in lower system efficiency.
5. Read Online Reviews
The market is swamped with HVAC brands, so it is not easy to choose the best one. So it’s advisable to make the best of the online customer review sites that give you an idea of the brand’s reputation in terms of product quality, customer service, and more. Just make sure that you check reviews on independent sites that do not tamper with customer reviews. For instance, you can check out the Better Business Bureau’s website. You may also visit the brand’s social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get an idea of what customers have to say about them.
6. Ensure Proper Installation
Installation plays an important role in determining the performance of an HVAC. It also impacts the service life of an HVAC. So it is important to ensure proper installation of your HVAC. Make sure you hire an experienced and certified HVAC contractor to install your HVAC. It might cost you more than hiring an inexperienced contractor, but hiring an experienced contractor offers peace of mind, and you can rest assured that your HVAC is in safe hands.
7.Opt For a Preventive Maintenance Plan
If you want your HVAC to last longer, then you must get it serviced on a regular basis. It’s best to buy a preventive maintenance plan so that you don’t have to worry about scheduling a service every year. Your HVAC service provider will take care of everything, right from sending reminders to schedule a service to ensuring a thorough checkup of your HVAC to ensure everything is working fine. Another benefit of buying a preventive maintenance plan is that most HVAC service providers offer attractive discounts on their service charges.
Whether you need help with choosing the right size HVAC for your home or you want to schedule an HVAC installation, we at Gator Air Conditioning have got you covered. We are one of the most trusted HVAC service providers in Sarasota, and nearby areas. To schedule an appointment, call us at (941) 749-6000.
