If you need to replace your current heating and cooling system, there are several questions you need to ask yourself before calling a HVAC systems contractor to purcahse your new central HVAC unit.
- You need to calculate the square footage in your home that the central HVAC unit is to cover.
- What is the most efficient system for your home, heat strip unit, heat pump, or gas furnace system?
- What does SEER rating mean to you?
- Should you replace only the outside condenser unit or the inside air handler as well?
- What brand should you purchase, and which manufacturers have the best warranty?
- Does my duct work need repairs or cleaning?
- And finally, how do I choose the best local contractor to replace your unit?
All these questions need your evaluation to help you make the best Central HVAC unit purchase for your particular need.
Measuring the square footage of the area you need to cover is easy. Below is a guide to the size (tonnage) of the unit you need.
- 1.5 tons – 600 to 1100 square feet
- 2-tons – 901 to 1400 square feet
- 2.5-tons – 1201 to 1650 square feet
- 3 tons – 1501 to 2100 square feet
- 3.5 tons – 1801-2300 square feet
- 4 tons – 2101 to 2700 square feet
- 5 tons – 2401 to 3300 square feet
When it comes to what type of outside condenser to purchase, a system that uses heat strips is the most inefficient when it comes to heating your home. A heat hump system is more energy efficient but does not heat your home as well as a gas furnace system, especially when the temperature gets below 40 degrees. Also heating with natural gas will give you the lowest cost on your utility bill in the winter months.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiently Ratio.
It is a rating system that measures how efficient your unit is at cooling over a typical season. A higher SEER rating indicates greater efficiency. This will help lower energy bills. With this you will have greater indoor comfort.
The concern here is with the cost of a unit that has a higher SEER. The higher the SEER the more expensive the unit. So, if you are a senior citizen, you may not over your live span recoup this extra cost in energy savings cost.
It is normally better to replace both the outside condenser and inside air handler, but the overall age of your unit’s system may come into play.
Most reputable manufacturers will offer a 10-year warranty on the unit and all parts, with the local contractor offering 1-year free labor. Just review with the local contractor you choose the warranty on the brand they represent before your purchase.
When making this purchase it is always a good suggestion to have the local contractor look at your current ductwork for repairs and possible cleaning needed.
We at Action Heating and Air Conditioning offer an affordable new unit installation program to fit your need and budget. Our technicians have been thoroughly trained to perform the needed services to ensure your HVAC system is installed properly.
We have been serving the Mobile, Semmes, Theodore, Daphne, Fairhope, Silverhill, Foley, Robertsdale, Loxley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and surrounding areas in South Alabama since 1997. We are in our second generation of ownership with trained technicians that are always friendly and courteous. Please call us at 251 272-5900 if we can help you with any of HVAC system needs. Also, you can check out our website at https://www.callaction.net to learn about us and all the services we offer as well as some informative blogs that you may find interesting.
