For
most homeowners, keeping their house at a comfortable temperature
during the summer and winter months is important. If your HVAC unit is
more than a decade old, it may be the right time to get it replaced.
Today's systems are extremely efficient and offer a quieter operation
than older units. However, it is very important to choose a system
wisely. Here are a few things that you must consider when buying a unit:
Why does the right sized central air conditioner matter so much?
An
HVAC unit can be a large investment. We're not only speaking in terms
of the initial cost of buying the system and getting it installed, but
we're also referring to the amount of money you will be spending on your
energy bills. As per the experts, you will have to spend more than
$2,000 an year on energy bills. Your HVAC system uses up half of the
total energy your house consumes. Hence, it is important to choose the
right-sized system that will guarantee energy-efficiency.
How to determine the right size:
The Size of the House:
When
investing in a new HVAC system, the square footage of the house must be
taken into consideration. An over-sized unit can lead to extra costs
and poor operation. Some units are single zone and can
serve only a part of the house, such as the first or second floor. In
bigger houses, normally a dual-zoned system is installed offering
different levels of conditioning.
Although
dual-zoned system may cost more, the cooling quality and energy saving
is much better. Buying a unit on square footage is often called
'rule-of-thumb' sizing. Every HVAC system comes with a BTU rating that
is linked to the square footage it is intended to accommodate. In order
to ensure maximum energy efficiency, the owner must invest in a system
that has an appropriate BTU rating.
Home’s overall efficiency features:
The
home’s efficiency features must also be taken into consideration when
choosing a HVAC unit. A house that is built with energy efficient
features such as double-paned windows, enhanced insulation and the like
may be suited for use with a faintly lower BTU rating. Apart from this,
the overall enviroment of the house also plays a significant role. A
house that has ample of shade can work on an HVAC system with a lower
British thermal unit rating in summers than a house that is exposed to
too much sunlight, and vice versa.
It
can be extremely difficult to determine the correct size of an HVAC
system. While it is reasonably easy to figure out the square footage of
the area that the HVAC system needs to service, other elements such as
the energy efficiency and age of the house and the outside environment
are more abstract. The effect they will have on the efficiency of an
HVAC system can be hard to determine by a typical homeowner. Hence, the
best way to go about it is to hire an HVAC expert who will help you
determine the right system for your needs.
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