You know it's time to replace your HVAC system, but just thinking about it makes you break out in a cold sweat. How do you choose the right system for your needs? What questions should you ask? And what's with all this fancy talk about single-stage vs. two-stage, variable speed, HSPF and SEER? Stay cool. We've got a list of recommendations to help you select the perfect HVAC system for your needs.Replace the whole system at once.Sure, you might save money upfront by replacing only the outdoor unit and hanging onto the indoor component a little longer, but you're just asking for service headaches down the road. Plus, a mismatched system will never deliver the energy efficiency or performance that a whole new integrated system can.Don't leave ductwork out of the equation.Ask your contractor to check to ensure that it's not leaky or inadequate for your new system.Bigger isn't always better.A system that's too small won't keep you cool when it's hot, or warm when it's cold. A system that's too large will take an unnecessary bite out of your budget, not just in initial cost, but when it comes to energy bills too. Ask your contractor to perform a load calculation to make sure you get a system that's sized just right for your needs.Two stages are better than one.Simply put, a single-stage furnace has one setting: high. A two-stage - you guessed it - has two: high and low. Having a lower setting equals greater energy efficiency since air temperature will be less variable, avoiding big peaks and valleys that make your system work harder than it needs to.Change is good.A variable-speed blower allows your furnace to adjust fan speed incrementally (rather than simply going all-the-way on or all-the-way off, like single-speed blowers). That means greater precision in controlling air flow, which equates to increased comfort and efficiency.Learn to talk a little of the talk.Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) denotes the efficiency of the heating component of a heat pump system. All currently marketed heat pumps must have an HSPF of at least 7.7. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures your system's cooling output, and all cooling systems sold these days have to be at least 13 SEER. Split system heat pumps with the ENERGY STAR® label have SEERs of 14.5+ and HSPFs of 8.2+ The higher the HSPF and SEER, the higher the cost of the unit, but the lower the operating costs.Start by choosing the right contractor.Make sure you work with a state-licensed contractor who has a proven track record for fair pricing, excellent products and reliable, top-notch customer service. A family-owned and operated business proudly serving Southern Louisiana since 1966, NATE Certified Pullen Air Conditioning offers all of that and more. Pullen will not only answer all your questions and guide you in making the right HVAC system choice, they'll make you feel like one of the family.
