Assessing Your Home’s Heating & Cooling Needs
HVAC systems vary from home to home depending on many factors. What works for your next-door neighbor’s home might not be right for your needs. Understanding what makes your property unique is important to narrow down the HVAC search.
We recommend starting the search by understanding your home’s layout and insulation and the impacts of regional weather. This is also the best time to check for areas of improvement in your home before a new system is installed.
Determine Square Footage
- The size of your home directly affects the heating and cooling load required to maintain temperatures.
- Larger homes typically require a more powerful HVAC system to heat and cool the entire space.
- Calculate the total square foot of your home to ensure you choose a system with the right capacity.
Check Insulation Levels & Windows
- Insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer.
- Windows also contribute to heat gain and loss, impacting HVAC load.
- Homes with large windows or poor insulation throughout may deal with increased energy consumption.
- Assess the insulation levels in your home’s walls, attic, and windows and improve insulation if needed.
Consider Room Count & Levels
- The number of rooms and levels in your home affects airflow distribution and temperature consistency.
- Multi-level homes with many rooms may require additional ductwork or zoning systems.
- Consider the layout of your home and whether zoning systems or multiple HVAC units might be needed.
Factor in the Regional Climate & Temperatures
- Climate influences the frequency and intensity of heating and cooling demands throughout the year.
- HVAC systems need to be the right size and efficiency rating to handle temperature changes.
- Choose an HVAC system with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating suitable for local weather.
Understanding HVAC System Types
“HVAC” is sometimes used as a catchall term for heating and cooling systems. There are many types of HVAC systems to choose from, though, depending on your home’s size, layout, and capacity requirements. Some of the most popular systems include central HVAC, heat pumps, and ductless systems.
Central HVAC Systems
- What they include: These systems typically consist of a central heating unit, like a furnace, and a central cooling unit, like an air conditioner. They use a network of ducts to distribute conditioned air throughout the home.
- Why you might choose them: Central HVAC systems are ideal for larger homes with existing ductwork or for homeowners who prefer a unified heating and cooling solution for the entire house.
Heat Pumps
- What they are: Heat pumps are a versatile type of central HVAC system that provides both heating and cooling. They work by extracting heat from the air or ground outside during the heating season and pumping it indoors. During the cooling season, they reverse this process to remove heat from indoor air and release it outside.
- Why you might choose them: Heat pumps are a good choice for homeowners looking to maximize energy efficiency, reduce utility costs, and save space with a single unit.
Ductless Mini-Splits
- What they are: Ductless mini-split systems consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units. Unlike central HVAC systems, ductless mini-splits do not require ductwork; instead, refrigerant lines connect the outdoor and indoor units.
- Why you might choose them: Ductless mini-splits are ideal for smaller homes, multi-family dwellings, or homes that require zone-based heating and cooling.
Sizing Your HVAC System
A properly sized HVAC system ensures that your home stays comfortable year-round. If the system is too small, it will struggle to maintain desired temperatures, leading to uneven heating or cooling and potential wear and tear on components. An oversized system may cycle on and off frequently and increase energy consumption.
Load calculations are essential for ensuring that the HVAC system is neither undersized nor oversized. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the heat gain and heat loss characteristics of your home. Manual J Load Calculation is a common method that considers the size of your home, insulation levels, window types, orientation, occupancy, and climate.
To ensure no detail is left out, it’s recommended to consult with a professional for load calculation. HVAC providers have the knowledge, expertise, and tools to determine the appropriate size of a new system and make tailored recommendations.
Considering Energy Efficiency
Choosing an energy-efficient HVAC unit does a favor to your comfort and your wallet. Modern systems are more efficient than ever, helping homeowners save on long-term costs.
- Energy Efficiency Ratings: Cooling efficiency is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Heating efficiency is measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). These ratings look at average cooling and heating seasons to determine the energy usage and cost of air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, and boilers. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system.
- ENERGY STAR® Certified Products: ENERGY STAR is a program established by the U.S. EPA to identify and promote energy-efficient products and practices. Certified HVAC systems typically have higher SEER ratings and AFUE compared to standard models. Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC equipment can help you save money on energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and may qualify you for rebates or incentives.
- Long-Term Savings: There are many upfront decisions in choosing a new HVAC system. Don’t forget to think long-term, though. Choosing an energy-efficient system can help you save on operating costs, reduce environmental impact, and provide reliable comfort for years to come.
Setting a Realistic Budget
While you don’t want to settle, you also don’t want to go outside your budget for a new HVAC system. Setting a realistic budget before you browse will help narrow your search and avoid spending more than you are comfortable with.
What costs should you consider when purchasing a new HVAC system?
- The upfront cost of the HVAC equipment.
- Installation costs, including labor charges and additional materials like ductwork or electrical wiring.
- Permits and inspections if required by local regulations.
- Optional add-ons like programmable thermostats, zoning systems, or air purification systems.
What future costs should you consider after installing an HVAC system?
- Routine maintenance annually or bi-annually as needed.
- Repairs due to normal wear and tear or unexpected repairs due to component failure.
- Operational expenses for ongoing heating and cooling.
How can you maximize your budget without compromising quality?
- Take time to research and compare different brands, models, prices, features, and warranties.
- Invest in an energy-efficient HVAC system with high SEER or AFUE ratings.
- Check for rebates and incentives offered by utility companies and government programs.
- Utilize financing options to break upfront costs into management monthly payments.
UBA Helps You Make the Most of Your New System
A new HVAC system is no small investment! Its efficiency and ability to keep your home comfortable depend on precise installation and ongoing care. The team at UBA is here for you from start to finish for undeniably better air.
We will walk you through what systems work best for your home and help you select new equipment with confidence. When it’s time for installation, our team will verify connections and test for safety and performance. Once your new unit is installed, we can help you enroll in a scheduled maintenance plan to keep things running smoothly for years to come.
Questions about your home’s sizing or capacity requirements? Looking for the right SEER or AFUE rating? Contact our team online with questions or call 225-800-8990 today!
