Residents of Salt Lake City know when fall is around the corner. The temperatures start cooling off, and the leaves start changing colors. It is the time of year to pack up the swimming suits and break out the sweaters. It is also the time of year to make the gradual transition from around-the-clock air conditioning to heating.
Before that transition happens, it might be time to consider an upgrade for your HVAC system. A decent and properly installed HVAC system can last anywhere between 15 to 25 years. If you’ve passed those milestones with your HVAC system, you’ll want to consider the following factors for picking out a new system to be professionally installed in your home.
Energy Efficiency
The first priority for a new HVAC system should be energy efficiency. An HVAC unit operating at peak efficiency will benefit the environment and the family budget. You might begin to notice savings right away after your new system is up and running. You want to look for a system that has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) between 15 and 18.
A SEER rating is the ratio of the cooling output of the HVAC system. That ratio is the average energy use over the cooling season (spring and summer). The less energy output, the higher the SEER rating. It is like the difference between your car getting 30 mpg on the highway versus 23 mpg for city driving. When your system operates efficiently, it is like a smooth ride down a long stretch of highway.
Your new system should also have a good Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of between 90% to 98%. This rating reflects how the heating part of the HVAC converts fuel to heat. In other words, how much fuel does it take to heat your home on a regular basis? Your AFUE rating will reveal that answer and help you make smart choices for HVAC use. Newer models of HVAC systems are designed to produce better SEER and AFUE numbers than older ones.
A Properly Sized System
The size of your new HVAC system needs to match the demands for providing comfort inside your home. If a system is too large, it may frequently cycle on and off. That can lead to wasted energy and cause issues with temperature and humidity regulation.
On the other hand, if you have a system that is too small for your home, there will be a constant struggle to maintain your preferred temperatures. That issue can result in increased wear and tear on your unit. In other words, you need to take the “Goldilocks” approach to picking a new HVAC. It can’t be too big or too small. It has to be just right.
The best way to find the right size HVAC system for your home is to consult with an HVAC pro before you make the purchase. They can conduct a load calculation to determine your home’s perfect size HVAC system. You might even discover that you’ve been working with the wrong size all along!
Modulating Heating Capabilities
As residents of Salt Lake City know, the fall weather can sometimes be unpredictable. A warm Monday with summer-like temperatures can slide into a cool Tuesday with a significant chill in the air. An upgraded HVAC system should be able to roll with those temperature fluctuations if that system is designed with dual-stage or modulating heating capabilities.
That type of design allows the HVAC system to adjust its output to match the home’s current temperature. That results in a cozy living environment and better savings on your monthly heating bills. Another feature to look for is a variable-speed motor. That provides for improved warm circulation throughout the home.
Smart Thermostats
How smart is your thermostat? Upgrading your HVAC system should include upgrading your thermostat to a smart thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you can control all the functions of your new HVAC system through a smartphone app. That means you could turn on the system on your way home from work so you can walk into a warm (or cool) home. You don’t have to keep the heat running all day. If the temperatures drop overnight, you can reach for your smartphone and turn up the heat without getting out of bed.
Some smart thermostats can even learn your preferences and can make automatic adjustments throughout the day to provide you with the comfort you expect. They can also provide energy consumption reports so you can track your HVAC system’s energy output and efficiency.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
In the fall, we often shift from spending time outdoors to coming inside, making indoor air quality even more important than before. You will have an opportunity to have advanced air filtration and purification features as part of an upgraded HVAC system. You’ll want to look for a system that incorporates HEPA filters or electronic air cleaners.
These types of filters can greatly reduce the allergens, bacteria, and viruses that begin showing up at this time of the year. You don’t want any of that circulating through your home and causing the family to catch colds. Additionally, a new HVAC installation is the perfect time for complete air duct cleaning.
Regular Maintenance
A new HVAC system is a significant investment for your home. You want that to be a system that will function for years, even decades, to come. A new system installation allows you to get on a regular maintenance schedule with your professional HVAC tech.
Annual check-ups of the system will make sure everything is functioning as it should. If there is an issue, early intervention can correct it before it becomes a major hassle. Many HVAC companies offer maintenance plans to help you protect your investment, giving you scheduling priority and sometimes even reminders of when it’s time to set up an appointment.
Make the Right HVAC Upgrade Choice
If your air conditioning breaks down in the summer, you have the option to open the windows and turn on the fans. An HVAC breakdown in the fall is more complicated, and a home can get cold really fast. That is why you want to avoid getting into that situation in the first place by having the team from Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, Generators provide you with a thorough assessment of the status of your current system. This is especially true if your system is older or you’ve noticed problems like odd noises or improper air circulation.
Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, Generators has years of experience with HVAC system installation, maintenance, and repairs on all kinds of properties throughout Salt Lake City. If the recommendation is to install a new system, they will be a supportive and informative guide throughout the process.
Although it will be an investment, installing an energy-efficient and innovative technology-enhanced HVAC system in your home will provide your family with comfort and peace of mind. It can also give a nice boost to your home’s property value. That makes an upgraded HVAC system a win/win!
