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We're planning to replace our 15 year old HVAC system and I'd like to know what I should know. I know that we should choose a good, reliable brand and a good, reliable, reputable company, and that the system should be rated or suited according to the size and layout of our house. I also know we may be able to get some tax credits for certain kinds of units. Right now we have a combination A/C and heat pump. What I *don't* know is what I don't know: what else should we be considering or looking out for during this process?
Ensure the company that sizes the unit performs a Manual J calculation.
Consider lifestyle and comfort when deciding where the outside unit will be placed, perhaps even relocating it to a different place around your house. For example, is it in the backyard near where you would be relaxing and thus be a noisy nuisance? Is it in an unsightly place? Is there a better place to put it around your house so you don't have to hear it and it isn't bugging people near a window if they're sleeping or something?
Is there an opportunity to reposition the filter location so changing a filter is easier?
Do you suspect any leaks in the ducting? Will the installers check the ducting and perform a smoke test if necessary?
Have some rooms been colder or hotter, (unbalanced)? Can this be adjusted with the new installation?
Is the location of the thermostats optimum?
Is there a way to control an upstairs unit from the downstairs? (We have two units, one for up, one for down; I'm lazy, and there are times when I would like to operate the upstairs control box from downstairs. Is this possible? Something to ask.)
Is either gas or electricity significantly cheaper than the other? Should this be a consideration when deciding what energy source to use, should you have a choice?
Are these units covered by a home warranty? If not, should they be (added)?
Is your home layout and/or lifestyle such that adding a room unit (not an ugly window unit) or something like that would be a good idea if there are times when heating or cooling one room is all that is needed? Meaning, are there times when it would be wasteful to heat or cool an entire house and having a room unit would be worth the cost? Something to think about.
Investigate whether it would be a good idea to incorporate wireless and/or internet access technology to your unit. Are there times it would be useful to remote control your unit using the internet? From your office or something? I am almost positive this technology and these applications exist and are gaining popularity.
I also know we may be able to get some tax credits for certain kinds of units.
Not just tax credits - check for rebates from the manufacturer of the unit you choose, plus rebates from your utility companies (electric and gas), plus rebates from your state.
My advice is to put energy efficiency at the top of the list... it should be a major factor on something you will be using for many years.
I'm not an HVAC contractor... although I have installed a few and I am responsible for Hospital HVAC systems.
I have nothing bad to say about Tempstar Units from personal experience. I like the design where the units I bought could be configured many different ways... attic, basement and up-flow and down-flow.
I really like having a muti-stage burners on the heat side and variable speed blower... 90% of the time, the AC/Furnace isn't even noticeable... the blower runs much slower when it is maintaining temp... so none of the whirlwinds my neighbors have to live with.
I've gone against Manual J calcs by downsizing and have had zero complaints... Several HVAC contractors had told me it was a big mistake and now, they use one of my installs as an example when selling in that area.
Older home, very well insulated, new double pane windows, shade tree in the yard, ventilated attic, all new ducting... went down a size and never regretted it... also was able to use an existing 30 amp circuit by going down a size and save a lot of money because the recommended size would have required a electric service upgrade and running a new circuit.
Before the era of tightly constructed homes, it was not uncommon to install furnaces and air conditioners that had two to four times the necessary capacity. Since many people have added new windows, caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation to their homes, going by the nameplate is likely to result in an oversized system. Making improvements such as these to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer should allow you to install a smaller systems while still being comfortable, as well as saving large amounts of energy.
Before the era of tightly constructed homes, it was not uncommon to install furnaces and air conditioners that had two to four times the necessary capacity. Since many people have added new windows, caulking, weather-stripping, and insulation to their homes, going by the nameplate is likely to result in an oversized system. Making improvements such as these to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer should allow you to install a smaller systems while still being comfortable, as well as saving large amounts of energy.
The main problems people have is units not installed correctly and not maintained which is covered in every manual I have seen.Then make sure that contractor has been around and will be in the future.
I'm finding info that says that a good needs assessment and installation is much more important than the brand of equipment you buy.
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