When we bought our home two years ago, we were told by our Home Inspector to "budget for a new HVAC and Water Heater." In case you have never had to budget for one, just know it's the same as budgeting for a new car! The cost for one is insane, so to replace both the HVAC and Water Heater freaks me out, so I bought the home warranty, and have renewed it every year. I just know the day I let the policy drop, EVERYTHING will break!
The home warranty also protects me against my husband trying to save money and do it himself. Did you know that an improperly installed HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) system can increase your energy consumption by up to 30 percent??? It's true!
FYI: Hiring a professional HVAC contractor ensures that your air conditioner, furnace, heat pump, or other heating and cooling unit runs as efficiently as possible. It's also a safety concern because the installation process often involves working with your home's electrical wiring. Which, makes this a definitely DO NOT try this at home!
Here are a few tips:
- Air conditioners come in both single-stage and multi-stage configurations. A multi-stage unit comes with a higher price tag, but it offers increased energy efficiency thanks to its ability to run at both low power and high power.
- For heating, you can choose a heat pump or furnace. You can also equip your home with a ductless mini-split system, which offers zoned cooling and heating. To control humidity, consider a whole-home dehumidifier, which ensures that you don't have to live with excess moisture in the air.
- When you're ready to upgrade your home's HVAC system, hire an experienced contractor. Professional HVAC technicians know how to install systems properly.
- Check potential contractors' references and discuss with them your HVAC preferences. If you get a price quote up front, you'll know exactly what to expect.
If you are in the market for a new HVAC, here is a super infographic was originally published by Davis Air Conditioning & Heating, it illustrates the most important aspects of shopping for a new HVAC system.
