Monday, March 30, 2015

Tips on a New System Purchase


Spring Blog – Time for a New System?

 

Mid-March through May 31st is the time of year many new heating and cooling systems are sold and installed. This is a good time because the weather usually cooperates and neither heating nor cooling is needed or not unbearable if it is out for a few days.

 

There are few things homeowners should be aware of when making the decision to replace their systems.

 

Some things you should be made aware of:

·        It is usually better to plan for a replacement rather than to wait for it to breakdown on the hottest or coldest day of the year. It can take days or weeks if during the busiest service months to get a new system installed and then you may be rushed into a poor decision.

·        Just because your system is still operating, doesn’t mean it is should not or does not need to be replaced. Many older (12 years and older) are just not very efficient and have lost some of their capacity to heat and cool your home effectively. They are subject to breakdowns anytime and more so if they have not been properly and routinely maintained. These “older systems” are actually costing you more money that you could be putting toward a new system.

·        A new system that is correctly sized and installed will give you greater comfort and save you a little money on your utility bills along with improved reliability.

·        All HVAC companies are NOT equal in talent and abilities

·        Installation skill of the technicians installing your system is of key importance. You need a skilled team to insure your system is installed correctly and that they follow the manufacturer instructions and not take short cuts. These companies are generally more expensive because their employees are well trained and use state of the art equipment and techniques.

·        A “low ball” price will usually not insure quality and cost you much more money in the long run.

·        Short cuts shorten the life of your equipment and cause comfort issues and safety issues.

·        Brands are not as important as a quality  installation

·        Ask for North American Technical Excellence (N.A.T.E) or Refrigerant Service Engineer Society or Air Conditioning Contractor of America Certified Technicians as well as State licensed Journeyman or Master Technicians to perform your work. These folks have passed rigorous testing that shows they have the knowledge to perform your installation of service correctly. The techs will have a card that shows their certifications.

·        Ductwork is important. If you have ductwork that is in poor condition or not designed well, put your money there first. The top-of-line equipment will NEVER work as it was intended and you will not be happy with the results with poor duct work. You can’t see duct work (unless you crawl under your house, in between floors, or into your attic), but it delivers the air to all your living spaces and it is why you may have drastic temperature differences between rooms, excessive dust issue, and some health issues.

·        You will be much better off getting a less efficient system with great duct work rather than a top efficiency system with poor duct work.

 

Hopefully the above tips will be of some value to you when the time come for you to plan for a new comfort system.

14 comments:

  1. It would be nice to get the units in my home replaced. They are not as efficient as they used to be and I need them running good. These next couple months would be the perfect time to get a job like that done. http://www.thermotechhbg.com/residential-services/heating-and-cooling/

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  2. I didn't realize that systems over 12 years old are so inefficient. I'm pretty sure the heating and cooling system for my home is at least that old at this point, so I might have to look into replacing it before long. It'd definitely be nice to have a newer system set up that runs much more efficiently.
    http://www.guyhydegasfitting.com.au/heating-services-repairs/heating-services-vermont

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  3. I had always thought that the brand was more important, it's good to know that how well it's installed. My husband and I are moving to a new house, and it needs a new heat and cooling system. We will be sure to look for the best quality of installation.

    http://www.canprohvac.com/winnipeg-furnace-repair-services.cfm

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  4. Great piece of writing, I really liked the way you highlighted some really important and significant points. Thanks so much, I appreciate your work.

    Heating and Air Conditioning

    ReplyDelete
  5. Id definitely look into replacing it before it breaks! Mine broke during the summer and our house turned into a sauna. Be prepared like this blog states, otherwise it will come back and bite you! http://www.ueinc.us/heating_cooling.html

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  6. I love what you said about actually planning ahead for a replacement. Like you said, you shouldn't wait until it actually breaks down. Otherwise you'll be without heating or AC for a while. I also like what you said about looking to get it replaced regardless of how well it works. Not very many people realize how inefficient HVAC systems can become when they're old. Thank goodness there are so many services out there that can help us out! http://www.toddcoinc.com/services/heating-air/

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  7. Thank you very much for this advice. My air conditioning system is giving out on me, and it is time to get a new one. I don't have much experience with purchasing new systems, so I'm trying to do as much research as I can online. Your advice about choosing the right technicians to install the new system was very helpful. I'll be sure to do that.

    Susan Hirst | http://www.climecresidential.com

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  8. I liked your point about how a quality installation of a new air conditioner is more important than brands. One of the main things that I was looking at while shopping for a new air conditioner today was getting the best brand that I can afford. Your tip helped bring me back down to earth and realize that I need to hire a good contractor who will install my new A/C correctly. That will help ensure that the air conditioner will work efficiently without any problems. Thanks for the tips!
    http://www.aircomfort.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  9. I liked your point about how a quality installation of a new air conditioner is more important than brands. One of the main things that I was looking at while shopping for a new air conditioner today was getting the best brand that I can afford. Your tip helped bring me back down to earth and realize that I need to hire a good contractor who will install my new A/C correctly. That will help ensure that the air conditioner will work efficiently without any problems. Thanks for the tips!
    http://www.aircomfort.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  10. My Air Conditioning Unit seems to break all the time. Is it reasonable to get a bunch of parts for the air conditioner as almost prep for the next time it decides to fail? What are common parts that break?

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  11. This was such a great blog! I agree with the comments completely. I learned a lot about different types of AC.
    Heating and Cooling Brampton

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  12. This was such a great blog! I agree with the comments completely. I learned a lot about different types of AC.
    New Furnace Cost Calgary

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  13. Houston HVAC contractors have different terms of service. Some may offer one year parts and labor guarantee. heating and cooling services

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  14. Some air conditioners are exceptionally loud while others may be whisper quiet. Ask the air conditioner installation professional which units he has experienced to be the noisiest and which are more silent. A little bit of noise may be necessary to compromise on if it has all of the other features you are seeking, but avoid obnoxiously loud units that you will avoid even turning on. Air Conditioner Installation Toronto

    ReplyDelete