Shopping takes a lot of time, and extra time is something many of us don’t have. Sure, it would be easier to find the best home HVAC system, buy it, install it, and you’re done. Unfortunately, it’s just not that simple.
The “best” home HVAC system is the one that works well for your particular living space. If you go with something that’s too powerful, then it will constantly turn on and off, and you’ll be paying for wasted utilities – not to mention going crazy over the constant stops and starts. If you choose something too small, it will feel like the Little Engine That Could. It’ll keep doing its absolute best to keep your space comfortable until it burns out from working too hard.
Our team at Ambient Edge can help you decide on which HVAC system is the best system for the space you live in. We’ll analyze your space and compare it to the available makes and models on the market of air conditioners and furnaces. From there, we can help you choose the best model air conditioner and furnace for your home. Call us today, and let’s work to improve your living space together.
Deciding On the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home
When trying to find the air conditioner that works best for your home, a good idea is to check out the most energy-efficient models. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) will tell you exactly this. The higher the SEER, the more efficient that particular air conditioner should be. However, you should select the size that’s right for your living space; else, its SEER is useless to you.
The SEER level of the model you ultimately choose should be higher than 16, and its condenser should have an all-aluminum evaporator coil. Evaporator coils made from copper or steel are more susceptible to corrosion and breakdowns.
Something else important to note is that many folks consider switching over to central air conditioning if they’ve always had window units and desire an upgrade. But you actually don’t need central air unless you live in the kind of climate where the temperature is consistently over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or if you or someone you live with suffer from an illness that affects their breathing.
Central air can be a good selling point for your home, though. So, if you’re considering selling your home within the next few years, you may want to consider it. Otherwise, stick to the individual units – you’ll save money and energy that way.
Deciding Which Furnace Is Right for Your Home
If your furnace is over 15 years old, then it is definitely time to consider buying new. Today’s models are infinitely more energy-efficient than the models of yesteryear and save you immeasurable amounts of money and resources. It also runs cleaner, which is better for the environment.
If you are shopping for a furnace for the first time for your new home, then you’re already ahead of the game. You have many great choices out there. Now it’s time to decide which one in particular is right for you. This may be more complicated than deciding on an air conditioner, but it’s just as important to find a furnace that is a perfect match for your space.
Types of Furnaces
A furnace’s air handler tells you all you need to know about its efficiency. You have three types of air handlers to choose from in a furnace: single-stage, two-stage, and variable speed.
A single-state air handler is probably the worst choice and, if you have an older furnace, you probably already have one. Single-state air handlers are not adjustable. They run at maximum power every time they turn on, which results in wasting energy you don’t need and paying for it with money you may not have.
Two-stage air handlers have, well, two stages: low and high. For most homes, the low setting is enough to keep a comfortable temperature in the home. You’ll almost never need to run the furnace on the higher setting unless you’re turning it back on after not having heat for a while and you need that sudden blast of hot air to heat the house up quickly or the pipes will burst.
Variable speed air handlers are the most energy-efficient options because they are the most adjustable. Find the exact setting that works best for you, and leave it there. Futzing with the controls is the surest way to use up more resources than you need – which you ultimately end up paying for.
Shopping for the “Best” HVAC System Out There? Ambient Edge Will Help You Find It!
When it comes to finding the “best” HVAC system out there, you need to depend on the needs of your home, not the particular manufacturer. Of course, the manufacturer is important, but brand name alone will not decide the best here. You can only find the “best” system when you have all your specs and measurements and you know just how much power you need to keep your home at the temperature you enjoy.
If you are unable to figure this out yourself, Ambient Edge can help. We can also advise you on the best systems for your home and, if you desire, we can install them for you. There is nothing HVAC-related that we can’t handle. So, when you need an expert’s advice and assistance, we’re here.
Call us today, and let’s choose the best HVAC system for your home together!