Finding value. It starts with a conversation.

Defined as relative worth, merit, or importance: value is different for everyone. The “best” may not always be the right value for your home. And this nuance is important to consider when it comes to replacing your HVAC system. Start with the right HVAC consultant or technician; they will walk you through a series of questions, concerns, and preferences in your home to help you evaluate your options accurately. Because multiple determinants go into creating value when purchasing a new HVAC system, it’s the consultant’s responsibility to help you pinpoint, navigate, and prioritize these contributing factors.

Read further, answer a few questions about your lifestyle, preferences, and your plans for the future to learn what factors go into making the right decision—an incredible value.

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LIFESTYLE PREFERENCES

Your lifestyle plays a significant role when considering a new HVAC system; and your experience with indoor climate control can be enhanced if you identify what lifestyle preferences are most important to you. Some people (and this may be you) are looking for the absolute best, top-of-the-line HVAC system, and you can certainly start at the top. But, if you’re searching for the right value; start with evaluating your lifestyle preferences, budget, and even your plans for the future.

• Do you want more temperature and humidity control?

• Do you want individual temperature zones?

• Do you have pets?

• Do you have small children and have concerns about allergens?

• Do you have a set budget?

• Do you want to track energy usage?

• How long will you be living in your home?

NOTE: If climate control is at the top of your list, the ability to separately control humidity and temperature levels is becoming increasingly popular. In an attempt to reduce humidity, an HVAC unit with temperature-only control will naturally over cool! You will want to ask for a system with staging capability, to better match capacity and load requirement.

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CURRENT SITUATION

How would you describe your current HVAC system’s performance? In addition to answering lifestyle questions, appraise the quality of your existing HVAC system; this is where talking with an HVAC consultant gets super helpful.

• Are you comfortable in every room of your house?

• Do you have hot or cold spots?

• Does the unit wake you up when it’s cycling on and off?

• How well is your current system controlling temperature and humidity?

• Have you had mold or felt a “sticky” sensation from the air?

• How well does your system perform in the different zones of your home?

• Does your ductwork have leaks or is it improperly installed?

• Do you have a single ductwork system supplying air flow to multiple floors?

NOTE: If your ductwork isn’t up to par, and you go for a top-of-the-line and installed this bad-boy with existing—less than optimal ductwork: You. Will. Not. See. The. Value. Your HVAC consultant is responsible for pointing this and many other things out to you during your discovery conversation.

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THE LOAD

A load calculation determines the proper size of a furnace and/or air conditioner for a home. In addition to the size of your home, critical factors include:

• the type of foundation;

• construction quality;

• type and color of the roof;

• insulation values in walls, floors, and ceilings;

• window and exterior door type, location, and quantity;

• and the desired temperature.

NOTE: To find the right value, you will want to choose the size, capacity, and type of HVAC system that compliments your home’s square footage, orientation, and construction quality. If the system is too big, you’ll waste money and energy. Too small, and you’ll overwork your system and never feel the desired climate control in your home.

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Which HVAC service is the right value for your home?

From decisions including repair, all the way to an entirely new system, each variable contributes to ascertaining the right value for your home. Once your lifestyle priorities, the history of your current system, and load are on the table, start matching the features and efficiencies that come with all of the HVAC systems within your budget. You may decide (based on all the information you have on hand) that a less expensive unit paired with much-needed ductwork repair—hits your value button.

Discovering which unit is the most efficient—for your home—begins with a conversation. Talk with several consultants to find out which one is asking you the right questions!