One of the biggest and most important investments you’ll make for your home in Texas is the HVAC system. Many factors go into selecting a heating, cooling, and ventilation system before the actual installation process begins. Knowing which questions to ask when buying a new HVAC system ensures you get the right equipment to accommodate your needs and preferences for energy consumption, noise level, and comfort.
We at BVS Home Experts offer reliable AC services in Richmond, TX, so we know what it takes to select the perfect heating and cooling system. In our post below, we outline several key questions to answer to ensure you make the most informed decision for your household.
Who Can Install a New HVAC System in Richmond?
Before learning which questions to ask when buying a new HVAC system, it helps to know what to look for in a heating and cooling contractor who’ll handle the installation. Qualified professionals can help you make an informed decision about your purchase and answer any other questions you might have.
For instance, you want to hire a Richmond HVAC company with basic credentials like insurance and licensing. The team should have lots of experience handling furnace, air conditioning, heat pump, or boiler installations, depending on the type of HVAC equipment your residence needs.
Other factors to consider before hiring an HVAC contractor include:
- Transparent pricing
- Honest estimates that include a breakdown of the installation’s cost
- Manufacturer warranties and labor warranties
Top Questions to Ask Before Buying a Residential HVAC System in Richmond
Below are several questions to ask before getting a new heating or cooling system for your home in Richmond, TX.
Which Type of HVAC System Should I Purchase?
Knowing which type of heating or cooling system you need for your Richmond home is a crucial detail that will be the baseline for other questions you’ll need to ask. No two HVAC systems are identical, and what works for a neighbor’s household might not work for yours.
HVAC systems go far beyond a furnace or air conditioner. Common types of HVAC systems include the following:
- Heat Pumps: These versatile systems are energy-efficient and compact. Heat pumps can heat or cool your home depending on the airflow direction.
- Central Air Conditioners: Many Richmond households have centralized cooling units that work with furnaces to cool and heat entire properties.
- Ductless Mini-Split Systems: Consider a ductless mini-split if your house doesn’t have ductwork or you prefer not to rely on air ducts to disperse chilled or warmed air. It will provide zoned climate control, which is ideal if you have multiple people in your house with varying comfort levels.
- Hybrid Heating: These heating systems use gas and electricity depending on outdoor temperatures.
Since many types of HVAC systems are available, it’s best to work with a knowledgeable heating and cooling contractor. These professionals can help you determine which option would be best for your comfort, energy consumption, and budget needs.
Does HVAC Equipment Size Matter?
The size of your new HVAC system in Richmond will impact its performance, so proper sizing is necessary. Calculating HVAC sizes or capacity involves many factors, such as:
- Home square footage
- Ceiling height
- Number of windows on the property
- Insulation
Buying a bigger HVAC unit isn’t always the right choice. If the system is too small for your property in Richmond, it won’t efficiently heat or cool the space. However, if the unit’s capacity is too much for the house, you’ll spend more on energy expenses and might still encounter uneven heat or cooling.
Is a Zoned System Worth the Investment?
Many property owners are investing in mini-splits to create different temperature zones within one property. For instance, if your house is two stories, you could have zones for the upstairs bedrooms and downstairs living spaces with separate thermostats. This type of system is best for creating climate zones that accommodate different temperature preferences instead of subjecting the entire household to one temperature. Keep reading for more questions to ask when buying a new HVAC system.
What Do Different Efficiency Ratings Mean?
HVAC systems have different rating systems to alert consumers to their energy efficiency. Air conditioners have Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ratings, and furnaces use Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings. The higher the rating, the less energy the equipment will consume to deliver outstanding cooling or heating output.
Though you should get a new HVAC system with a good SEER or AFUE rating, don’t forget about your budget. Systems with the best efficiency ratings tend to be the most costly, so stick with a unit with a good rating and reasonable price.
What Does the Warranty Cover?
It’s reasonable to expect a new heating or cooling installation to last a while before needing repairs. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. That’s why one of the questions to ask when buying a new HVAC system in Richmond is, “What does the warranty cover?”
Manufacturer warranties can cover the cost of repairs as long as the problem aligns with the warranty period and other restrictions. When reviewing warranties, keep these factors in mind to know whether you consider them reasonable for your HVAC purchase:
- How long the warranty remains valid
- Specific exclusions that may require out-of-pocket expenses for repairs
- Whether you must register your equipment or maintenance services online
- Which components and services the warranty covers
Ensure a Proper HVAC Installation for Your Richmond Home with Our Technicians
Before upgrading your home’s heating and cooling system, it’s important to know which questions to ask when buying a new HVAC system. You should also know what qualities to look for when hiring local HVAC contractors. Thankfully, we at BVS Home Experts in Richmond, TX, have the appropriate licensing, experience, equipment, and industry knowledge to install any system flawlessly.
With more than 10,000 satisfied customers and over 1,000 five-star reviews spanning 30 years, it’s safe to say that our family-owned and operated company knows how to handle HVAC projects. We offer fast service, outstanding customer service, and unbeatable professionalism. Call 281-391-1510 to request a consultation.
