3 Things To Consider When Purchasing A New HVAC Unit

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HVAC units play an important role in homes and offices. Most modern systems are responsible for circulating cool or hot air as the need arises, reducing humidity, and maintaining the indoor air quality. It is a key component in maximizing comfort for people living or working in the building.

The average life expectancy for HVAC units is between 10 and 20 years. Most homeowners and building managers will purchase a replacement unit at least once. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC unit, consider the following 3 things before purchase:

Size of the unit

The proper size for the unit depends on many factors including the size of the building, insulation, and even the location. After all, the weather in California will be very different than a summer in Arizona. The size of an AC unit is described in tons and it has nothing to do with the weight of the unit. It is a measurement of its cooling power. As a general rule of thumb, a bigger five ton unit will be more powerful than a 2 ton unit. But that doesn’t mean it is right for your needs.

Efficiency rating

The efficiency of an HVAC unit describes how much cooling power you get for each watt of electricity. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating or SEER is the standard in the US and federal regulations require a minimum of SEER 14 for new units. Obviously, units with higher ratings will lower your electricity bills in the long-term. However, very high energy efficient HVAC units will also be more expensive.

Maintenance

Price plays a major role in any purchase decision. HVAC units are no different. But while you might think to compare prices and installation costs, most people overlook long-term maintenance and repairs. An expensive AC unit might require more frequent maintenance and parts may be costly. The warranty on your unit may also be contingent on periodic service visits. Some vendors offer maintenance contracts for your peace of mind. Make sure to ask if your estimate includes service.

Selecting the Right Contractor

Perhaps the most important consideration when purchasing a new HVAC unit is selecting the right contractor. Get at least three bids from different vendors for comparison. Avoid anyone using high-pressure sales tactics as any decent contractor probably has a waiting list of jobs. Half the work is in choosing a good contractor. Ready to buy your new HVAC unit? Call us at 408-295-2182 today to get started.

Hiring a mechanical engineer for building retrofits, rebuilds, additions, or enhancements is the quickest and surest way to obtain the ideal facilities for supporting your operations. Are you ready to make your workplace more modern, efficient, or compliant? If so, we can help.

Call us today at 408-295-2182.

SERVING THE GREATER SILICON VALLEY, CALIFORNIA.

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