When it comes to the temperature in your home, you want to feel comfortable at any time of year. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right HVAC unit for your home size and overall usage. Use this guide to figure out how to pick the right unit without breaking the bank—and then reach out to an experienced HVAC contractor for specific recommendations.

How to Pick the Most Efficient Unit

Energy efficiency is an important factor to consider because it has a number of significant ripple effects. Namely, it can reduce the long-term cost of your HVAC unit because energy-efficient systems require less energy to heat or cool your home. Additionally, high-efficiency units may be eligible for manufacturer and local energy utility rebates, which can lower the cost of HVAC installation. Speak with a local contractor for further details.

As you look at various HVAC units, you’re going to see a few common acronyms: AFUE, HSPF, and SEER. These ratings measure the energy efficiency and performance of your unit. Here’s what they mean: 

• Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE): In oil-fired and gas furnaces, AFUE refers to the level of heating efficiency, or how much fuel your furnace uses to heat your home.

• Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): This rating determines the energy efficiency of heat pumps. Highly efficient heat pumps are rated 13 and above.

• Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): The SEER rating measures the efficiency of heat pumps and air conditioners. Higher ratings indicate the system uses less energy.

How to Determine the Right Size

Don’t base your decision on the size of your existing HVAC unit. Older units aren’t as efficient as modern models, which means they tend to be larger than what your home may need. However, if you choose a new HVAC unit that is too large for your home, it won’t be able to properly dehumidify your property, and it will have to operate on short cycles that can shorten the unit’s lifespan. Conversely, a too-small system won’t be able to properly heat or cool your home.  

An HVAC contractor will be able to properly measure your property to determine the correct unit size. After all, you deserve to enjoy comfortable, ideal temperatures any season, and the proper heating and cooling system can make that possible.

Whether you need HVAC installation or air conditioning repair, the team at Tom Hundley Heating & Cooling has you covered. Based in Broken Arrow, OK, this fully licensed, bonded, and insured company has been providing their community with the best HVAC services for over 36 years. To schedule an appointment, call (918) 455-5993, or visit them online to learn more about the company.