If you’ve just moved into an older house or are building a new home, contact an HVAC contractor to install a furnace and air conditioning system. They can outfit the space with energy-efficient equipment to keep your family comfortable and lower heating and cooling costs. There are several options, so here are some questions to ask to help narrow the list.

3 Questions to Ask an HVAC Contractor When Buying a System

What does the Energy Star® label indicate?

The technician should recommend concentrating the search to Energy Star-qualified products. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) bestows this label on products that offer dependability while cutting back on energy consumption. Energy Star central air conditioners use 8% less energy than standard models because of the high seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). Energy Star-certified furnaces are 15% more efficient than conventional heating systems, equaling up to $85 a year in energy savings.

What size of equipment is appropriate?

If the furnace or AC unit is too small for your house, some areas will remain uncomfortable. If the HVAC system is too big, rapid cycling could cause premature wear. A contractor should take square footage into account when helping you find equipment. If you have a larger home, a furnace requires more British Thermal Units (BTUs) to heat it. For example, a 1,200-square-foot house needs at least 36,000 BTUs, while the minimum for a 2,400-square-foot home is 72,000 BTUs. AC units typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons; one ton can cool 400 square feet.

Do I need ductwork?

With traditional HVAC systems, ductwork directs heat or cold air to vents in various rooms of the house. An HVAC contractor should take the layout into account when deciding where to install the system and the associated ducts. If ducts already exist, the technician should check for gaps, cracks, and other damage to determine whether you need an update.

For AC and furnace installation, contact the HVAC contractors at Tin Man Heating & Cooling in Bowling Green, OH. The team has been committed to providing northwest Ohio residents with impeccable installation and repair services for 30 years. To demonstrate that they stand behind their work, the professionals offer 10-year guarantees. To schedule an appointment, call (419) 353-4448. Learn how the team will improve your indoor air quality online, and find company updates on Facebook.