Heating ventilation and air conditioning systems are essential components of a comfortable home. HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, lets you control your home’s temperature, keeping it cool in the summertime and warm in the winter.

HVAC systems have a lot of different parts. The thermostat allows you to switch on and off the heating or cooling systems and control the temperature and airflow. Central air conditioners cool the air using refrigerant and evaporator coils and distribute the cooled air with a fan. A furnace is used to produce and distribute hot air throughout the home. Some HVAC systems use heat pumps, which transfer warm air from inside the home to the outside during summertime and transfer hot air from the air or the ground outside into the home during the winter.

These systems are more expensive but are one of the most energy-efficient systems available. Air return is the part of the ventilation system that sucks the air through filters to purify it before it gets distributed throughout your home. Ducts are used in HVAC systems to distribute the air to different parts of the home. And the compressor is part of the outside AC unit that converts refrigerant gas into a liquid to cool the air.

There are many different types of HVAC systems that include these and other components. Of course, these systems don’t last forever. If you live in an older home with an outdated HVAC system, it’s probably not very efficient and some components may need to be replaced. If you need to upgrade your HVAC system, how can you decide which system is best for your house? Keep in mind the following factors when choosing a new system.

Your Current HVAC System

If you are replacing your HVAC system, it’s the best time to look at and address any duct issues. The ductwork typically does not get replaced when the system gets replaced and is usually as old as the home is. Depending on the type of ductwork you have, metal ducts last longer, it may be time to update all or parts of the air delivery system. Flex ducts that are falling down, coming apart, or undersized can all be addressed along with replacing plenums that are made of fiberglass that should be updated to metal. If you do have a full metal duct system, the insulation should be inspected. Loose insulation or damaged insulation can cause the metal duct to sweat and rust causing expensive repairs. Usually bundling ductwork repairs along with the system replacement can save you a lot of money.

If your house is getting a new addition and doesn’t have space to install new ducts, ductless mini split air-conditioning units can be used to cool and heat your new addition. These units are also a good option if you want to heat and cool a new area of your house without upgrading your entire system to one with a higher capacity.

Efficiency

Efficiency is an important factor to consider when choosing an HVAC system. More efficient systems usually cost more, but in the long run, you can save money on operation costs.

In the last 20 years, the HVAC industry has made leaps and bounds in technology allowing for the design of very efficient system options. If you live in a part of the country that is very cold in the winter and you have high heating bills, there are gas furnaces that have efficiencies up to 99%, meaning you are receiving 99 cents of heating for every dollar spent in gas utilities. If you’re in a part of the country that has hot or humid summers, multi stage A/C units are for you. Central home A/C systems can have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of up to 28 seer, saving you over half the energy spent on lower 10 seer rated systems. Having multistage air conditioners provide amazing dehumidification properties as well, some systems have compressors with 65 stages and higher that can match outdoor load conditions perfectly and specifically target humidity in the home.

There are many HVAC systems that are quite efficient, so make sure to do your research to decide which one is right for you.

Brand

You should research different HVAC equipment brands before you decide on one for your home. There are many brands that offer efficient, high-quality units. Ask your contractor about reliable brands that they install and service. You can also check the warranty coverage, as some brands might offer better warranties than others.

Climate

The climate where you live is another thing you should consider when choosing an HVAC system. Environmental conditions should play a part in your equipment decision, will you get a better return on investment by upgrading your heating to peak efficiency or will you save more money with an air condition that is very efficient?

Indoor air quality is not just a buzz word and should be a factor as well. Things like seasonal allergies can be halted with a better filtration system in the MERV 16 ratings, or maybe you have very dry air during the winter causing itchy skin and dry eyes, a steam humidifier can be added to your new system and get rid of these issues.

Depending on the climate you live in, asking your comfort consultant about not just efficiencies but comfort is the way to go.

Price

HVAC systems are quite costly to buy and install. However, some systems can cost double the price of others, so it’s worth it to investigate affordable options.

A reliable, efficient HVAC system can make any home more comfortable. To choose the right HVAC system for your home, consider what systems you have installed and if you can continue to use some parts of the current system and replace older units. Choose an efficient system to save money on operation costs. Analyze what system will be best for your home and the climate that you live in. And make sure to budget for the new units and installation costs. Ask your contractor for suggestions on what HVAC systems are practical for your home and area. If you consider these factors, you’ll be able to choose the right HVAC system to keep your home at the perfect temperature all year long.