How to choose the right heating and cooling system

Estimated Reading time: 4 minutes

Choosing the right heating and cooling system is an important decision that everyone should spend some time researching before finalizing. In this article, we will help inform you on how to choose the right system, and also look at common misconceptions about HVAC systems. While selecting the right system for your home or business can be a daunting task, there are many factors to take into consideration.

Luckily we’re here to help! When it comes to the equipment installation or repair of your heating and cooling system and HVAC ductwork, Platinum Air Care is the trusted choice for one reason: our ability to provide service with the highest degree of integrity and professionalism.

First, think about your needs

This includes the amount of space you need to heat or cool (square footage of the home or business), the number of people you have in one room, outdoor temperatures, efficiency, budget, and more. Once you have a general idea of what you need, it’s time to look at your options. When it comes to efficiency ratings, the value of importance is the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for air conditioners, and AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating for natural gas furnaces.

The better the SEER or AFUE rating, the more energy-efficient the equipment, but also the more expensive the equipment. Higher efficiency units are a long-term investment, they cost more money upfront, but save you on energy bills in the long run.

Is your job a retrofit (a simple replacement of your existing air conditioner or furnace) or is it new construction? If new construction it is important for your licensed HVAC contractor is able to run ductwork to the current and up-to-date building code.

Luxaire Brand Furnace

Luxaire Brand Air Conditioner

The types of HVAC equipment

Heating systems and air conditioning units come in a few different forms: Traditional gas furnaces are installed in your HVAC room, they also circulate the air in your HVAC system. Gas furnaces (like pictured above) also pair with traditional air conditioning systems (also pictured above) which are installed outside the home. The other main types of heating air and cooling air equipment are heat pumps and mini-split air conditioners.

Heat pumps come in two forms; ductless and ducted. Ducted heat pumps need an air handler installed in the home to circulate the air in the ductwork. Whereas ductless heat pumps have the air handler installed directly to the room needed. Ductless heat pumps are the same as mini-split air conditioners in the sense that the air handler is installed up to 4 rooms of choice, the only difference being is that one heats and one cools the air.

Good, Better, and Best selection system

Most HVAC companies now implement the “Good, Better, and Best” selection for simplicity to the customer. Actual selection varies by individual companies, here is just an example:

Good Furnace: Single Stage Furnace, ECM Motor, 92% to 96% in AFUE Ratings. Good Air Conditioner: 14 to 15 in SEER Ratings.

Better Furnace: Two-Stage, ECM Motor, 96% AFUE Rating. Better Air Conditioner: 16 to 18 in SEER Rating.

Best Furnace: Modulating Speed Furnace, Variable Speed ECM Motor, AFUE Rating Up to 98%. Best Air Conditioner: SEER rating of 19+ (Up to 24.5 SEER).

Our recommendation usually leans to the “Better” scenario because of the price to performance when it comes to upfront cost and energy savings in the long run. Important consideration: Any modern furnace and air conditioner (regardless of “Good, Better, Best”) is worth upgrading when your current equipment is more than 15 years old.

Common misconceptions:

1. Window air conditioners are cheaper than central air units

While it is true window ac units are cheaper upfront, you need to consider its long-term price to performance. Central air conditioners provide better airflow performance because it is tied to your entire HVAC system. Energy costs are typically lower and central AC units have longer lifespans.

2. My Furnace and Air Conditioner don’t need upgrading and work fine

This may be true. but depending on the age or type of air conditioner and furnace, older equipment should be replaced regardless if it is working correctly or not. High efficiency equipment saves money on energy bills and is better for the environment. ENERGY STAR® recommends replacement for your air conditioner when it is more than 10 years old, and when your furnace is more than 15 years old.

3. Brand of HVAC equipment does not matter

The brand does matter. Most North American HVAC brands which have been around for many years are trusted for a reason. Carrier, York/Luxaire, Goodman, American Standard, and more; are constructed in advanced manufacturing facilities which do not compromise in quality.
Quality brands offer great manufacturer warranties because they trust their work for the long haul. Cheaper and less known brands may compromise on quality and construction, and unfortunately, this is something you won’t notice until a few years after installation when the need for constant repair starts.

The bottom line:

We believe our customers should know the basics, however, the HVAC contractor should work with you to select your equipment as a free estimate. Trustworthy HVAC contractors guide you correctly because their reputation is on the line. Just make sure your HVAC contractor is licensed and uses trusted brands. You can also check the HVAC contractor’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile for additional information and reviews about them.