October 28, 2024
When you’re ready to say goodbye to your old heating and cooling system, the Service Champions team is standing by to help you select a system personalized to your home. From factoring in coastal weather and climate to understanding efficiency ratings, we’ll help you make an informed decision when buying a new HVAC system.
HVAC collectively refers to a range of heating and cooling system types, each carrying certain advantages. The main types of HVACs include:
Furnaces: Available in gas, propane, and electric models, furnaces generate and distribute heat throughout the home via ductwork. Furnaces deliver powerful heating in a variety of climates but may be less efficient overall than other heating options.
Central air conditioner: Central ACs cool, filter, and redistribute air throughout your home using ductwork.
Heat pumps: During winter, a heat pump transfers extracted warm air rather than use fuel to heat it. These units also usually feature a reverse valve that switches to cooling mode as needed, offering high efficiency over other HVAC models in most weather conditions.
Mini-splits: Mini-split systems work similarly to heat pumps, but they feature air handlers in each room or ‘zone’ that connect to a central outdoor condenser. They run quietly, offer high energy savings, and don’t require ductwork, making them ideal for smaller spaces.
Consider these tips when buying a new HVAC system.
Climate plays an important role in the performance and efficiency of an HVAC system. For example, the Bay Area climate is characterized by dry summers and mild, wet winters with occasional cold snaps. Systems that perform well in these climates, such as heat pumps and mini-splits, may offer better efficiency and humidity control over others.
Proper HVAC sizing is essential for performance and longevity. Sizing refers to heating and cooling capacity, and the right capacity prevents issues related to oversized or undersized units, such as insufficient cooling or heating, uneven temperature, high energy bills, and extra wear. Heating capacity is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), and cooling in tons, with higher measurements corresponding to greater capacity.
Your home’s square footage provides a broad baseline for calculating its cooling and heating load. HVAC technicians also consider its layout, insulation, doors, windows, household occupancy, and other factors to precisely calculate cooling and heating needs.
Heating and cooling equipment accounts for about half of residential energy consumption. With California electricity rates among the highest in the country, it’s often worth investing in a high-efficiency system.
Modern HVAC equipment offers superior efficiency over older models. Various rating systems measure efficiency, but annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) mainly measures furnaces while seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) measures cooling equipment. Look for models with high ratings to reduce long-term energy and fuel consumption and utility costs.
In California, homeowners may be eligible for various tax rebates and incentives for energy-efficient HVAC installations. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, for instance, eligible homeowners can claim enough in rebates to significantly offset the cost of a heat pump installation.
Different HVAC systems and individual models vary in noise output. Most modern central ACs operate at 60 decibels or lower, about as loud as a regular conversation, while mini-splits run at about 20 to 30 decibels or on par with a whisper. Noise output doesn’t necessarily reflect the system’s quality, but some homeowners have stronger preferences for quiet operation.
If you’re replacing a forced-air system, verify the condition and compatibility of your ductwork with your preferred new unit before purchasing. Old or damaged ducts may need repairs, modifications, or replacement altogether to ensure efficiency. Weigh the costs of ductwork installation or repair against ductless HVAC configurations — in some cases, ductless systems may be more cost-effective.
New HVAC systems offer advanced features and capabilities that enhance comfort. Options include:
Zoned controls
Smart thermostats
Humidity and air quality controls
Following your HVAC installation, proper maintenance will keep it running smoothly. Many manufacturers require homeowners to arrange professional maintenance as per warranty terms to maintain compliance — in other words, neglecting warranty-required maintenance may leave you responsible for covering repair costs.
With Service Champions Maintenance Value Plan, customers get access to annual tune-ups, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs. Annual inspection and maintenance doesn’t just ensure warranty compliance, but also helps prevent untimely repairs and optimizes your system’s performance.
A heating & cooling system only performs as well as its installation and maintenance allows it. With a knowledgeable HVAC contractor, you can trust in their abilities to assess your home and install your system according to permits and safety standards. Look for these key characteristics when hiring an HVAC contractor:
Satisfied customers: Check reviews for positive experiences — Service Champions has thousands of 5-star reviews from happy customers.
Transparency: Whether explaining the installation process or providing upfront pricing, a trustworthy provider should operate with transparency and good communication.
Professional development: Look for providers committed to ongoing training to stay ahead of the industry. With the Champions University, our certified HVAC technicians continually advance their expertise.
Serving neighborhoods throughout the Bay Area, Service Champions helps customers find the right heating and cooling system for their California home. Trust the local expertise of our team to guide you through choosing a new HVAC system with flexible financing — contact us or book online today.
The cost of a new HVAC system varies widely based on several factors, including system type and installation complexity. Warranty coverage, extra features, and other considerations may also influence costs. Schedule a consultation with Service Champions and one of our Comfort Advisors will assess your home’s needs, calculate an accurate estimate, and provide you with options unique to your situation.
The timeline for installing a new HVAC system ranges from one day to up to a week depending on the type of system, its scale, and other factors. For example, ductless mini-split installations may take as little as a day, not including assessment, while replacing a central AC and modifying ductwork may add significant time to the project.
Several signs suggest it’s time for HVAC replacement, such as increasingly frequent or costly repairs, high utility bills, insufficient heating or cooling, and poor indoor air quality.