8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a New HVAC System

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June 9, 2021

An HVAC system can be a smart and much-appreciated addition to any home. It's also a significant investment for many homeowners. Regardless of what your HVAC plans may involve, there are some key questions to ask either yourself or the HVAC technician you meet with before you move forward with the purchase and installation of a new HVAC system. We go over eight of the most important ones below.

8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a New HVAC System

1. Is forced air the best option for me for heat?

It's common for an HVAC unit to include a forced hot air system. This can be what's right for you as well if, for instance, you have existing ductwork in your home. However, not every home today has ductwork. If this is the case for you, there are other heating options to consider. One possibility is a ductless mini-split system.

2. How is HVAC system size calculated?

The most common way to assess heating and cooling needs is with an engineering worksheet known as a Manual J. It considers several key factors in determining recommendations with heating and cooling system size, including:

Home square footage
Insulation
Number of windows

3. Is a zoned HVAC system worth considering?

If you have two stories in your home, a zoned system can make it easier to manage comfort preferences. The potential drawback is that the ductwork has to be set up to adjust airflow in a way that may give you some temperature swings in your home. However, there are ways to overcome this issue with the design and setup of a zoned system.

4. Can I get a rundown of the more common HVAC-related options and how they work?

If you're open to suggestions, don't be shy about asking for a brief summary of what's available. Asking this question also gives you an opportunity to talk about newer technologies you may appreciate.

5. Should I have my ducts tested before going forward with a new system installation?

If you have older ductwork in your home, you may want to consider having it tested first to determine if there are leaks that need to be repaired. Taking care of this step first can improve the efficiency of your new system.

6. Will you inspect any existing HVAC-related components I already have in my home?

This is a question to direct at the HVAC company you are talking to about a new system. It's a topic worth covering if you have existing wiring or ductwork that may still be in good enough condition to keep in place.

7. Can I get quotes for more than the average HVAC efficiency?

It's common for heating and cooling contractors to provide a quote for one level of efficiency to keep initial installation costs reasonable. However, you may prefer to ask for additional quotes for added levels of efficiency. As a result, the initial cost will be a bit more, but there is long-term savings potential that could offset this.

8. What are your basic credentials?

This is another question you'll direct at your preferred HVAC company to confirm such things as licensing, insurance, and overall experience with HVAC-related work. Similar topics to bring up while getting company-specific details include:

Scheduling and payment options
Manufacturers' warranties
Paperwork related to the new installation

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Master Mechanical is the HVAC company you can turn to for all your HVAC needs. We'll gladly give you honest, clear answers to any questions that may pop into your head regarding what was covered here or anything else that matters to you as you weigh your HVAC possibilities.

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