(NAPS)—Next to your home itself, a home comfort system is one of the largest investments you will make. That’s why the decision to purchase a heat pump, gas furnace or central air conditioner is a significant one—a decision that requires careful thought and research.
To help you make an intelligent decision about heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, here are 10 common questions—and answers—from the experts at the Coleman brand of Johnson Controls.
- Is installing a central HVAC system really necessary?
In new homes or remodels, a central home comfort system provides the highest level of overall comfort, indoor air quality and humidity control.
- Should I repair or replace my existing system?
As a rule of thumb, replace your existing home comfort system when repairs cost 30 percent of a new purchase—or when utility bills have increased 50 percent as a result of older, less-efficient systems that use more, higher-priced electricity.
- How much can I save with new equipment?
Air-conditioning and heating equipment consume about 44 percent of a home’s energy bill. Today’s Energy Star–qualified systems are as much as 60 percent more efficient than 10-year-old equipment.
- How do I select the right heating/cooling system?
Get solid advice from an expert. The right contractor can perform a load calculation or an energy analysis to determine your operating costs. After getting to know your needs, he or she can customize a system just for you.
- How can I be sure I’m selecting the right contractor?
Seek out a contractor who is associated with a recognized brand. If the contractor is backed by the product and training resources of a major manufacturer, you will feel confident that you’re getting the home comfort system that best meets your needs.
- If I have an existing system, can any of these components be reused?
Every system is different. After a thorough inspection of your electrical system, ductwork and other components, your contractor will provide a rundown of what you need to replace and what you can keep.
- What is the best thermostat to use with my system?
Look for a programmable thermostat for accurate, reliable, energy-saving performance. For added savings and convenience, the Coleman Echelon Residential Communicating Control with Wi-Fi support works with mobile devices to easily program your system, wherever you are.
- What does the air handler do for my system?
An air handler circulates conditioned air throughout your home. You can combine it with accessories to filter, humidify or dehumidify the air stream as needed.
- What can I do to improve indoor air quality?
Indoor air can be from five to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Adding humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ventilation systems, ultraviolet lights and air filter technologies can dramatically improve your indoor air quality.
- How complicated is a new system installation?
That depends on the house and the system. While air conditioners and gas furnaces require different components, the common denominator is ductwork, which must be properly sized and zoned for proper system performance. Your contractor can evaluate your existing setup and tell you how simple your installation will be.
To learn more, visit www.colemanac.com.
