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HVAC Tips
The best heating and air conditioning system is the one you never have to think about. But, for those times it requires a little bit of attention, Broan is here to help. Heating and cooling equipment lasts a long time - it's not an everyday purchase. So, when the time comes for an installation, repair or replacement, it may leave you feeling a little lost. Here's what you should know about your heating and cooling equipment before, during and after the install.
BUYING GUIDES
Choosing a Contractor
Whether you need your system repaired, an old unit replaced, or a new unit installed, contractor selection is arguably the most important step in the process. A qualified HVAC contractor will guide you through the process, and help you find the right course of action for your repair, replacement or install. Here are some things to look for in a quality contractor.
- They ask questions about your home comfort needs and expectations.
- They thoroughly examine your home before giving you a quote on a new unit.
- They are up-to-date on permits, certifications and training.
- Read their online reviews.
Cooling Equipment
On average, an air conditioner lasts about 16 years and a heat pump lasts about 15 years. When it comes time to replace your respective cooling equipment, here are some things to think about:
- Ask your contractor if you need an air conditioner or heat pump.
- Consider your high-efficiency options for utility bill savings - Broan's most efficient air conditioner is up to 20 SEER and its most efficient heat pump is up to 19 SEER.
- Find out whether you need packaged or split-system equipment.
- After your new equipment is installed, make sure you remember to register it for full warranty coverage.
Heating Equipment
Did you know that a gas furnace lasts about 20 years, on average? These powerhouses are not frequent purchases. Here are some things to think about when it comes time to replace your aging gas furnace.
- Ask your contractor if your home could benefit from the electric heating capabilities of a heat pump.
- Consider your high-efficiency options. Broan's most efficient gas furnace is 96% AFUE - that's nearly 100% efficient!
- After your new equipment is installed, make sure you remember to register it for full warranty coverage.
Choosing a Contractor
Whether you need your system repaired, an old unit replaced, or a new unit installed, contractor selection is arguably the most important step in the process. A qualified HVAC contractor will guide you through the process, and help you find the right course of action for your repair, replacement or install. Here are some things to look for in a quality contractor.
- They ask questions about your home comfort needs and expectations.
- They thoroughly examine your home before giving you a quote on a new unit.
- They are up-to-date on permits, certifications and training.
- Read their online reviews.
Cooling Equipment
On average, an air conditioner lasts about 16 years and a heat pump lasts about 15 years. When it comes time to replace your respective cooling equipment, here are some things to think about:
- Ask your contractor if you need an air conditioner or heat pump.
- Consider your high-efficiency options for utility bill savings - Broan's most efficient air conditioner is up to 20 SEER and its most efficient heat pump is up to 19 SEER.
- Find out whether you need packaged or split-system equipment.
- After your new equipment is installed, make sure you remember to register it for full warranty coverage.
Heating Equipment
Did you know that a gas furnace lasts about 20 years, on average? These powerhouses are not frequent purchases. Here are some things to think about when it comes time to replace your aging gas furnace.
- Ask your contractor if your home could benefit from the electric heating capabilities of a heat pump.
- Consider your high-efficiency options. Broan's most efficient gas furnace is 96% AFUE - that's nearly 100% efficient!
- After your new equipment is installed, make sure you remember to register it for full warranty coverage.
CONTRACTOR TIPS
Questions to Ask a Contractor
It's come time to choose the contractor who is going to work on your new HVAC equipment. Here are some important questions to ask them to make sure they are the right person for the job AND to make sure you are getting the right system for your home.
- Do I need an air conditioner or heat pump?
- Could my home benefit from a gas furnace?
- Will I be responsible for registering my new equipment?
- Does your company offer annual maintenance plans?
- How long has your company been in business?
- Can I purchase a labor warranty?
- Do you have the appropriate licensing for installing HVAC equipment in your state/local area?
- Did you perform a Manual J load calculation?
Ratings & Reviews
Before you choose a contractor, do a quick search on Google to gauge their reputation with past customers. Chances are, if a previous customer had a negative experience with the contractor, you are going to have one as well. There are many online review sites that offer homeowners the chance to rate and review their contractor.
Buying HVAC Online
It's never a good idea to buy HVAC equipment from an online auction site. Not only can you not be sure that you are purchasing the right system for your home, but you are going to have a hard time finding a quality contractor to install it for you. Additionally, a manufacturer will void the warranty if it was not purchased from an HVAC contractor. You may end up saving up ffront but paying for it (and then some) in the long run.
Questions to Ask a Contractor
It's come time to choose the contractor who is going to work on your new HVAC equipment. Here are some important questions to ask them to make sure they are the right person for the job AND to make sure you are getting the right system for your home.
- Do I need an air conditioner or heat pump?
- Could my home benefit from a gas furnace?
- Will I be responsible for registering my new equipment?
- Does your company offer annual maintenance plans?
- How long has your company been in business?
- Can I purchase a labor warranty?
- Do you have the appropriate licensing for installing HVAC equipment in your state/local area?
- Did you perform a Manual J load calculation?
Ratings & Reviews
Before you choose a contractor, do a quick search on Google to gauge their reputation with past customers. Chances are, if a previous customer had a negative experience with the contractor, you are going to have one as well. There are many online review sites that offer homeowners the chance to rate and review their contractor.
Buying HVAC Online
It's never a good idea to buy HVAC equipment from an online auction site. Not only can you not be sure that you are purchasing the right system for your home, but you are going to have a hard time finding a quality contractor to install it for you. Additionally, a manufacturer will void the warranty if it was not purchased from an HVAC contractor. You may end up saving up front but paying for it (and then some) in the long run.
CHOOSING YOUR SYSTEM
Choosing the Right HVAC System
Making sure you choose the right HVAC system is an important decision. Heating and cooling equipment makes up more than half of your monthly utility costs. So, taking the time to think about what you want out of your HVAC system affects more than just upfront costs. Efficiency is where you are going to have the most freedom of choice. You'll also be able to choose whether you want an air conditioner or heat pump. Will your home benefit from the electric transfer heating capabilities of a heat pump, or will it do just fine with an air conditioner / gas furnace combo? Ultimately, your contractor will guide you through these decisions so that you choose the right unit for your home.
iQ Drive Systems
Looking for high-efficiency cooling capabilities? Choose our iQ Drive air conditioner or heat pump! Both models reach astounding efficiency levels. They are nearly 100% more efficient than comparable models produced in the early 2000s (when your last unit was most likely purchased). These units use inverter-rotary compressor technology to modulate performance in five steps. This results in ultra-efficient, ultra-quiet performance. Not to mention the premium comfort that results form a better mix of air.
Green Systems
A quick way to spot energy-efficient heating and air conditioning equipment is by looking for the ENERGY STAR label. In general, heating and cooling equipment sporting the ENERGY STAR label reach higher efficiency ratings that conventioal efficiency models produced today. It's important to keep in mind that ENERGY STAR qualifications may vary depending on the area of the country you live in. For example, if you live in the North, your gas furnaces must meet higher efficiency requirements to carry the ENERGY STAR label.
When it comes to efficiency, the rule of thumb is the higher the number, the more efficien the system. This applies to SEER, EER, HSPF and AFUE - all different ratings of heating and air conditioning efficiency.
Choosing the Right HVAC System
Making sure you choose the right HVAC system is an important decision. Heating and cooling equipment makes up more than half of your monthly utility costs. So, taking the time to think about what you want out of your HVAC system affects more than just upfront costs. Efficiency is where you are going to have the most freedom of choice. You'll also be able to choose whether you want an air conditioner or heat pump. Will your home benefit from the electric transfer heating capabilities of a heat pump, or will it do just fine with an air conditioner / gas furnace combo? Ultimately, your contractor will guide you through these decisions so that you choose the right unit for your home.
iQ Drive Systems
Looking for high-efficiency cooling capabilities? Choose our iQ Drive air conditioner or heat pump! Both models reach astounding efficiency levels. They are nearly 100% more efficient than comparable models produced in the early 2000s (when your last unit was most likely purchased). These units use inverter-rotary compressor technology to modulate performance in five steps. This results in ultra-efficient, ultra-quiet performance. Not to mention the premium comfort that results form a better mix of air.
Green Systems
A quick way to spot energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems is by looking for the ENERGY STAR label. In general, heating and cooling equipment sporting the ENERGY STAR label reach higher efficiency ratings that conventional efficiency models produced today. It's important to keep in mind that ENERGY STAR qualifications may vary depending on the area of the country you live in. For example, if you live in the North, your gas furnace must meet higher efficiency requirements to carry the ENERGY STAR label.
When it comes to efficiency, the rule of thumb is the higher the number, the more efficient the system. This applies to SEER, EER, HSPF and AFUE - all different ratings of heating and air conditioning efficiency.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Annual Preventative Maintenance
To ensure maximum system life, it's important that you schedule annual preventative maintenance for each of your HVAC system components. You should have your furnace/heat pump checked in the fall before the heating season, and you should have your air conditioner, heat pump checked in the spring before the cooling season. It's Murphy's Law...if things are going to go wrong, they will at the most inconvenient times. Make sure you ask your installing contractor about any potential annual maintenance contracts they may offer homeowners.
No Heat
Do it yourself repairs are NEVER encouraged when it comes to heating equipment. There are a few simple things you can check before hitting the panic button, but in general, you should always call a professional contractor. Here are some things you can check if you aren't receiving heat:
- Make sure your thermostat is in heating mode.
- Make sure your unit is receiving power.
- Make sure your gas has not been shut off.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to a temperature higher than what it is currently reading.
- Make sure airflow is not being blocked by a dirty furnace filter.
- Make sure you have not accidentally closed your vents.
No Cooling
Do it yourself repairs are NEVER encouraged when it comes to cooling equipment. There are a few simple things you can check before hitting the panic button, but in general, you should always call a professional contractor for any issues relating to your cooling equipment. Here are some things you can check if your air conditioner is not running properly:
- Make sure your thermostat is in cooling mode.
- Make sure your unit is receiving power.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to a temperature lower than what it is currently reading.
- Make sure airflow is not being blocked by a dirty filter.
- Make sure you have not accidentally closed your vents.
Annual Preventative Maintenance
To ensure maximum system life, it's important that you schedule annual preventative maintenance for each of your HVAC system components. You should have your furnace/heat pump checked in the fall before the heating season, and you should have your air conditioner, heat pump checked in the spring before the cooling season. It's Murphy's Law...if things are going to go wrong, they will at the most inconvenient times. Make sure you ask your installing contractor about any potential annual maintenance contracts they may offer homeowners.
No Heat
Do it yourself repairs are NEVER encouraged when it comes to heating equipment. There are a few simple things you can check before hitting the panic button, but in general, you should always call a professional contractor. Here are some things you can check if you aren't receiving heat:
- Make sure your thermostat is in heating mode.
- Make sure your unit is receiving power.
- Make sure your gas has not been shut off.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to a temperature higher than what it is currently reading.
- Make sure airflow is not being blocked by a dirty furnace filter.
- Make sure you have not accidentally closed your vents.
No Cooling
Do it yourself repairs are NEVER encouraged when it comes to cooling equipment. There are a few simple things you can check before hitting the panic button, but in general, you should always call a professional contractor for any issues relating to your cooling equipment. Here are some things you can check if your air conditioning is not running properly:
- Make sure your thermostat is in cooling mode.
- Make sure your unit is receiving power.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to a temperature lower than what it is currently reading.
- Make sure airflow is not being blocked by a dirty filter.
- Make sure you have not accidentally closed your vents.
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Broan© trademark used under license. © Nortek Global HVAC LLC 2024. All rights reserved.