When you buy a new car, the quality of it helps determine how well it will perform and for how long. A heating and cooling system is really no different. Purchasing a brand name that has a reputation for quality and reliability can save you headaches and extra expense down the road. Ask your dealer about the brands reputation for quality and its record for reliable performance.
Efficiency Ratings.
Make sure you ask your dealer about the efficiency rating for the furnace, heat pump or air conditioner. It will tell you how efficiently the unit uses fuel (gas, oil or electricity). Furnace efficiency is measured as AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), and ratings range from 78% to about 96.6%. Furnaces with AFUE ratings from 78% to 80% are considered mid-efficiency; ones with AFUE ratings above 90% are considered high-efficiency.
Air conditioners and heat pumps have cooling efficiency ratings from 10 to 17 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Heat pumps also have heating efficiency ratings from 6.8 to about 10 HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). High-efficiency units have efficiencies of 12 SEER and 7.5 HSPF or above.
One other point to keep in mind is that your heat pump or air conditioner is a split system, which means that there is an outdoor unit (condenser) and an indoor unit (evaporator coil). If youre replacing an existing system, both units should be replaced to make sure your new condensing unit gives you optimal performance, efficiency and comfort.
In general, the higher the efficiency of the unit, the more it will cost but the less fuel it will use to heat or cool your home. So the cost to replace your old, inefficient unit (or to move up to a higher efficiency model) is paid back through lower utility bills.
Sound Ratings.
Theres a good chance you wont ever think about the sound level of your air conditioner or heat pump ... until, that is, you try to enjoy a quiet conversation with some friends in your back yard. Sometimes noise from condensing (outdoor) units even interferes with your peace and quiet indoors, so its a factor you should at least look at when youre comparing different models.
The sound level of outdoor units is measured in bels (similar to decibels), on a scale from 0 (barely perceptible sound) to 13 (the threshold of pain). Most air conditioners and heat pumps operate at 8 to 9 bels; some units ratings are as low as 6.8. That may not sound like a wide range, but consider this: 9 bels sounds 10 times louder than 8 bels. That means one 9-bel air conditioner is as loud as 10 units rated at 8 bels. So we think taking the time to compare bel ratings is pretty sound advice.
Comfort Features.
Some furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners offer additional features that provide greater comfort (as well as additional energy savings). Two-speed units can run on low speed up to 80% of the time, and offer fewer drafts, smaller temperature swings, and better air circulation for more consistent heating or cooling throughout your home.
Variable-capacity furnaces provide even more added comfort features for the ultimate combination of comfort, efficiency and quiet performance. They can also increase the efficiency rating of your central air conditioning system and offer you added energy savings when you use continuous fan operation in any season.
For more details on quality, efficiency, sound and comfort, go to How can I compare the performance of heating and cooling products?
The Right System for Comfort.
For the optimal combination of comfort and efficiency, a total comfort system is your best bet. By matching a furnace and air conditioner (or heat pump and fan coil) with the right products for air cleaning, ventilation, humidity and system control, you can make your home a much more comfortable place to spend your time and save money on your energy bills. For more information, go to What kind of system do I need to keep my home comfortable?
Warranties.
For your peace of mind, be sure to ask your dealer about the manufacturers warranty that comes with your new heating and cooling system. You should particularly ask about the length of time your equipment is covered and what specific components are included under the warranty. Additional extended warranties may also be available from the manufacturer or directly from your dealer.
You may also want to ask your dealer about the availability of service agreements and maintenance agreements, two ways to keep your equipment in peak operating condition and provide insurance against unforeseen repair costs.
( top of page | back to Q&A Menu )