When choosing the right HVAC system, your goal should be to provide a comfortable temperature for your home, even if it is more expensive than others. While you should purchase an HVAC unit according to your budget, also consider other factors, such as energy efficiency and durability. As a general rule, if local temperatures rarely exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you probably don't need central air conditioning. On the other hand, real estate agents often consider central air to be a valuable selling point, so if there is a possibility that they will transfer it to another region or it is likely that you will put your house on the market for any reason in the near future, central air conditioning can be a good investment.
High-end homes get the best prices on the market because they have all the bells and whistles. For people with asthma and other allergy problems, central air, with its ability to filter and “condition the home air,” can also have health benefits. Their systems are built with stricter quality control than most other manufacturers, and the material used in each construction is of the highest quality. This means that Carrier will cost you more, but when you want something efficient that stays, the extra price is worth it.
Another advantage of using Carrier is the wide selection offered by the brand. You will find more options with this manufacturer than with most for exactly the product you need. Goodman is another brand on this list that isn't as revered as Trane or Carrier, but all of the company's products have strong build quality and warranty programs you can trust, and they have real value. Goodman's heating and cooling products are more affordable, and it's hard to find a manufacturer that offers more value to its customers overall.
Trane is often regarded as the “Cadillac of HVAC suppliers” and that's because it's one of the most trusted brands in the business. Trane is known for maintaining warranties and offers a standard 10-year warranty that covers both parts and labor for a pleasant feeling of warm security after the installation of your new system. Of all the major brands on this list, Lennox is best known for its efficiency. The company struggles tooth and nail to make its equipment more efficient every year, which is why it can choose models with remarkably high SEER levels, such as 23.5 in the Signature XP25 system.
The company can offer equipment with efficiency levels greater than 98%. Getting a good brand is important whether you're equipping an old house with a new system or if you're installing the first system in your new build, but it's not everything. The best Trane, Ruud or American Standard equipment will not work better than a bargain system without a name if it is not installed correctly. That's why you have to work hard to find a quality installer in your area, and that means you can't skimp on installation costs.
After you complete your HVAC installation, it's in your best interest to protect your investment by scheduling annual maintenance with the HVAC contractor of your choice. It is an advantage if technicians are certified by a commercial organization, such as North American Technical Excellence or HVAC Excellence, to service residential heating and cooling equipment. Depending on whether you need the installation of a new HVAC system or simply a replacement of any of the units for heating or cooling, you will need to know the basic components that can make up an HVAC unit.
