Purchasing an HVAC system used to be easy. If the old unit broke down, all I had to do was call the contractor and replace it with a similar one. Today, this is a more complex and more important decision than ever before.
Modern HVAC systems are smarter, more efficient, and more customizable. But it also means homeowners need to consider more factors, such as energy efficiency, climate, home layout, insulation, long-term costs, and even how long they plan to live in the home.
At the same time, technology has transformed the functionality of HVAC systems. From smart thermostats that monitor performance in real time to high-efficiency heat pumps that both heat and cool your home, today’s systems offer more control and information.
Good news: You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. USA TODAY asked the experts at ARS to share how to buy your next HVAC system.
7 Steps to HVAC Shopping for Homeowners
Step 1: Understand your home’s heating and cooling needs
Choosing the best HVAC system for your home used to be a simple process. There were only a few brands and models available, so I chose whatever I could install.
now? Finding the right HVAC unit requires a lot more work. Energy goals, climate, home insulation, square footage, etc. all impact your bottom line.
“Back in the day, there was a little thermostat on the wall with some numbers written on it,” says Josh Conder, division operations manager for ARS Central Division. ”Your thermostat will now alert you if there is a problem with your system. It might notify you, “I don’t know if you saw this, but this seems to be happening on your system.”
The type of HVAC you install will depend on your home. A good installer will perform a complete energy analysis to make sure a heat pump, AC unit, furnace, or other HVAC system is right for you.
“We visit homes and do a complete energy analysis and heat load calculation to determine what is actually best for your individual situation, rather than just giving you a flat price and hoping it works,” Conder says.
Step 2: Compare HVAC system types
There are three main types of HVAC systems to choose from.
- Central air conditioning: If you already have ductwork in your home and you just want to replace your system, purchasing a new central air conditioner makes the most sense. It works well in hot climates, but if you live in a colder climate, you’ll need a separate furnace to provide heat.
- heat pump: Ideal for homeowners who need an all-in-one heating and cooling system, heat pumps offer higher efficiency than other types of HVAC systems. However, they are expensive and may not perform well in extremely cold environments.
- Ductless mini split: Ductless mini-split systems are ideal for controlling air conditioning in individual rooms and are a more affordable option when you need air conditioning but don’t have the ductwork to support that type of system. However, whole-home air conditioning requires multiple units, and the units are visible on the walls, which is not very aesthetically pleasing.
Step 3: Determine appropriate system sizing
Sizing your HVAC system is more than just square footage equaling unit size. There are far more factors and decisions involved.
Your HVAC technician will determine the right size unit for your home by considering things like square footage, home insulation, window size and placement, climate zone, and air leakage.
“You have to size it right,” says Gregory Milich, HVAC expert at ARS. “You can’t just remove a three-ton system and install a four-ton system just because the customer says, ‘I just want more air conditioning.’ It doesn’t work that way.”
Step 4: Set a budget and consider financing
Costs vary and are difficult to estimate. “You can go from a basic-end 80% furnace to a high-end 96% efficient multi-stage communication system,” says Conder. That means costs can range from $8,000 to $35,000.
Highly efficient systems have higher initial costs, but can potentially save you money in the long run. However, if you plan to sell your home, it may not be worth as much. In that case, save your money and choose a less efficient unit.
The total cost of an HVAC system involves more than just the unit itself. You should also consider:
- Installation fee
- Duct repair or replacement
- electrical upgrade
- Permits and inspections
There are several options for paying for your HVAC system. You can use cash if you have emergency savings, but you can also use:
- Contractor financing plans (often low or no interest promotions)
- Home Improvement Loan or HELOC
- personal credit card
As a hint: To save money on HVAC installation, take advantage of local and federal rebates and energy efficiency tax credits.
Step 5: Vet your HVAC contractor
You can buy the best HVAC system on the market, but if it’s not installed correctly or something goes wrong in the first year, a reputable company will take care of it properly.
“An HVAC system isn’t complete until it’s installed correctly,” says Scott Urquhart. HVAC Sales and Customer Experience Expert at ARS. “So whether it’s the best equipment in the world with the best warranty or the cheapest equipment you’ve ever found or heard of, it has to be installed correctly or you’re going to have problems.”
Cost is an important part of choosing the right HVAC system, but the cheapest quote may not be the best. To cut costs, these companies may cut corners.
“In some cases, you may see companies cutting corners and only replacing the furnace box or evaporator coil box and leaving all other parts alone as if they were fully operational,” warns Steve Wade, senior director of operations and procurement at ARS. A quality HVAC company will do the job right the first time and give you a fair quote to get it done.
Follow these best practices when researching local HVAC contractors.
- Get quotes from at least three companies and compare prices, brands, and customer service.
- Make sure each company has the proper licenses and insurance.
- Read reviews online to see what homeowners in your area have had experiences.
Step 6: Evaluate the energy efficiency rating
HVAC energy efficiency ratings measure how well your HVAC system converts fuel to heat your home or converts electricity to cool your home. The more efficient your unit, the more you save on energy costs. HVAC efficiency is measured in three ways:
- SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio): Measure cooling efficiency over a full season
- EER2 (Energy efficiency ratio): Measure efficiency at peak conditions (hot days)
- HSPF2 (Heating Season Performance Factor): Measuring the heating efficiency of heat pumps
| Efficiency evaluation | minimum efficiency | High efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| Thea 2 | 14.0 (northern states) to 15.0 (southern states) | 16.0+ |
| EER2 | 8.0 | 12.0+ |
| HSPF2 | 7.5 | 8.5+ |
Evaluating energy efficiency is important. These will tell you if the unit will work properly and save you money. However, you don’t always want the most efficient HVAC unit. For many homeowners, 14 or 15 SEER2 units are sufficient, especially if they plan to sell their home and don’t see any long-term benefits.
Step 7: Installation date and after installation
Most HVAC installations only take a day or two to complete, but may take longer if new ductwork is required or for more complex projects.
On the day of installation, an air conditioning company will come to your home and prepare the installation location. We’ll remove your old HVAC unit for disposal, install your new system, and clean it once you’re done.
Common HVAC purchasing mistakes to avoid
Whether it’s an emergency or it’s simply time to replace an old unit, due diligence is an important part of any HVAC purchase. You can also choose the type of HVAC system you need before finding an installer. Alternatively, you can start by contacting a reputable HVAC company to determine the best system for your home.
“The most important advice I can give to people purchasing HVAC systems is to choose a company that offers a money-back guarantee,” Urquhart says. “We’ll be running this system for a year, and if there’s something we don’t like, the company will have to fix it.”
Without a warranty or manufacturing guarantee, you could end up paying for repairs that didn’t need to be made in the first place.
