Although many people have heard the term ‘HVAC’ and are familiar with what an HVAC system does – heats and cools your house – they know very little about what an HVAC system is or how it works. For this reason, homeowners are vulnerable to making mistakes when scheduling HVAC installation in Greenwood, Indiana or finding an HVAC company.
HVAC installation can be a significant investment that maximizes your comfort, helps you save money, and adds value to your home. However, you need to understand what you are diving into when getting a new system installed in your house. Below, we look at four things you need to know about professional HVAC installation.
1. What Does HVAC Stand For?
Let’s start with the basics. What do the four letters in HVAC stand for?
HVAC stands for
- Heating,
- Ventilation, and
- Air
- Conditioning
It is an all-encompassing term that refers to all your heating and cooling system components. If you break your system down, there are three main parts.
1. Heating
The main unit that heats your house in a standard home is the furnace. The furnace can be located anywhere in your house, but it’s usually in a central location to heat the rest of the house efficiently. The Furnace produces both heat and air circulation, which goes through the ductwork and out the vents.
2. Cooling
On the other end of the air temperature spectrum is the air conditioner. The AC produces cool air to keep your house cool during the summer. In almost all cases, the AC unit is outside close to the house. It also connects to the ductwork, which channels the cool air through the vents and around the house.
3. Ventilation
To be effective, the furnace and air conditioner must be able to circulate air through the house. They channel air through a ventilation system that includes air ducts and vents. Once the air passes through the ducts, it circulates back into the system and through your house again.
2. Do I Need HVAC Installation or HVAC Repair?
Every time something goes wrong with your HVAC system, you may cringe, thinking that this is the time when you’ll have to schedule HVAC installation. However, it is not always the case with every problem. An air conditioner or furnace repair service may solve the problem.
How do you know if your HVAC system needs repair or replacement? There are several factors that your HVAC technician will consider when determining the best solution.
- Age of the HVAC unit
- Use of R-22 freon
- HVAC repair frequency
- Repair costs
- Energy costs
When You Need HVAC Repair
Furnace or air conditioner repair is the best option if you have a newer system, the repairs are rare, and the repairs are low-cost. You’ll also want to consider repairs over a replacement if your energy costs are reasonable and consistent.
Minor repairs may include dirty filters, pilot problems, thermostat calibration or replacement, blow fuses, normal wear, dirty condenser coils, or drainage issues. An HVAC technician can handle these problems quickly and hand you a bill that shouldn’t affect your bank account.
When You Need HVAC Installation
HVAC installation is the best option if you have an older system, the repairs are frequent, and the repairs are expensive. You’ll also want to consider an HVAC installation if your energy bill is higher than normal and keeps climbing.
Major issues that should raise a red flag include high dust accumulation, loud or strange noises, or odors coming from the unit. You should also be alarmed if you can’t seem to get your home to a comfortable level no matter what you do to improve the system.
3. There’s a Difference Between Cheap and Affordable HVAC Installation
A good HVAC technician understands that many homeowners operate on a tight monthly budget. They try to help their clients find affordable HVAC installation solutions. The ability to save some money on the installation helps the homeowner stay within their budget and improves the HVAC company’s reputation as a truly caring business.
However, even caring technicians have a threshold between affordable and cheap that they will not cross because they know it does not serve the client’s best interest.
So, if you’re considering cutting corners to get a cheap HVAC installation, you may want to reconsider. The consequences could be far-reaching, as you feel the sting of your decision over several years. What does a quality, affordable HVAC system look like?
- It has the ENERGY STAR seal of approval.
- It has a high SEER rating of 14 or higher.
- It has a minimum 10-year warranty.
- Your utility bill saves you between $30 and $100 per month.
- It has consistently high customer ratings from consumers and professionals.
- The person installing the unit is certified by the manufacturer.
4. What Do I Look for in an HVAC Company in Greenwood, Indiana?
The company you hire to perform the HVAC installation is just as important as the system you choose. A reputable HVAC technician can provide a positive experience in all areas of their work, including the products they recommend. So choose your technician wisely. Doing so will help you avoid buyer’s remorse long after the job is done.
When shopping around for an HVAC company in Greenwood, Indiana, consider the following factors:
- Licensing and certification
- Liability insurance
- References from recent clients
- Online customer reviews and ratings
- Experience with your type of installation
- What’s in the installation estimate
- What’s in the workmanship warranty
Regardless of which company you choose, make sure the technician is licensed, certified, and insured. These should be non-negotiable items in which there are no exceptions.
Schedule HVAC Installation in Greenwood, Indiana
If you need a new HVAC system for your home or business, contact Johnson Comfort. We offer complete HVAC installation in Greenwood, Indiana. To schedule a free estimate, fill out the contact form or give us a call.