Keeping the temperature in your home just right can be a tricky business. Whether it’s too hot in the summer, or too cold in the winter, before finding a system that works you have to consider a number of factors.
In this day and age, the expense – for both the unit and the ongoing operation – is definitely one of the top considerations. Money can be tight no matter what time of the year, so finding something that works within your budget is important. And finding an efficient unit that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to keep running is equally critical.
So, in a perfect world you will find something that is not only energy efficient but that also is strong enough to work efficiently in the space needed and be within your means. So in order to find that perfect solution to your heating and cooling needs for your home, we’ve compiled a few tips:
- There are many different options available today, so the good news is there is more choice. Some systems are actually hybrid models that use a combination of electricity along with natural gas. In this case, the air conditioning uses electricity to cool the air, while the heating unit uses natural gas to heat the air. There are sensors which will help to determine whether or not to kick in the air conditioner, or to kick in the heater. Some people claim this dual purpose models are more energy efficient in the long run but that does depend on what you are looking for as far as function and how much space you are working with.
- As far as other features that you need to consider, ductless systems can work well depending on what you are looking for. A split air conditioning system can also work well. It’s a good idea to do some research into all the different systems and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- You need to know the area in which you need to cool or heat. There is no point in saving money by purchasing a smaller unit, only to find out that it is not adequate enough to do the job properly. The system will have to work too hard and probably break down a lot faster as well as sucking up additional energy costs which will just overtake the original short term savings.
- Once you know your space and have some idea on the type of system, you should also consider the costs and how you can get it installed most efficiently. If you already have existing ductwork, then that will save you a lot of money if they can just continued to be used.
- If you’ve done your homework and have found a few comparable systems, then let cost be the final factor in your decision making process. Look for a reputable company that offers a good warranty as well. Read the fine print so you are not caught with any surprises.
So as with any significant purchase, do some homework is always recommended. Then once you’ve done all that, you can look forward to a cool summer and a toasty winter!