After giving you about 15 years of comfort, your faithful HVAC system may start showing its age. If you’re noticing that your system is not running as smoothly as it once did and your utility bills are increasing, it might be time to think about getting a new one.
At MSCO Heating & Cooling, we understand that buying a new HVAC system is a big decision. That’s why we’re here to offer you a simple guide to help you understand what an HVAC system is, how it works, and what to look for when you’re ready to buy a new one.
What is an HVAC System and How Does It Work?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It’s what keeps our homes warm in the winter, and cool in the summer, and ensures that fresh air circulates all year round throughout your home.
Here are the main parts of an HVAC system:
- Thermostat: This is the brain of the HVAC system. It tells your HVAC when to turn on and off and sets the temperature for your home.
- Condenser: Usually located outside, it releases or collects heat, depending on the time of the year.
- Furnace or Air Handler: This is the interior part of your HVAC system, often found in the attic. It’s designed to heat or cool air that is distributed throughout your home.
- Ducts: These are the passageways that carry air to all the living areas of your home. Clean and well-maintained ducts are key to efficient airflow.
Different Types of HVAC Systems
When choosing a new system, here are the types you might consider:
- Split Systems: This is the most common type, with components that are located both inside and outside the home.
- Hybrid Systems: Similar to Heat Pump split systems but with a bonus – they can switch between gas power, which is faster and more powerful, to electricity, which is more efficient and quieter.
- Ductless, Mini-Split Systems: Perfect for homes without ductwork, ductless mini splits allow you to control the temperature in individual rooms.
- Heat Pump Systems: These pull double duty by cooling and heating your home, rejecting warm air in summer and drawing in heat from the exterior in winter. This double operation makes a heat pump system ideal for climates like ours in the greater Virginia Beach area.
Factors to Consider When Buying a New HVAC System
Here’s what you should keep in mind to get the best system for your needs:
- Capacity: Make sure the system is the right size for your home. If it’s too big, you’ll waste energy and most likely have humidity and moisture issues. If it’s too small it won’t be able to keep your home comfortable.
- Local Climate: In the Virginia Beach area, we need systems that can handle both hot summers and chilly winters.
- Efficiency: Look at the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating—the higher the SEER, the more efficient the system, and that means lower energy bills!
- Warranty and Maintenance Service Plans: Protect your investment with a good warranty and regular maintenance provided by your installer.
- Price: Consider both the upfront cost and its effect on your budget, as well as the long-term energy savings.
What Does a New HVAC System Cost?
This a fair question and the answer to installation costs depends on various factors including:
- Your type of equipment.
- The manufacturer of equipment.
- The local climate.
- The age, size, and layout of your home.
- The SEER rating of your system.
With these considerations in mind, the average cost of a new HVAC system for your home could vary from approximately $5,000 up to slightly more than $12,000.
Does a New HVAC Increase Home Value?
Installing a new heating and cooling system can potentially increase the value of your home from 5% to 7%, with a return on investment (ROI) of up to 30% if you replace your current setup with a newer system with a higher SEER rating. Additionally, if you place your home on the market, a more advanced HVAC unit is sure to impress potential buyers, and that impression could be the difference in choosing between your own home and another.
HVAC Installation and Service – Contact the HVAC Experts at MSCO Heating & Cooling
Choosing the right HVAC system can be a breeze with a little help from the HVAC professionals at MSCO Heating & Cooling. Serving the greater Virginia Beach area for over 65 years, we’re proud to install high-quality Trane and Mitsubishi systems, and credit options are available through our partners at Wells Fargo.
Don’t sweat over the details—reach out to us at 757-427-0016, and we’ll make sure you get the system that best fits your needs and budget.
