Too many homeowners call around from company to company looking for the lowest price when it’s time to replace their heating and air conditioning systems. But price isn’t everything. An air conditioner or heater that is not rated highly for efficiency or one that isn’t the right size for the space in your home will cost more money to run each month. In time, this can really add up.

We’ve got some better recommendations on what you should look for when you’re shopping around for a new heater or air conditioner. For more information, contact a GSM Services technician!

Efficiency

High-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems can save you a lot of money over time. While they might cost a little more upfront, the annual savings eventually offsets this price, assuming that you keep the system maintained properly.

For new air conditioning systems, look for a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of 16 or higher. Heating efficiency is measured by AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), a number that represents the percentage of energy the system actually uses to heat your home. Look for an AFUE of 85 or higher.

Sizing

You can buy a 19 SEER air conditioner or a furnace with an AFUE of 98%, but this means nothing if the system is not properly installed and sized. Sizing a new system means paying attention to the square footage, along with multiple other factors. The amount of insulation, the placement of windows, and the shading around the building can all have a significant impact on the size needed for your home. And a system that is a little too small or too large may fail prematurely and cost a lot more to run.

Quality Technicians

In order to ensure you get the right system for your home, you should work with quality technicians from the very beginning of the process. The right technicians will work within your budget to find the proper system size and the most efficient unit possible. They won’t try to push a system you don’t need, but they should encourage you to consider the impact a high-efficiency system will have on your heating and AC costs in the future.

Considering a new heating or air conditioning system for your home in Charlotte, NC? Call GSM Services, in business since 1927! Leave the comfort to us.