Selecting and Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

When replacing an existing heating and cooling system, it’s important to first consider the limitations imposed by your current system. Of course, it is possible to install virtually any heating and cooling system in any house, but the cost and aesthetic impacts may be unacceptable for you. When selecting a heating and cooling system for a new house, your options are generally much wider, although your builder or developer may place limitations on your choices.

For both new and existing homes, it’s important to first maximize the energy efficiency of your home. This is the most cost-effective means of keeping your home comfortable, no matter what climate you live in. After doing so, be sure to do what you can to make use of passive solar heating in your home and consider whether ventilation can keep your house cool on warm days, or if you really need artificial cooling. Only after exploring these topics should you decide on the type of system you want and work with a contractor to figure out the optimum size for it.

Even the most energy-efficient heating and cooling system will fail to save you money if it is installed incorrectly or improperly adjusted.

Here are some further tips on choosing contractors:

• Look for licensed, insured contractors
• Ask about previous experience
• Check references

The quality of the installation should be your highest priority, because quality will determine energy cost, comfort, and durability.

Switching to high-efficiency air conditioners and taking other actions to keep your home cool could reduce the energy use of your comfort needs by 20%–50%.