Should I rent or buy an air-conditioning system and furnace?
There are HVAC companies that offer homeowners the option to rent or buy an air-conditioning system or a furnace. The decision to rent or buy is yours to make but you can weigh certain factors to make a good decision. Some homeowners don’t want to be bothered by the problems of ownership and maintenance. The company will be responsible for maintenance and tune-up, repairs, and replacement. If you choose to rent a unit, make sure that you are dealing with a company that has been in the industry for a long time and has a solid reputation.
Buying your own unit is cheaper in the long term. Although as the owner, you will be responsible for repairs and maintenance and the upfront cost will be higher.
What is the best AC filter to buy?
To keep your air conditioner working optimally, you need to replace the air filter regularly. When selecting the air filter for your house, consider the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) which has a score from 1 to 20 to indicate its ability to capture airborne particles. Air filters with a higher MERC can capture even small particles flowing through your cooling system. Experts recommend buying air filters with at least a MERV of 7 or higher.
When is the best time to schedule an A/C tune-up or maintenance?
The best time to schedule an A/C tune-up is in May or April to avoid the rush of homeowners preparing for summer.
What is a smart thermostat?
A smart thermostat lets you control the temperature in your home remotely. It can help you reduce your heating costs.
You can connect it to your Wi-Fi network and check on your home’s temperature from your smartphone or other mobile devices. They can also be set to adjust temperatures automatically.
What is the average cost to replace a furnace?
You can expect to spend at least $2,500 for the purchase and installation of a new furnace. For a high-efficiency furnace with 2 stages, the cost could be from $3,000 to $5,000.
Why is it important to buy ENERGY STAR-certified equipment?
An average household spends hundreds of dollars on energy bills annually. Heating and cooling the home accounts for much of our energy use. Using ENERGY STAR certified equipment will help you to lower your monthly utility bills and help with environmental issues due to greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the average cost to install a central air-conditioning system?
To install central air-conditioning, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $7,500, when all is said and done. The cost depends on factors such as the model you choose, SEER, size, etc.
Is it better to install a ductless mini-split or central air conditioning system?
A ductless mini-split A/C system has a relatively low installation cost and can be used without any ductwork. Note, however, that they can only cool one room at a time. If you need to cool a larger area or multiple rooms, you will need to buy several “heads” and outdoor compressors, thereby increasing your overall cost.
It might be more practical to install a central air-conditioning system if you have a larger home. The cost will depend on the size of the condenser unit and any ductwork needed.
Work with a reliable HVAC contractor from our network and get professional advice on the best type of system for your home.
How much is a water heater replacement?
Any good home HVAC system needs a water heater. Fortunately, water heaters are pretty inexpensive and can be easily installed by professional technicians. A tank water heater can cost from $1,800 to $3,000 while a tankless water heater can cost from $3,000 to $5,000.
Are boilers better than furnaces for heating?
A boiler system is generally more expensive than a furnace, with prices ranging from $7,500 to $9,500.
For a large home, a boiler will be more expensive because it needs to be bigger and more powerful and you will need to install more pipes. For homes that are 2,000 square feet or more, a boiler could cost about $12,000 up.
While a furnace blows hot air into each room in a house, a boiler pushes hot water into radiators placed in each room. It can heat a whole home with a single system.
Boilers, also called hydronic systems, offer unique features such as radiant heating, underfloor tubing (toasty floors), melt snow or ice in the entrance to reduce the need for shoveling, spa systems, etc.
When planning to upgrade a heating system, you need to consider the existing architecture of your house. Consult a qualified HVAC contractor to find the best heating solution for your home.