HVAC Buyers Guide
Your HVAC Buyer's Guide
Air conditioners. Furnaces. Heat pumps. Filters and accessories. These things can be expensive and complicated.
You want to know that you’re making the right choices. How much should I expect to pay? How do I know what I do and don’t need?
These aren’t easy questions. But we can help you find the answers.This comprehensive eBook includes:
- Price ranges for all major equipment
- How to determine value in HVAC
- How to reduce your costs
- Factors that affect price and value
- Resources for additional research
Frequently Asked Questions
- Focus on proper sizing through a Manual J load calculation, energy efficiency ratings (SEER for cooling, AFUE for furnaces), equipment reliability, warranty coverage, and the quality of the installing contractor. The installation is just as important as the equipment itself — a great system installed poorly will underperform.
- The federal minimum for new AC systems is currently 14 SEER in our region. Systems in the 16-20+ SEER range offer meaningfully lower operating costs over the life of the equipment. The right rating for you depends on how long you plan to stay in your home and your comfort priorities.
- With proper maintenance, furnaces typically last 15-20 years, air conditioners 15-20 years, and heat pumps 10-15 years. The actual lifespan depends on usage patterns, maintenance history, installation quality, and the specific equipment. Regular tune-ups are the single biggest factor in reaching the upper end of those ranges.
- While matching brands can simplify warranty claims and ensure component compatibility, it is not strictly necessary. What matters more is that both systems are properly sized and installed by a qualified contractor. Our team will recommend the best combination for your home regardless of brand.