Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is a major investment. If you are planning a new HVAC system installation in your home in Bath, Pennsylvania, you want to be assured that your HVAC contractor has the qualifications and experience to do the job correctly. The certified technicians at Sullivan Oil & Propane have the experience and training to help you select a new HVAC system and install it correctly so that it lasts for years when properly maintained.
Evaluate Your Current HVAC System
Before selecting a new system, evaluate your current one. Consider the system’s age, cost of repairs made over the last several years and whether it is still under warranty. Look at last year’s utility bills to determine whether the system has been using more energy than usual.
Think about the comfort of your indoor environment now. Do you experience hot or cold spots within rooms? Are some rooms harder to heat and cool than others? Have you added rooms since the current system was installed? If your utility bills seem high, your indoor environment is uncomfortable, if the existing system is more than 10 years old or if it requires frequent or costly repairs, it is probably time for a replacement. The service technicians at Sullivan Oil & Propane will ask about your comfort and energy efficiency requirements as part of a new system evaluation.
Evaluate Comfort and Energy Efficiency Needs
In January 2023, new efficiency standards by the Department of Energy took effect. In Pennsylvania, which falls within the Northern region, the minimum required Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio increased to SEER 14 for split-system air conditioners. SEER values represent how efficiently a cooling system operates. Higher values represent higher efficiencies.
Furnaces must achieve an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency minimum of 81% AFUE. AFUE measures how much fuel a furnace uses to produce heat. Because heat pumps heat and cool, they are rated with two efficiencies. The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is now 8.8 HSPF, and cooling efficiency standards are 15 SEER.
In addition, manufacturers must comply with new testing standards that determine efficiency ratings. Nomenclatures of SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2 reflect the new testing standards. Because the tests are more stringent, rating numbers are lower. For example, 14 SEER is equivalent to 13.4 SEER2.
Carrier and other manufacturers offer equipment with higher SEER and HSPF ratios. In general, higher efficiency ratings correspond with higher costs.
Review HVAC System Options
Consumers can choose from several heating and cooling equipment options to find a system that works well with their unique situation:
- Ducted split-system and package air conditioning units. If you already have ducts, installing a new ducted system may work well. Choose from traditional systems or a heat pump.
- Ductless mini-split systems. If you live in an older home that does not have a ducted system or have added on to your home, ductless mini-splits provide a convenient solution.
- Heat pumps. Choose from several types of heat pumps, including air-source and geothermal systems.
- Furnaces and boilers. If you already have a furnace or boiler, you may prefer to replace or retrofit your unit with a high-efficiency model for better comfort and increased energy efficiency.
Understand Sizing and installation
Regardless of the system you choose, proper sizing and installation make the difference in efficiency and comfort. Undersized units run longer, which wears out the system more quickly. Oversized units cycle off before removing humidity, resulting in clammy, uncomfortable living spaces. Make sure your contractor uses industry standards for load calculation and sizing.
According to Energy Star, approximately half of all HVAC systems are improperly installed, which affects efficiency by as much as 30%. Poor installations result in leaking ducts, improper refrigerant charges or poor airflow. Improperly installed systems wear out sooner, use more energy and reduce comfort.
Work With the Experts at Sullivan Oil & Propane
Sullivan Oil & Propane is a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer. Our technicians train on leading-edge equipment, bringing you the best in the industry. We guarantee our work and are authorized to honor Carrier’s warranties and guarantees. We make sure your new installation meets the highest industry standards.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes many incentives for homeowners to reduce expenses and increase rebates, incentives and tax credits to help pay for your new system.
For more information about a new HVAC system installation in your Bath, Pennsylvania, home, call the experts at Sullivan Oil & Propane for a free quote.
