Heating and Cooling System Self-Assessment: 5 Things to Consider

Choosing the best HVAC system for your home involves considering key factors like air flow, the impact of filtration systems on air quality, and how humidity and temperature work together to create a comfortable home.

1. Comfort

Comfort issues often arise when your heater or air conditioner begins to decline or needs repair. To help assess if it's best to replace your HVAC system or schedule repair, consider these questions:

• Have you noticed a steady increase in your utility bill?
• Does your system tend to run all of the time?
• Is the second floor always warmer/cooler than the first floor?
• Are some rooms warmer or cooler than others?
• Are you adjusting your thermostat constantly?
• Do you notice that your home is very dry or very humid?

If you answered 'yes' to just one or two questions, you may just need yearly HVAC maintenance service. If the answer is 'yes' to several or all of these questions, it may be time for an HVAC repair or a full heating or central air conditioner system replacement.

2. Air Quality

Part of your decision on replacing your heating and cooling system is the importance of air quality. If you have someone in your household with breathing problems or allergies, then air quality may be a top priority. Perhaps you live near a road where a lot of dust is generated, which you’d like to keep out of your home. Regardless of the level of filtration you need, we have systems that will fit your lifestyle.

Feature	Standard	Filter	Media Filter	Electronic Air Cleaner
Air Quality Level	Blocks 90% of Particles	Blocks 50% of particles	Blocks 90% of Particles	Blocks 99.9% of Particles
Pollen and Plant Spores	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bacteria	All	Most	All	All
Atmospheric and Household Dust	Most	Most	Most	All
Lint	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pet Dander and Insecticide Dust	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tobacco Smoke	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Viruses	No	No	No	Yes

3. Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Our healthy home solutions options also include different types of blocking capabilities. Ultraviolet light has its benefits, especially for killing bacteria and viruses.

• Used in food prep & medical field for years.
• Well-known for killing bacteria and viruses.
• Acts as a disinfectant by penetrating and reacting with the DNA in micro-organisms.
• Permanently alters DNA, inhibiting ability to reproduce.
• Mold & mildew spores are killed by the UV lights.
• Eliminates up to 99.9% of mold spores in your system.
• Kills up to 87% of certain airborne bacteria passing through the system.
• Reduces indoor coil maintenance.

4. Humidity

Humidity impacts how temperature feels. The ideal humidity range is between 40%- 60% in your home. At this level the warmth you ‘feel’ in the house will equal what is displayed on the thermostat. Without system assisted humidification your home will likely feel 2-5 degrees cooler than what the heating system is pumping out. Each degree can equal up to an additional 5% difference on your energy bill. Heating Systems can assist with humidification so your home feels exactly like the temperature setting.

5. Air Flow

Another common concern is the inconsistency in temperature from room to room in your home. You might notice that one room feels warm while another is cool, especially in climates with significant temperature fluctuations. Older HVAC units often struggle to regulate these changes effectively. Insulation levels and duct leakage can also contribute to uneven temperatures. Variable airflow systems offer a solution by helping to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home. The chart below explains how each system performs during temperature changes.

Temperature	Dual Fuel	Package System	Electric AC Split	Electric HP Split	Furnace AC Split
Hot	Heat pump runs at 100% capacity.	AC and HP Units run at 100% capacity.	AC runs at 100% capacity, high stage.	Heat pump runs at 100% capacity.	AC runs at 100% capacity, high stage.
Moderately Warm	AC runs at 67% capacity.	AC and HP Units run at 67% capacity	AC runs at 67% capacity.	Heat pump runs at 67% capacity.	AC runs at 67% capacity.
Moderately Cool	Heat pump runs at 67% capacity. Gas Furnace runs at 70% capacity, low stage.	Two stage HP unit provides economical heat.	Electric Air Handler heat strip provides all the heat required.	Heat pump runs at 67% capacity.	Gas Furnace runs at 70% capacity, low stage.
Cool/Cold	Heat pump runs at 100% capacity. Gas Furnace runs at 100% capacity, high stage.	Electric heat strip or a gas furnace provides sufficient heat to meet needs.	Electric Air Handler heat strip provides all the heat required.	Heat pump runs at 100% capacity, high stage. Electric Air Handler heat strip provides all the heat required.	Gas Furnace runs at 100% capacity, high stage.