The Best Heating and AC System for Your Home

The Right HVAC System Keeps You Comfortable Through the Highs and Lows

Keeping cozy and comfy all year round is all about picking the perfect heating and AC system for your home. Choosing the right system will ensure your home is comfortable, no matter what the weather is like outside. But if you chose the wrong one, or don’t care for it correctly, its performance — and your comfort — will suffer.

The Basic Components of HVAC Systems

When it comes to finding the best heating and AC system for your home, it helps to have a basic understanding of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. A typical residential HVAC system includes various components including the following:

• Thermostat: This is the control center of the HVAC system, where you can set your desired temperature. The thermostat signals the HVAC system to turn on and off based on the room's temperature and the set point you've chosen.
• Furnace: The furnace is the largest component of an HVAC system, often situated in the basement, attic, or a dedicated closet. It heats the air, which is then distributed throughout the home. The furnace can operate on various fuels like natural gas, oil, or electricity.
• Heat Exchanger: Located inside the furnace, the heat exchanger adds heat to the incoming air from the combustion chamber.
• Air Conditioner: Typically positioned outside the home, the air conditioner cools the air by removing heat and moisture. It works in tandem with the evaporator coil to cool and circulate air.
• Evaporator Coil: This component is either attached to the furnace or located inside the air handler. It cools the air as it passes through, working in conjunction with the air conditioning unit.
• Ductwork: This network of tubes in the walls, floors, and ceilings carries the heated or cooled air throughout the home.
• Vents: Air ducts lead to vents in the house, allowing the conditioned air to enter various rooms. The placement of supply vents and return vents facilitates efficient air circulation.
• Condensing Unit: Part of the outdoor air conditioning unit, the condensing unit exchanges heat with the air that passes over it, releasing outside the heated air that was removed from the inside.
• Blower Motor: This component circulates air through the furnace and the ductwork. It works in conjunction with the heating and cooling components to distribute conditioned air throughout the home.

These components all work together to regulate temperature, humidity, and air circulation in your home.

In simple terms, the furnace or heat pump transfers heat from the outside into your home. The air conditioner removes heat from your home and releases it outside. The ductwork carries the conditioned air throughout your home, ensuring every room receives the temperature you set on the thermostat.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an HVAC System

There are several important factors to consider when selecting a heating and AC system for your home. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision that will ensure optimal comfort and energy efficiency in your home.

• Energy Efficiency: Opt for systems with high SEER and AFUE ratings to enjoy better energy utilization and savings.
• System Type: Assess your options—central air, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits—based on your home's specifics and consult an HVAC professional to identify the ideal choice.
• Home and Climate Consideration: Your home's insulation, window quality, and local climate can influence your HVAC system's efficacy. Tailor your selection to these factors, seeking advice from HVAC experts to navigate your unique conditions.

When to Consider a New System

Not sure if it's time to replace your AC and furnace? There are a few things to consider. The age of your unit, its heating and cooling performance, and the frequency of repairs can help you determine if it's time for a new system.

Most systems have a lifespan of around 10-15 years. If your unit is approaching or surpassing this age, it may be less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. It's best not to wait until it completely fails, especially in the midst of a frigid winter or sizzling summer. Upgrading to a new system can provide improved energy efficiency, saving you money on your monthly utility bills.

Inadequate heating and/or cooling is another sign that it may be time for a new system. If your home doesn't reach the desired temperature or if there are significant temperature variations between rooms, your current system may be struggling to keep up. A new system can offer better performance, ensuring consistent and comfortable temperatures throughout your home.

Frequent repairs can be a hassle and a drain on your wallet. If you find yourself calling for repairs frequently or if the repair costs are adding up, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new system. Not only will a new system be more reliable, but it will also come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind and potentially saving you money in the long run.

Professional Installation

At Sears Home Services, we know that finding the perfect heating and AC system for your home is about more than just picking out equipment. That's why we take the time to evaluate the size of your home, understand your local climate, and check out your existing ductwork. We work hand-in-hand with you to figure out which system is best for you and your home. Schedule a free in-home consultation today to learn more about our HVAC solutions.

Opting for professional installation is key, and here's where our expertise shines. Our team at Sears Home Services isn't just any team; we're a group of consultants, project coordinators, installers and technicians who bring a wealth of knowledge and training to the table. Our team is constantly learning and adapting, ensuring they're on top of the latest in HVAC technology and standards. We pride ourselves on working together with you in your heating and AC system selection and installation, ensuring the process is seamless, timely, and tailored to your needs.

We're Here to Help Take Care of the System

Service doesn't stop just because you've found the best system. We're here to help you keep it performing at its best. Scheduling a yearly clean and maintain appointment is the best way to keep your system running smoothly. During these visits, our technicians will inspect, clean, and tune up your heating and AC system to identify any potential issues before they turn into major problems.

If your HVAC system is in need of repair, schedule a repair appointment with one of our experts. Our certified technicians have the skills and training to diagnose the problem and get it working again.