Choosing the Perfect HVAC System for Your Alberta Home
Choosing the HVAC system for your home.
Hey there, Alberta homeowners! As temperatures fluctuate and seasons change in our beautiful province, having the right HVAC system can make all the difference in keeping your home comfortable year-round. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect one for your unique needs? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this post, we'll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting the ideal HVAC system for your Alberta abode.
Assess Your Heating and Cooling Needs: Alberta's climate is known for its extremes, from bone-chilling winters to scorching summers. Start by evaluating your home's heating and cooling requirements based on factors like square footage, insulation quality, and local climate conditions. This assessment will help determine the size and capacity of the HVAC system you need to maintain optimal comfort levels throughout the year.
Consider Energy Efficiency: With rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, choosing an energy-efficient HVAC system is more important than ever. Look for models with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings for air conditioners and AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings for furnaces. Energy-efficient systems not only save you money on utility bills but also reduce your carbon footprint.
Think About Fuel Types: In Alberta, homeowners have several fuel options for heating their homes, including natural gas, propane, and electricity. Consider the availability and cost of different fuel types in your area, as well as their environmental impact. Natural gas is a popular choice due to its affordability and widespread availability, but electric heat pumps can be worth exploring when paired with an ample solar panel system.
Evaluate System Features and Technologies: Modern HVAC systems come equipped with a variety of features and technologies designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and efficiency. From programmable thermostats and zoning systems to variable-speed motors and advanced filtration, explore the available options and choose the ones that best suit your lifestyle and preferences. In most cases for gas furnaces a 2-stage gas valve with a non-variable speed fan is the best choice for a balance between comfort and cost.
Consult with HVAC Professionals: When in doubt, don't hesitate to seek guidance from qualified HVAC professionals. A qualified Sheet metal mechanic can assess your home's heating and cooling needs, recommend suitable system options, and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, they can ensure proper installation and maintenance to maximize the lifespan and performance of your HVAC system.
By considering these factors and consulting with experts, you can confidently choose the right HVAC system to keep your Alberta home cozy and comfortable for years to come. Remember, investing in the perfect HVAC system is an investment in your family's comfort, health, and well-being. Stay warm in winter, cool in summer, and enjoy every moment in your perfectly climate-controlled home sweet home!
The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Your HVAC System in Alberta
From basic to advanced maintenance.
Regular maintenance of your home heating and cooling system can save you money on your utility bills and in costly repairs.
Regular maintenance like changing your filters is something everyone can do, and helps keep the inside of your furnace and ductwork clean. In fact, if you change your furnace filters regularly there is no need for furnace and duct cleaning at all, that filter is supposed to be catching everything before it gets to the furnace and supply duct. So if you just change your filters either, as soon as they become dirty, or sooner, you can save yourself all the money you would have spent on duct cleaning. How often should you change your filter? That is a broader topic that could be a blog post of it’s own, but essentially if it looks dirty, you are already too late changing it.
Getting a little more advanced is cleaning your air-conditioning condenser, that is the big box that sits outside. Still something that most people can manage, at least at a basic level. Mostly just involves washing the fins with a garden hose if done regularly and it isn’t in a highly dirty area. Being near a clothes dryer exhaust is an example of where it may need deeper cleaning.
More advanced maintenance can be more risky and should usually be left to a professional. Things like checking your fan motor electrical draws, cleaning the blades of the blower fan, replacing hot surface ignitors, inspecting flame profiles and adjusting gas pressure if necessary. Of course when you do need more in depth maintenance or service, give us a call and we will make sure everything that can be done to make your system healthy is taken care of.