Mike Holmes Says How To Choose The Best HVAC System For Your Home

When shopping for a new heating and cooling system, you may wonder what HVAC stands for. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This includes your heating system, central air conditioning, and ventilation, which consists of the air handler, return vents, and ductwork. A whole-house air purifier can also be part of the system. Honestly, the components can vary greatly, and an HVAC system is a significant investment that can keep your home comfortable for a decade or more with regular maintenance, so you don't want to make mistakes. Knowing how to choose the best system for your home will help you make the right decision.

Thankfully, Mike Holmes advised on how to choose the best HVAC system on an episode of his website. He points out that selecting the right system requires considering the size of your home, your household's energy needs, the climate where you live, and your budget. Depending on your unique needs, several types of systems are available to keep your home comfortable in every season of the year.

There are several types of HVAC systems. The most popular include electric heat pumps, furnace and air conditioner combos, and ductless mini-split systems. Electric heat pumps are energy-efficient systems that warm your home in the winter and cool it in the summer with one unit. On his website, Mike Holmes recommends heat pumps, "if you're seeking an energy-efficient and cost-effective solution for heating and cooling, particularly in climates where temperatures seldom fall below freezing."

Forced air furnaces and central air conditioning combination systems provide reliable heating and air conditioning. These systems distribute heated and cooled air through the ductwork in your home. This type of system is a great choice when you need reliable heat in extremely cold weather and air conditioning in the summer months.

A mini-split system is a ductless heating and cooling system that works similarly to an electric heat pump. Ductless systems are a versatile and flexible option that doesn't require ductwork. Each air handler delivers heating and cooling directly into the room. You can use several air handlers to cover the whole house and control the temperature separately in different areas of the home. Holmes recommends these systems for older homes, room additions, or when you need to cool a specific area without ductwork.

Mike Holmes recommends considering your heating and cooling needs, energy efficiency, air quality, humidity control, and location to select the right system for your home. The region where you live is an important consideration. If you live in a warm area, a heat pump may provide sufficient heating and cooling to keep you comfortable all year long. However, heat pumps aren't always sufficient for homes in colder areas.

The cooling and heating needs of your home also have a part to play in determining the type and size of the system for your home. In addition to the size of your home, the type of windows, insulation, and direction your home is facing can have an impact on these cooling and heating needs. A large home with insufficient insulation will require a larger system than a smaller, well-insulated home.

Budget is equally an important consideration for most homeowners. When comparing the cost of HVAC systems, be sure to consider both the installation cost and the energy costs. The energy efficiency rating can help you figure out the costs of running your new system. Equipment with a good Energy Star rating can help you save money on monthly utility costs. Regardless of the system you choose, you will get the most from your equipment by following some useful tips to prolong the life of your HVAC system.