What to Ask When Buying a New HVAC System

What Size HVAC System Do I Need?
- Have an HVAC professional perform a load calculation to determine the appropriate size for your home or building based on factors like square footage, insulation, and climate.
What Type of HVAC System Should I Choose?
- There are a variety of system types, including central air conditioning, heat pumps, ductless mini-split systems, and more. Discuss and determine which type is best for your specific requirements.
What Efficiency Rating Should I Look for?
- Efficiency is measured by Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling and Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for heating. Higher AFUE ratings mean greater efficiency and potentially lower operating costs.
What Brands or Manufacturers Should I Consider?
- Research reputable HVAC manufacturers and brands to determine which have a decent reputation for quality and reliability.
Do I Need Zoning?
- Zoning your system allows you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently. This increases comfort and energy efficiency.
What About Energy Efficiency Rebates or Tax Credits?
- In some regions, you could qualify for a rebate or tax credit for installing an energy-efficient HVAC system. Research or ask about available incentives.
What Maintenance Will the System Require?
- Find out about the particular system’s maintenance requirements and cost, such as filter changes, cleaning, and annual servicing, to keep the system running efficiently.
What’s the Warranty Coverage?
- Ask about the warranty for both the equipment and labor. Understand what’s covered and for how long. Usually, different parts of the system have different warranty periods. For example, the compressor often has the longest since it is the heart of the system.
How Much Will the System Cost, Including Installation?
- Get multiple, detailed quotes for the equipment and installation costs so you can compare what is being offered, apples to apples. Request that the quotes separate out equipment and labor, with equipment model numbers specifically listed.
Are There Financing Options Available?
- See if the HVAC company offers financing options or payment plans, especially if you’re concerned about the upfront cost.
Can I Upgrade My Thermostat?
- Consider what thermostat options are compatible with the system. You’ll likely want a programmable or smart thermostat for better control and energy savings.
Are There Any Indoor Air Quality Considerations?
- Indoor air quality is often overlooked by the buyer and the selling HVAC company. Be sure to ask about options for air purification, humidity control, and ventilation if you have concerns about indoor air quality.
What’s the Installation Timeline?
- As with any project, get the installer to commit to a schedule and amount of time it will take to complete.
Can You Provide References or Examples of Past Installations?
- It’s never a bad idea to ask for references from past customers or photos of previous installations to assess the contractor’s work quality. Try to stick to companies who friends, family, or neighbors have been happy with.
What’s the Plan for Disposing of Old Equipment?
- Make sure the contractor will dispose of your old HVAC equipment.
What’s the Contingency Plan for Unexpected Issues?
- Talk about what happens if unexpected problems come up during the installation process and how they will be resolved.
What Are the Operation and Maintenance Instructions?
- Make sure there are clear instructions on how to operate and maintain the new HVAC system.

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