Selecting a System

System Types and Upgrades

When finding a system that meets your needs, you may be faced with many unfamiliar terms and choices. Learn about common system types and options available to you.

High-efficiency heat pump installation
OVERVIEW Explore common questions about system types and upgrades you may need to choose from.

Energy efficient, flexible installation options and safety are all great reasons to choose a mini-split system. These systems deliver control over your interior climate needs with versatility, quick installation (vs. ducted systems), and greater safety than portable electric heaters. Given their size and portability, they are quicker to install than traditional whole home ducted systems. As a result of their design, they allow management of each individual room. Choosing a mini-split system vs. a ducted system depends on your climate needs, your home's structure, and whether you have an existing system with ductwork.

To cool your home's interior, an air conditioner removes heat and humidity from indoor air and sends it outside, while a heat pump is a part of the HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home. Heat pumps use refrigerant to absorb, transport, and release heat, and they can reverse the flow of that refrigerant with a valve (which an air conditioner cannot do), depending on whether heating or cooling is needed. Heat pumps are powered by electricity vs. fossil fuels. To decrease or maintain the carbon footprint, modern heat pumps perform well in nearly all climates.

Upgrading from a Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motor to ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) in a furnace or air handler could lead to a decrease in energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, and noise from your HVAC system. PSC motors either turn on or turn off, operating at one speed and are not able to adjust for static pressure (resistance in your HVAC system caused by duct sizing, dirty filters and other issues). Upgrading to an ECM motor could be an energy efficient way to maximize proper airflow and IAQ equipment (Indoor Air Quality). Find your local dealer and discuss which option is right for your home.

The thermostat is the primary touchpoint for most homeowners' HVAC systems. Many homeowners are switching to smart thermostats for an integrated home environment. With a touch of a button on their smartphone, homeowners can control their HVAC systems whether they are home or not. Smart thermostats offer many fantastic benefits for homeowners such as energy efficiency, money savings, greater control over their HVAC systems, sustainability and environmental considerations, and comfort. There are eco functions that limit system operations based on time of day, sensors that factor direct sunlight on the thermostat for running the system, and snapshot reports on energy consumption. The benefits of upgrading to a smart thermostat are numerous, and it is simple to install, with the help of a technician.

About 25 million lightning External URL strikes hit the United States each year. If one of these strikes your home, it can do extensive damage to vital electrical components. When lightning hits a power line, a spike of over 100,000 volts External URL can occur and burn through wiring insulation and cause fires—even modest spikes can destroy a wide variety of electronic devices. In the US, the national average cost of an HVAC system External URL is $8,000 but can range anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the brand, size, and features. The HVAC system is often the most expensive electrical device in a home, and power surges can damage or destroy your HVAC system. Adding surge protection to your HVAC system is a wise investment.

Disclaimer: The advice offered here is intended as a basic guide only and not to be used as, or substituted for, professional tax preparation advice. Consult a certified tax professional or CPA as appropriate.