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Heating & Air Conditioning Buying Guide

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If you are considering replacing your heating and air conditioning system, Constellation Home is here to help. We’re Maryland’s #1 choice for heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and more. As the single largest energy user in your home, the purchase of a new heating and air conditioning system is an important decision. Our Heating & Air Conditioning Buying Guide will help you find the right system for your home and budget.

As you begin to review heating and air conditioning solutions, it could be the right time to replace your system if:

  • Your system is no longer under warranty
  • You have seen an increase in your energy bill
  • Your heating and air conditioning system is unreliable
  • Your heating and air conditioning system is noisy
  • The furnace consistently turns off and on in the winter
  • The air conditioner or heat pump continuously runs in the summer
  • Some rooms in your home are always too hot or too cold

Use the Heating and Air Conditioning Buying Guide sections below to learn more about the most important factors of an HVAC system replacement. Our team will answer any questions you may have to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your new system.

When your house is more comfortable, so are you. Your heating and air conditioning equipment should help keep you comfortable by maintaining the right temperature in your home no matter the season. When determining the best heating and air conditioning system for your home, consider the following.

  • Customized for Your Home: Your heating and air conditioning system should meet the needs of your family. Our knowledgeable Comfort Consultants help find the best system for your home and budget. We offer a variety of quality boilers, furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners.
  • Quiet Operation: New heating and air conditioning systems operate quietly.
  • Indoor Air Quality: Improve the air quality in your home with a whole-house humidifier, whole-house air cleaner,  duct cleaning and carbon monoxide detectors.

Your heating and air conditioning system is the single largest energy user in your home. A new furnace, central air conditioning system, heat pump or boiler can help can help reduce energy use.

  • SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is the measure of energy efficiency for the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps. The SEER rating indicates the efficiency of the HVAC equipment in the conversion of electricity into cooling power. The higher the SEER rating, the greater the energy savings potential. The minimum government standard for SEER is 13, a 30% increase over prior standards.
  • AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the measure of efficiency for the heating process of gas and oil-fired furnaces. The AFUE rating indicates the efficiency of the equipment in the conversion of fuel into heat. As an example, an AFUE rating of 90% translates into 90% of the fuel is being utilized to heat your home, while the remaining 10% is wasted. The minimum government standard for AFUE is 78%.
  • HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the measure of energy efficiency for the heating mode of heat pumps. The HSPF rating indicates the efficiency of the equipment in the conversion of electricity into heating power. The higher the HSPF rating, the greater the energy savings potential. The minimum government standard for HSPF is 7.7.

Constellation Home is here to help find the right heating system or air conditioner for your home. It is important to consider the following:

  • Type: Determine the type of HVAC equipment you need—furnace, central air conditioning system, heat pump or boiler.
  • Fuel Source: Determine your fuel source—electricity, natural gas, propane or oil. Equipment options and efficiency ratings will vary based upon fuel source.
  • Size: Determine the proper size heating and air conditioning system you need for your home and budget.
  • Warranty: Understand the warranties available. A manufacturer warranty, or dealer warranty, can provide parts and labor coverage in the case of equipment malfunctions.
  • Accessories: Consider enhancing your home comfort with a programmable thermostat, whole-house humidifier, whole-house air cleaner, duct cleaning and carbon monoxide detectors.

At Constellation Home, we want to make sure that your new heating and air conditioning system fits your budget and your needs. Let our Energy and Comfort Consultants find the right solution for you and your home with a free estimate.

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