Choose Wisely When It Comes to Your Heating & Cooling System
Buying a new HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is a significant investment—one that directly affects your comfort, utility bills, and even your home’s resale value. Yet, many homeowners fall into avoidable traps during the buying process. Our team is seasoned and well equipped to ensure you get the best unit for your needs.
If you’re considering a new HVAC unit and want to brave the process alone, here are the most common (and costly) mistakes to watch out for—and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Size System
One of the biggest—and most frequent—mistakes is buying a unit that’s either too big or too small for your home.
- Too small? It will struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures, run constantly, and wear out faster.
- Too large? It will short cycle (turn on and off frequently), leading to poor humidity control, uneven temperatures, and wasted energy.
Solution: Always get a proper load calculation (Manual J) performed by a certified HVAC professional. Don’t guess based on square footage alone.
2. Focusing Only on Price
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest unit, especially when you’re facing the steep costs of HVAC installation. But price alone can be misleading.
- Cheaper units may be less efficient, have shorter lifespans, or come from brands with poor customer service and warranty support.
- Lower installation bids often reflect shortcuts, unlicensed contractors, or subpar materials.
Solution: Compare total value, not just upfront cost. Consider energy efficiency ratings (SEER, EER, HSPF), warranty terms, and installer reputation.
3. Ignoring Energy Efficiency
An inefficient HVAC unit might save you money today but will cost you a fortune in the long run through higher utility bills.
- Efficiency ratings directly affect how much energy your unit uses to heat or cool your home.
- Older or less efficient units may not qualify for tax credits or rebates.
Solution: Look for Energy Star-certified systems and compare seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER2). Investing in a more efficient unit often pays off in just a few years.
4. Not Vetting the Installer
Even the best HVAC system will underperform or fail early if it’s installed incorrectly.
- Poor installation can lead to airflow problems, refrigerant leaks, or uneven temperatures throughout your home.
- A common pitfall is hiring unlicensed or inexperienced contractors just to save a few bucks.
Solution: Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured HVAC contractor with good reviews, certifications (such as NATE), and a solid installation guarantee.
5. Overlooking Ductwork and Insulation
Your HVAC unit is only part of the equation. If your ducts are leaking or your insulation is poor, your system will be fighting an uphill battle.
- Leaky ducts can lose up to 30% of conditioned air.
- Poor insulation can cause major temperature fluctuations, overworking your HVAC system.
Solution: Have your ducts inspected and sealed if necessary. Also, ensure your attic and walls are properly insulated to maximize system performance.
6. Neglecting Maintenance Needs
Some homeowners expect their new HVAC unit to run forever without any upkeep. But even the best systems require regular maintenance to perform at their peak.
Solution: Sign up for a preventive maintenance plan. Regular checkups help catch small issues before they become expensive problems—and they protect your warranty.
Buying a new HVAC system in Boise, Idaho doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require doing your homework. Avoiding these common mistakes can save you thousands of dollars, protect your comfort, and extend the life of your system. Always work with professionals you trust, and don’t be afraid to ask questions before signing on the dotted line.
Contact our trustworthy team today for a free quote on a new system!
