Selecting the Right Product

There are two major influences on getting the best system to fit your needs:

Select a skilled contractor. When it comes to central heating and cooling, product performance and reliability greatly depend on the contractor's ability to design and install a system compatible for your home. Check out our tips on how to select the right contractor.

Have an idea of what you want. Because heating or cooling purchases are infrequent, you may not be aware of the various product solutions that are available to correct common indoor comfort problems. If you do not speak up, the contractor may assume you are not interested in saving energy, lowering utility costs, correcting hot and cold spots in your home or a host of other solutions.

The best way to purchase a system you will be most satisfied with is to identify all the things that you would like to improve on from your current system. Some contractors will ask you these questions, but some may not. Therefore, educate yourself what you want your system to do for you.

An HVAC purchase is a long-term commitment, so now is the time to get the system that will satisfy your family's needs. You can do this by reviewing the questions below.

Do you want to lower your energy bills?

• If you have high gas bills in the winter, ask about 95% furnaces or higher.
• If you have high electric bills in the summer, ask about 15 SEER or higher.

Would you like to reduce the amount of hot and cold spots in your home?

• If there are hot/cold spots predominately during mild temperature days, then ask about your multi-stage options.
• Basic two-stage systems rely on two stages of heating or cooling to give better comfort during mild temperature days.
• Better two-stage systems use two stages of heating and cooling plus a variable-speed blower to provide more even temperature and fresh air in the home.
• The best is a modulating system that offers a multitude of stages to provide the most precise temperature control and comfort. Not all manufacturers have indoor and outdoor modulating systems like Frigidaire.

Do you want to control temperature by room?

• Zoning systems are designed to allow the homeowner to control the temperature by room. You can zone as little as two areas or you can zone up to eight. The ability to zone your home, and the approach to zoning, may vary depending on both the home layout and contractor skill.

Is it too humid in your home?

Does it get too dry in the home?

Do you have pets and the resulting dust and dander?

Is dust a problem in your home?

Does anyone in your family have allergies?