Buying a new HVAC system isn’t simply a matter of finding a model you like and bringing it home. There are a number of standards your new system needs to meet in order to ensure it runs properly and efficiently. Here’s how to make sure your HVAC system is up to code.
Sizing
HVAC sizing is your first consideration. If your system is too small, it will run too long to heat or cool the space, wasting energy. Too big and it will cycle on and off too quickly and create clammy, uncomfortable spots throughout the house. In both cases, the unit will be overworked, leading to a shortened life span. To prevent this, make sure your HVAC contractor sizes your unit according to Manual J.
In addition to the size of your unit, ductwork size is also important. A variety of factors must be considered, including air pressure, wind resistance, and friction. Wrongly sized ductwork can lead to poor air circulation, wasted energy, air leaks, and more issues.
Efficiency Ratings That Are Up to Code
It’s also important that your HVAC system meet efficiency standards. Your AC and furnace are the biggest consumers of energy in your home, so it’s necessary to mitigate that energy usage wherever possible.
Your AC’s efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which measures how much cooling the unit gives off for the amount of energy it uses over the course of an average season. Beginning in 2023, the minimum SEER rating for new ACs in Arizona will be 15. The higher the number, the more energy you save, so try to get a system rated at least 18 or 19 if you can.
For furnaces, the efficiency standard is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, which measures the percentage of fuel that’s given off as heat by your furnace. The minimum AFUE that is considered up to code is 80, which means the unit is 80% efficient, giving off 20% of its fuel as exhaust.
To ensure that your HVAC system is up to code, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We proudly serve all of Yuma’s home-comfort needs.
