With HVAC systems, many people still think it’s only about hot and cold air. In reality, the replacement of your air conditioning and heating system includes the same performance enhancements of the new car purchase. There are 2 big differences though. First, you most likely spend one half of your life in your home and the HVAC system controls the environment. Second, the investment in your HVAC system becomes part of your home’s value. Let’s look at today’s quality HVAC system and compare it to the new car features (Car-HVAC):

Fuel Mileage – Electric and Gas usage: Today’s best HVAC systems have 2 speed compressors, 2-3 levels of gas flow through the furnace (called multi-staged) and variable fan speeds all of which save you energy costs.

Handling-Air flow performance: Today’s best HVAC systems with true variable speed fan motors come on and turn off without noticeable differences in comfort. Your current system comes on at maximum speed, always with that blast of cold or hot air, which produces a surge in electrical use and also shocks the air ducts each time it happens.

Performance-Temperature, Humidity and Air Filtration: Properly designed HVAC systems not only control temperature, but they can also reduce humidity and remove particles as small as the Flu Virus from the air.*

Sound Systems-Noise: Today’s best HVAC systems are much quieter that old units, both in the furnace area and outdoor units. Less noise is always better.

On Board Communications: Today’s best HVAC systems include a communicating network of all components and can even include remote diagnosis and owner controls through telephone systems**

Appearance: There is nothing worse than a rusty outdoor unit in your yard or discolored unit in the garage/closet. Today’s best systems are galvanized for rust proofing and powder coated***

Warranty: You know the importance of this. 10 years or more is what you should expect.

As you can see, there is a lot more to think about when purchasing a new HVAC system today. It’s not just about cold and hot air anymore. It’s about comfort, health, energy savings, efficiency, quietness and technology.

• *Trane Clean Effects is a patented electronic air filtration system that has been proven to remove up to 99.98% of all breathable particles from the air as small as .1 microns. This is smaller than flu viruses, pollen, mold spores, etc.
• **Trane Comfortlink II is a communication network that connects all parts of the HVAC system together for integrated communication which allows for the ultimate performance, plus diagnostics and owner remote access through a telephone (with the telephone module)
• ***Trane uses galvanized metal which is then powder coated for appearance. Galvanizing resists rust and power coat paint is thicker and more evenly applied than spray painted. Trane warranties their products against rust and corrosion even at the oceans coastline. Most HVAC manufacturers will not cover this.

If your system is over 10 years old the clock is running, especially on lesser expensive, lower quality equipment brands. If you have had to do repairs over the last year, especially Freon leaks, then this is a good time to make the investment in your home for the future. Remember that although this is an unwelcome expense, it is also an investment because…

Besides water, electricity and a roof over your head, your air conditioning and heating system is a major part of your home’s value, your families comfort and health. Most families spend 50% or more of their time in their home. A well designed air conditioning and heating system can make a huge difference in how you feel and your health. Trane defines this as a Comfort System.

Equipment that you will be considering is an efficient outdoor unit, a furnace, a cooling coil, thermostat control, air filtration, humidity control and the duct system. We usually don’t think much about air filtration and the duct system, yet that is where many weaknesses are found by HVAC contractors who actually care about the total quality of your Comfort System. (Heat Pumps use Air Handlers instead of a furnace-cooling coil)

When selecting a replacement HVAC system, look for a top quality brand and a contractor who looks at every part of your current system so he can correct any deficiencies when installing the new equipment. Here at SOS Mechanical, we do just that. We offer Trane systems which are known as the best HVAC systems available. We are also a Trane Comfort Specialist dealer which is one who provides high quality products and services that rank in the top of the industry.