Top Ten Things You Should Know Before Purchasing an HVAC System

Are you looking to install a brand-new, energy-efficient air conditioning system?
Are you concerned that your present AC could malfunction at any time, at the worst possible time?
Miller's Heating and Air offers AC installation as part of our air conditioning services throughout Clark County and PDX.

Purchasing a new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is a major investment that can have a significant impact on your home's comfort, energy efficiency, and overall costs. It is critical to be well-informed about various aspects of HVAC systems before making such a large purchase. In this article, we'll go over the top ten things you should know before purchasing an HVAC system to ensure you make an informed and wise decision.

Heating and cooling requirements for your home:

Understand your home's specific heating and cooling requirements. The size and type of HVAC system you require are influenced by factors such as square footage, insulation, ceiling height, and geographic location. A load calculation can be performed by an HVAC professional to determine the appropriate capacity for your home.

Energy Efficiency Ratings: Examine the energy efficiency ratings of potential HVAC systems. Look for cooling systems with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and heating systems with a high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). Higher ratings indicate greater efficiency, which can result in significant savings on your energy bills over time.

Regular maintenance is required for your HVAC system to perform optimally and last as long as possible. Inquire about the recommended maintenance schedule, filter replacement, and any other costs associated with upkeep. Proper maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your system running smoothly.

HVAC System Types: Learn about the various HVAC system types available, such as split systems, packaged systems, ductless mini-splits, and geothermal systems. Each system has advantages and may be appropriate for different home configurations. Consider which one best fits your requirements and budget.

Warranty Protection: Examine the warranty options provided by various HVAC manufacturers. A comprehensive warranty can provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected repair costs during the system's first few years of operation. Make sure you understand the warranty's terms and conditions.

Air Quality Features: Advanced air quality features, such as air purifiers and humidity control, are common in modern HVAC systems. These features can help to improve indoor air quality, making your home healthier and more comfortable.

Noise Levels: Consider the HVAC system's noise levels, especially if it will be installed near living areas or bedrooms. Quieter systems are preferred because excessive noise can be annoying and disruptive to your daily activities.

Considerations for Cost and Budget: Create a reasonable budget for the purchase of your HVAC system. While upfront costs must be considered, long-term savings from energy-efficient systems must also be considered. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality, energy-efficient system can result in significant savings over its lifetime.

Professional Installation: Proper installation is critical to ensuring that your HVAC system performs optimally. For the installation, hire a qualified and experienced HVAC professional. Improper installation can result in inefficiencies, discomfort, and potentially costly repairs in the future.

Incentives and Rebates: Look into any available rebates, tax credits, or incentives for purchasing energy-efficient HVAC systems. Many governments and utility companies have such programs in place to encourage environmentally friendly choices, which can help you recoup your initial investment.

Purchasing an HVAC system is a significant investment, and being well-informed is critical to making the right decision. Before making a final decision, consider your home's specific needs, energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, and overall budget. Consulting with HVAC professionals and researching reputable brands will enable you to find the best HVAC system for your home in terms of comfort, efficiency, and value.

Air Conditioner System Repair

For a variety of product manufacturers and brands, both new and old, we specialize in AC repair services.
Excellent technical and customer services are made possible by our friendly and prompt professional Miller's HVAC technicians
and customer support agents.

Common Problems We Fix

AC Electrical Issues

Your air conditioner's electrical components start to deteriorate and decrease efficiency after several years of continuous use. When one component breaks down, a chain reaction of other components could also malfunction, which might eventually damage the entire system.

Common Causes of Electrical AC Issues

• Aging components

• Loose wires

• Dirty fuses

Outdated & Inefficient Refrigerants

Your home's air conditioners do more than just provide cool air. To remove heat and moisture from the air, refrigerant chemicals work with the evaporator and condenser coils in your system. R-22, the previous industry standard refrigerant, is becoming harder to get and costlier as the EPA seeks to phase it out of American air conditioning systems. Contact Miller's for air conditioning repair services if your system still uses R-22 to assist you to locate a suitable option.

AC Water Drainage Issues

Water drawn from the air must be evacuated from the areas close to your system once refrigerant has completed its task. AC water drainage pipes should be inspected often and repaired as necessary, just like any other pipelines. A clogged pipe could back up your entire plumbing system, leading to leaks, flooding, and other catastrophic damage if it is ignored for an extended period of time.

We are able to install units with safety switches that automatically shut down your system the instant AC water drainage backups are noticed. It's crucial to understand how safety switches function if your system already has them. When your system struggles to operate continuously after being turned on, it may indicate that the drain is backed up and activating the safety feature.

Ductless Mini Split Repairs

Since they are used for both heating and cooling in your house, ductless mini-split systems are comparable to heat pumps. Miller's provides qualified mini-split repairs, handled by specialists with experience resolving aggravating problems including clogged filters, refrigerant leakage, and capacitor troubles.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

To function correctly and safeguard your investment, home air conditioning systems need routine maintenance performed at least once a year. Industry studies unmistakably demonstrate that routine preventative AC maintenance servicing will greatly extend the life of your system, keep it operating as efficiently as possible for energy usage, and maintain clean operation within your home. Additionally, to preserve the longevity of the warranty on the device, many air conditioning system warranties call for yearly AC maintenance.

Protect Your Family’s Health.
Get Your Ducts Cleaned.

You put a lot of effort into keeping your house clean and safe for your family, yet there could be dangerous toxins hiding in places you can't see.

In your air duct system, allergens like dust, pet dander, and mold can gather and accumulate over time.
Despite your best efforts, this can lead to contaminated and harmful indoor air. Here is where our experts can help.

We can eliminate dust, dirt, debris, and irritants that can lead to disease or allergies using specialized and effective equipment.
Your indoor environment will be clean, fresh, and healthy after having your air ducts professionally cleaned.