Are you thinking of installing a new HVAC system in your home? It's a big decision that you will be glad you made now rather than waiting any longer to bring comfort to your family during hot and cold seasons. To help you see what's involved in setting up an HVAC system and to make your decision, here are 10 key features of HVAC systems to keep in mind.

1. Indoor Unit Installation

It's of paramount importance to take your time when selecting the best area for installing the indoor unit. For example, your technician may recommend that you place the furnace in a closet on the ground floor of your property. This is better than installing it in the attic, where damage can occur if the furnace leaks.

2. Outdoor Unit Placement

The placement of the outside unit, or the condenser coil should be as far away from bedroom windows. This is essential for minimizing the noise that you and your family might hear during normal HVAC operation.

3. Entering Air and Returning Air Diffusers

The ductwork in your home should contain some balance dampers. This cuts down on the noise emanating from the diffuser grille and is a job best left to qualified HVAC technicians.

4. Condenser Unit

The condenser is the outside coil, typically made from aluminum or copper. Some setups include fins made of either of these two metals to further improve the energy efficiency of the equipment.

5. Ductwork Balance Dampers

It can get a bit noisy inside the ductwork, especially where the diffuser grilles are located. You want to have professional technicians install balance dampers away from the diffusers.

6. Placement of Air Filter

Remember that you will be changing your air filter on a regular basis, such as once a month. Therefore, the filter should be placed in an area in your home where it's easy for you to reach. Making it harder to replace the filters may mean you will wind up neglecting this important chore.

7. Dryer for the Filter

A filter dryer installed in the liquid line of an air conditioning system is designed to prolong the working life of your HVAC's compressor unit. It keeps out grit, dirt and moisture.

8. Ductwork Design

An HVAC system must be properly sized for the home it's intended to be installed in, and this includes proper sizing of the ductwork. For better energy efficiency, use insulated round ducts.

9. Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant

Older systems that were installed before 2015 may still use R-22 refrigerant, but now federal law requires that we phase out this type of refrigerant now. HVAC professionals typically advocate that homeowners opt for R410A because it is more environmentally friendly. Consult with your HVAC technician for details.

10. System Efficiency

Older HVAC equipment is not as efficient as the models being developed today. To help consumers understand the difference between different types of HVAC systems, the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute created SEER, or the seasonal energy efficiency ratio. More efficient HVAC systems have higher SEER numbers. You may be eligible for a rebate when you purchase a highly rated SEER system.

The HVAC professionals at David Gray Heating & Air are proud to help so many homeowners in the greater Jacksonville, Florida area with all their HVAC needs. From consulting with you to determine the ideal equipment to keep you and your family comfortable through every season to inspecting, cleaning and fixing your system during annual service calls, our team pledges to give you the best return on your HVAC investment. For details on our services or to schedule an appointment with one of our professional technicians, please contact David Gray Heating & Air today.