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An HVAC System is essential for homes that experience hot summer months, or high humidity at any point of the year. In Poway, where the climate zone is classified as hot and dry, having a sound HVAC system is a must.

There are several things to consider when it comes to deciding on an HVAC system for larger homes in Poway, California.

There are a lot of types of air conditioning units available for homeowners. There are split types, central air conditioning systems, window air conditioning units, to name a few. For new homeowners or those looking to upgrade their current HVAC systems, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right system.

This article will specifically discuss factors to consider when deciding on an HVAC System for larger homes located in Poway, California. Here are things to keep in mind:

1. The typical climate in the area. The climate zone is a huge deciding factor when it comes to choosing an HVAC System and its corresponding capacity. In Poway, which is part of San Diego, the climate is classified as hot and dry. Given this, the US Energy Department has corresponding recommendations on the appropriate cooling capacity needed for air conditioning units installed in homes in the area.

A licensed HVAC Contractor can guide a homeowner through this decision. It is still best though to know these details personally so that there will be no doubts when it comes to the whole decision-making process. Visit the energy department’s website to check on their recommended BTU-Level or cooling capacity for air conditioning systems vis-à-vis climate zone.

2. The Size of the Home. Some homeowners think that the size of a home is the lone determinant on the HVAC type and capacity to install. While size is a huge factor, it is not the only thing that should be considered when choosing the capacity. The article will tackle all the rest, but of course, square footage will be one of the foremost considerations.

The general rule is, the bigger the house, the more powerful the capacity needed. It is not appropriate though to choose the highest capacity air conditioner because this would be a waste of resource. A high-capacity air conditioner is more expensive to run because it utilizes more electricity. It will also wear out the system sooner because it is functioning abnormally. Have a licensed HVAC contractor measure this for you to ensure accuracy.

3. The number of persons in the household. The occupancy rate affects the climate inside the house. For this reason, the number of people occupying the home will also have to be considered in determining the appropriate capacity of an HVAC unit.

The number of people living in a house needs to be considered because people emit body heat. This heat will affect the over-all climate inside the house. Moreover, their movements within the home will likewise affect the internal temperature in the household. The more incoming and outgoing movements, the more amount of cold air escapes from the house. The amount of cold air that escapes the house will have to be replaced by the air conditioning unit, pushing it to work harder. So the more people at home, the more cooling capacity is required.

4. How long the home has been used. The age of a home will also affect the cooling requirements of the house. HVAC experts explain that the wear and tear suffered by the ductwork, the vents, and the air registers through the years affect the need for cooling power in the home. It is best to have the ductwork, vents, and registers checked first before deciding on an HVAC system and its corresponding capacity. Leaks and issues should be ruled out and repaired if needed to maximize the capacity of the HVAC unit.

5. Home Design. The architecture and interior design around the home is yet another factor to consider in choosing the HVAC system to use in a larger home. Central air conditioning units, for instance, work best on any home, provided that there is readily available ductwork. If there is no existing duct work, it may not be advisable to choose a central HVAC system.

Other considerations are budget, environmental impact, and other personal concerns. In deliberating budget considerations, it is essential to note that upfront cost and running cost are two different things. Some systems may be more expensive upfront but are cheaper to run. Some systems, on the other hand, have a more affordable initial cost, but will use up more energy and in turn jack-up monthly bills.

Environmental impact, on the other hand, pertains to the personal sense of the homeowner when it comes to his household’s carbon footprint. Newer HVAC models and systems appear to be eco-friendlier and to promote sustainable energy. It is best to consider these options, as well. Other personal considerations are up to their own experience and situation of the homeowner.

To have a better grasp of the whole decision-making process, it will always be best to consult a licensed HVAC Contractor.

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