How Do You Choose Between the Different HVAC Brands?
If you are in the market for an HVAC system there will be a lot of things you will need to consider. You have probably already begun your research online for which contractor to hire, financing options, and which brand, model, and size. It becomes quite an expense especially if the replacement is unplanned and you need a new working system as soon as possible. You may be wondering with all the different brands out there, how do you choose the best HVAC brand for your home. In this article we will go over the differences and how to choose the best HVAC brand.
Do Brands Really Matter?
For most purchases we make, most likely you are picking the brand first then going to a dealer or retailer to make the purchase. However, it is important to note that HVAC dealers are the manufacturers and there are about six HVAC manufacturers in the U.S. who operate under more than 150 brand names. This means that many of the HVAC brands out there are made by the same parent brand. Here are some brands that you may be familiar with. These brands come off the same manufacturing lines, but have different paint, labels and marketing plans:
- Carrier – Bryant, Payne, Tempstar, and Day &Night
- Rheem – Ruud
- Trane – American Standard
- Daikin- Goodman and Amana
- Lennox – Armstrong, Concord
- York – Lux and Coleman
Furthermore, the components that make up the products of these brands are made by an even fewer select companies such as Honeywell, Johnson Controls and Emerson. It is important to note that all these companies use very rigid, strict quality control processes and have multimillion dollar machines that produce almost mistake-proof products.
What Is The Difference Between Brands?
Bottom line is that there is not a lot of difference between HVAC systems produced among the different brands of an organization. The main difference is the price point between the brands. Brands will offer different price points to fit any budget. Usually the parent brand (listed first above) will be pricier than the other brands in the same organization. For example, Carrier is going to be more costly than the Bryant brand. Carrier is the more well-known brand name and will be advertised more. However, Bryant is made by the same company and is almost identical when it comes to parts and accessories. You will notice small differences on the top-end products such as slight efficiency differences or other minor details such as added compatible smart thermostats. What makes a big, clear difference is installation quality and maintenance.
How To Pick the Best HVAC Contractor
The first step you want to take when hiring an HVAC contractor, is to verify that they are properly licensed and service your area. For the state of California you can verify license through CSLB website. When it comes to HVAC installation or replacement, installation quality matters a lot more than the HVAC brand. Most likely you will purchase the HVAC system through the contractor you choose for installation. It is important to note that the HVAC system comes in parts and uncalibrated, and HVAC contractors must set them up properly following manufacturer’s specifications. So, even if you decide on a higher end model that is highly efficient it is not going to perform as well as it should if the installer does not know what they are doing. The best strategy for finding a reliable local HVAC contractor is to ask friends and family for recommendations. Read reviews on review sites such as Yelp and Google. It is in your best interest to do your research to hire a professional installer and get a quality installation of your new equipment.
Maintenance
Just as important as quality installation is a well- maintained system. An HVAC system should last anywhere between 10 -15 years but could last up to 20 years if professionally installed and regularly maintained throughout their lifespan. Parts fail and sometimes it is due to poor ductwork design, lack of return air, or other installation issues. However, at other times a system can completely breakdown due to lack of maintenance and it will not matter what brand you purchased. The easiest step you can take is to regularly replace your filters, a dirty filter can lead to a lot of issues with your HVAC system that can easily be prevented. You should also have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned at least twice a year. Once in the spring for your AC and once in the fall for the furnace. At LA Construction, Heating and Air we offer various plans to fit your budget and needs.
Do Not Focus Too Much on Brand
Choose a brand that you feel the most comfortable with, within your budget and the features you value the most for a new HVAC system. Check reviews and take your time deciding. Do not place all your faith in the performance of the new HVAC system based on brand name. Choose a professional contractor who will perform quality installation. Do not neglect your HVAC system and schedule routine maintenance to keep your system running properly and as efficiently as possible. Contact LA Construction, Heating and Air today we offer both quality HVAC installation of all major brands and models and professional maintenance services. Give us a call today at 818-341-3406 or contact us online, we are ready to help you.
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