Northern Virginia Air Conditioning and Heating Companies

HVAC Companies in Northern VA

Heating and air conditioning system efficiency

An efficient HVAC system is a win-win: It has less of an environmental impact than an older, inefficient unit, and it costs less to run. Both the planet and your bank account benefit.

But as air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, and other types of HVAC systems age, they lose efficiency. In some cases, an equipment retrofit can help regain some efficiency, but in others, a new system is your best bet.

If a new HVAC unit is in your near future, keep the following efficiency tips in mind as you shop and compare models:

• Pay attention to SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. If you’re purchasing a new system, look for an ENERGY STAR-rated model with a SEER rating of at least 14. Higher SEER ratings equal more efficient systems.
• Make sure the system is correctly sized. An HVAC system that too small for your home will be forced to work harder and run more often, which will increase your utility costs and decrease the system’s lifespan.
• Consider less traditional solutions. A ductless mini-split system, for example, may be a better, more cost-effective option for heating and cooling a basement or home addition.

Be sure to talk to your HVAC contractor about your specific needs and preferences in a new heating and air system so that they can help guide you to the best solution.

Northern Virginia HVAC system best practices

While your HVAC system’s size and SEER rating have a significant impact on its overall efficiency, how you use and maintain the system matters too.

Follow these best practices to keep your system running properly:

• Stick to a regular maintenance schedule. The standard recommendation is two maintenance visits per year: One in the spring, before the weather gets hot, and another in the fall, before you turn on the heat.
• Don’t forget about your air filters. Dirty furnace filters can obstruct airflow, which decreases your system’s efficiency. Replace your filters every quarter, or once a month if you have allergies or furry family members.
• Install a programmable or smart thermostat. They really do help keep your utility costs down (assuming you set reasonable temperatures, of course), and once you set it up, your part is done.
• Use the recommended thermostat settings. To keep your energy costs low, the US Department of Energy recommends that you keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees in warm weather and 68 degrees in cold weather.

Increasing (or maintaining) your HVAC system’s efficiency doesn’t have to involve major lifestyle changes. All it takes is a few small adjustments here and there, and the proof will show in your monthly expenses.

The Best Picks for Top-Rated HVAC Companies in Northern Virginia

At Best Pick Reports, our dedicated survey team talks to Northern Virginia homeowners each year to identify the very best heating and air conditioning companies near you.

All Best Pick companies are vetted on an annual basis for ongoing high-quality work and stellar customer service. We verify all state-required licenses and insurance, too. Our rigorous qualification process ensures that the companies we recommend truly are the best of the best, and we’re pleased to present that information to you in a format that is straightforward and easy to navigate.

Call a Northern Virginia Best Pick HVAC contractor to experience the difference. We guarantee your happiness!