By Anne Fonda 

Your HVAC system is critical to your comfort. That’s why it’s so important to do your research and select the right equipment when it’s time to replace your heating and cooling system. 

Since the average system can last 15 years or so (potentially longer with regular maintenance), it helps to think of HVAC replacement as a long-term investment in your comfort. Get the wrong system, and you may spend years with inadequate cooling or heating. 

Below, we’ve pulled together some resources to help you find an HVAC contractor you can trust, how to choose the right system, and how to pay for it.  

Ready? Let’s go. 

Just like when you’re shopping for a new car or planning a major home remodeling project, it pays to do your research before replacing your home’s HVAC system. Technology keeps improving, and it’s important to understand how various features affect your comfort level. 

Below, we’ve pulled together some general resources to help you navigate the purchase process. 

As heat pump technology advances, more and more homeowners are opting for heat pump systems. This includes homeowners replacing an existing heat pump, but also includes homeowners opting for an all-electric central heating and cooling system, or a hybrid heating system where you pair a heat pump with a gas furnace. 

The following are some heat pump articles that can help you learn more about these systems and how to choose the right one. 

If repair costs are mounting and replacement is more cost-effective, or if your central AC unit died in the latest heat wave, check out our resources to help choose the right replacement air conditioner and hire the right HVAC company. 

Unless you move around a lot, you’ll likely only need to replace a furnace once, or maybe twice, in your lifetime. Today’s furnaces are much more efficient than furnaces installed 20-30 years ago.  

While most homeowners don’t think much about their HVAC system, they think even less about the ductwork system. Generally hidden behind drywall and tucked away in an attic or crawlspace, the supply and return air duct system is responsible for distributing heated or cooled air throughout your home. 

Eventually, it can wear out, pull apart, and start leaking, necessitating repair or replacement. You may also need new ductwork when upgrading your HVAC system. 

While less common than a traditional split system, packaged systems come in a wide variety of options as well. If you currently have a packaged system that’s on its last legs, check out our best offerings. 

An air handler is usually paired with a heat pump, but in warmer climates can also be paired with an air conditioner. It’s the indoor unit that distributes heated or cooled air throughout your home. Work with your American Standard dealer to find an air handler that’s compatible with your chosen AC unit or heat pump. 

When it’s time to replace your HVAC system, plan on getting multiple quotes from several HVAC companies for multiple systems. Compare the equipment features and energy efficiency ratings. 

While a more energy-efficient HVAC system will cost more up front, it can reduce your energy usage and lead to energy savings for the next 15-20 years if you maintain it. A new HVAC system isn’t cheap, but HVAC financing can make the cost more manageable by breaking it down into affordable monthly payments. 

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A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.  

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.