October 2001
This Heating & Cooling Equipment Selection - Care in Selection Is Key to Low-Cost Operation fact sheet explains how care in the selection and sizing of heating and cooling equipment, including air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps and controls, are key to its low-cost operation. Proper selection can reduce the equipment’s initial costs and utility costs, and increase operating efficiency and homeowner comfort. A common mistake in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is to oversize heating and cooling equipment, especially air conditioners and heat pumps, which can cost more purchase and to operate. The fact sheet explains why sizing and performing a life cycle analysis are important and provides information on efficiency levels, operating costs, thermostats, and sizing for gas furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps.
Written and prepared for:
U.S. Department of Energy
4 pages