Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system based on how and where your family lives.

How You Live

Your family's lifestyle is an important factor in selecting the right home comfort system. Consider the following:

*Do you have family members with allergies or asthma? A whole-home air cleaner can help remove unwanted particles, such as pollen, pet dander and dust, from the air in every room of a house versus other air cleaners that just do the job in one specific room. Specifically, the American Standard AccuClean whole-home air filtration system removes up to 99.98 percent of unwanted particles from the air that it cleans.

*Do you have pets that shed indoors? Again, consider a  whole-home air filtration that will virtually eliminate pet dander.

*Is your family concerned about increasing energy bills? Recent increases in government efficiency requirements mean that new systems may help you save more on your energy bills. Ask for Energy Star qualified products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer long-term energy savings.

*Does your home have wood floors or wood furniture, including pianos? Whole-home humidifiers are very helpful in adding moisture back into the air and protecting wood floors. A humidifier can be attached to a furnace and programmed to turn off once humidity levels in the home reach a certain level.

*Does your family constantly adjust the thermostat in order to get more comfortable? With a programmable thermostat, you can program it to deliver home comfort at whatever temperature you like. And once it's set, you don't have to worry about it again.

*Are there rooms in the house that are cold while others are warm? Two-stage heating and cooling allows units to operate at a low and a high setting for consistent air circulation and reduced temperature variances.

*How large is your house or do you plan to build an addition in the near future? You need to make sure the system can handle the space. 

Answers to these questions can lead to finding an HVAC system that can be customized with a variety of products to make your home as comfortable as possible and fit your family's lifestyle.

Where You Live

Where you live also can help determine the system that's right for you, especially with varying primary fuel sources and climates throughout the U.S. For example, gas-fueled systems are most prominent in the Midwest and Northeast. Electric systems are often found more in the South and Southeast. 

No matter where you live, American Standard makes it easy to find the systems that are most prevalent in your family's area. You can go to www.americanstandardair.com for a special online feature that allows you to enter your zip code. It automatically finds system components that are most popular in your region and then the site lets you customize your systems based on your family's needs.

In addition, some states offer rebate incentives to consumers who purchase higher-efficiency HVAC equipment. Check your local utility company's Web site for more information. American Standard dealers also have tools to assess homeowners' individual HVAC needs -- such as whether the home is large or small, shaded, in direct sunlight, drafty or tightly sealed.

Courtesy of ARAcontent