Your HVAC system is an important utility. We count on our heating cooling to keep our homes comfortable all year-round. It can also be a big part of your monthly energy bills. Taking time to find out more about your HVAC system offers a lot of benefits. You can increase its efficiency and select the ideal replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll talk about how to choose the best HVAC system in Mechanicsburg.
What Is HVAC?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This utility system keeps indoor temperatures comfortable. It also takes care of air quality through filtration and humidity control equipment. Collectively, these systems work together to keep our homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Your average HVAC system will have three primary components: heating, cooling and ventilation. Some places won’t always have both heating and cooling, like temperate climates or in older homes.
Most HVAC systems function by circulating air in and out of your home. Based on the specific system, heat might be introduced or extracted to regulate the indoor temperature. Air ducts can carry the air to every room of the house, but they’re not always required. Lots of HVAC accessories like air filtration equipment are installed within the ductwork for the highest possible efficiency.
There Are Different Types of HVAC Systems
HVAC technology has come a long way in terms of overall design and efficiency. Homeowners have more options than ever when choosing an HVAC system. There are multiple different types, with one or more being the most appropriate combination for your comfort needs. These vary from popular air conditioners and furnaces to alternatives such as the heat pump.
Air Conditioners
An air conditioner is a groundbreaking piece of technology that extracts heat out of the air using a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Excess heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is highly efficient for staying cool throughout the sweltering summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most popular way to warm your home for decades. It frequently runs on natural gas or oil, combusting the fuel to produce heat. This heat warms the air that moves through your home while vapors are safely ventilated outside. Furnaces use a pilot light or electronic hot surface ignition system to initiate a heating cycle.
Mini-Splits
Some HVAC systems don’t use central ductwork to provide heating and cooling. A ductless mini-split system is one such piece of equipment. An indoor and outdoor unit are instead connected by copper piping that delivers climate control. You can set up multiple indoor units to heat or cool your home. Some models offer air conditioning while some can handle both heating and cooling.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are an increasingly popular option for heating and cooling your home. In contrast to central furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps don’t produce their own source of climate control. Instead, they pump heat in or out of your home using air circulation. Less energy use can help you save on your monthly bill. Heat pumps are ideal for milder climates and can even be installed along with other equipment.
Garage Heaters
This compact kind of HVAC system is used to keep garages warm in the colder months. Many garages are unfinished, so they can be particularly chilly to spend time in. Garage heaters use fuel like electricity, natural gas or propane to generate heat. This heat is dispersed with power fans. The garage heaters themselves are often manufactured to be portable. They can be moved around the garage freely or fitted to the wall. Some models are even mounted to the ceiling.
How Do I Choose an HVAC System?
When choosing a new HVAC system, there are a few things to consider. You should strike a balance between efficiency and your distinct comfort preferences. You can narrow down potential options with the following tips:
Choose the right size for your home: Bigger isn’t always better. In fact, a furnace that’s too powerful for your home might end up costing you in steeper energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the appropriate size for peak effectiveness.
Focus on energy efficiency for long-term savings: Higher energy efficiency is one of the best ways to earn back more savings. Energy-efficient equipment puts less demand on key components and doesn’t need to run as long for climate control. Try to find models labeled with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Browse financing options and special offers: Many local service companies promote special financing for new installation. You may receive special offers for the system itself as well as other advantages like discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Entrust new installation to qualified professionals: A new HVAC system is a quality investment. You can get the most out of a new air conditioner or heat pump with seasoned technicians. They perform air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you receive maximum benefit from the outset.
Your local expert technicians can assess your home and recommend the perfect HVAC system for you. If you’d like to begin the process, give H & H Service Company a call at 717-220-4502 today.