Your HVAC system is an important utility. We depend on our heating cooling to keep our homes comfortable all year-round. It can also be a big part of your monthly energy bills. Spending time to understand more about your HVAC system offers a lot of benefits. You can increase its efficiency and determine the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key details about the most popular HVAC systems. After, we’ll discuss how to find the best HVAC system in Greater Richmond.
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 cozy in the winter. Your standard HVAC system will have three main 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 can be introduced or extracted to regulate the indoor temperature. Air ducts can transport the air to every room of the house, but they’re not always necessary. Lots of HVAC accessories such as air filtration equipment are installed inside the ductwork for maximum efficiency.
There Are Different Types of HVAC Systems
HVAC technology has come a long way in terms of overall design and efficiency. Homeowners have additional options than ever when choosing an HVAC system. There are several different types, with one or more being the most appropriate combination for your comfort needs. These range from popular air conditioners and furnaces to alternatives like 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. Unwanted heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is incredibly efficient for staying cool through the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The dependable central furnace has been the most prominent way to heat your home for many years. 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 carefully ventilated away. Furnaces use a pilot light or electronic hot surface ignition system to start a heating cycle.
Mini-Splits
Some HVAC systems don’t use central ductwork to deliver 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 install 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 alternative for heating and cooling your home. As opposed to central furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps don’t generate their own source of climate control. Instead, they pump heat in or out of your home using air circulation. Reduced energy use can help you save on your monthly bill. Heat pumps are perfect for milder climates and can even be installed along with other equipment.
Garage Heaters
This scaled-down kind of HVAC system is used to keep garages warm in the colder months. Most 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 configured to be portable. They can be moved around the garage freely or mounted to the wall. Some models are even mounted to the ceiling.
How Do I Select an HVAC System?
When choosing a new HVAC system, there are a few things to think about. You should find 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 higher energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the proper size for maximum effectiveness.
Focus on energy efficiency for long-term savings: High energy efficiency is one of the best ways to earn back more savings. Energy-efficient equipment puts less strain on essential components and doesn’t need to run as long for climate control. Seek out models labeled with the ENERGY STAR® rating for particularly efficient models.
Explore financing options and special offers: Lots of local service companies extend special financing for new installation. You could receive special offers for the system itself as well as other benefits such as discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Entrust new installation to qualified professionals: A new HVAC system is a great investment. You can get the most out of a new air conditioner or heat pump with experienced technicians. They perform air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you receive maximum benefit from the beginning.
Your local expert technicians can evaluate your home and suggest the perfect HVAC system for you. If you’d like to start the process, give Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call at 804-302-6657 today.