Your HVAC system is an important utility. We rely on our heating cooling to keep our homes comfortable all year-round. It can also be a significant part of your monthly energy bills. Taking time to understand 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 details about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll review how to find the best HVAC system in Cambridge.
What Is HVAC?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This utility system keeps indoor temperatures comfortable. It also improves air quality through filtration and humidity control equipment. As a group, 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 added or taken away to regulate the indoor temperature. Air ducts can transport the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always required. Many HVAC accessories including air filtration equipment are mounted 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 more options than ever when selecting an HVAC system. There are multiple different styles, with one or more being the ideal combination for your comfort needs. These range from popular air conditioners and furnaces to alternatives such as the heat pump.
Air Conditioners
An air conditioner is an innovative piece of technology that extracts heat out of the air with a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Unwanted heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is extremely efficient for staying cool during the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most well-known way to warm your home for decades. It commonly 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 deliver heating and cooling. A ductless mini-split system is one such piece of equipment. An indoor and outdoor unit are instead linked 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 alternative for heating and cooling your home. Unlike central furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps don’t create 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 alongside other equipment.
Garage Heaters
This smaller 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 distributed with power fans. The garage heaters themselves are often designed to be portable. They can be relocated around the garage freely or fitted to the wall. Some models are even hung from the ceiling.
How Do I Choose an HVAC System?
When choosing a new HVAC system, there are several things to think about. You should find a balance between efficiency and your distinct comfort preferences. You can narrow down available 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 can end up costing you in larger energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the appropriate size for maximum effectiveness.
Prioritize energy efficiency for long-term savings: High energy efficiency is one of the easiest 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. Try to find models labeled with the ENERGY STAR® rating for particularly efficient models.
Browse financing options and special offers: Many local service companies extend special financing for new installation. You could receive special offers for the system itself as well as other perks like discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Trust new installation to trained professionals: A new HVAC system is a terrific 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 assess your home and suggest the perfect HVAC system for you. If you’d like to begin the process, give Pliescott HVAC Services LLC a call at 410-228-4822 today.