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 portion of your monthly energy bills. Spending time to find out more about your HVAC system offers a lot of benefits. You can improve its efficiency and select the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll go over how to choose the best HVAC system in Mount Pleasant.
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 principal 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 carry the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always required. Many HVAC accessories such as air filtration equipment are fitted 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 deciding on an HVAC system. There are several different styles, with one or more being the right 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 pulls heat out of the air with a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Extra heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is highly efficient for staying cool throughout the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most popular way to heat 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 properly 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 need central ductwork to circulate 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 desirable choice for heating and cooling your home. Compared with 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 with 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 rather 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 carried around the garage freely or attached to the wall. Some models are even hung from the ceiling.
How Do I Select an HVAC System?
When deciding on a new HVAC system, there are several things to consider. You want to find a balance between efficiency and your unique 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 higher energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the appropriate size for peak effectiveness.
Focus on 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 work as long for climate control. Look for models labeled with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Explore financing options and special offers: Many local service companies extend special financing for new installation. You might receive special offers for the system itself as well as other advantages such as 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 experienced technicians. They complete air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you receive maximum benefit from the start.
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 Olde Towne Heating & Air a call at 843-485-0967 today.