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. Spending time to find out more about your HVAC system includes a lot of benefits. You can increase its efficiency and choose the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll go over how to find the best HVAC system in Front Royal.
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 cozy 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 work by circulating air in and out of your home. Depending on the specific system, heat might be introduced or extracted to adjust the indoor temperature. Air ducts can transport the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always necessary. Lots of HVAC accessories including air filtration equipment are fitted 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 deciding on an HVAC system. There are multiple different types, with one or more being the ideal 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 an innovative piece of technology that extracts heat out of the air using a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Extra heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is incredibly efficient for keeping cool throughout the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most prominent way to heat your home for decades. It commonly runs on natural gas or oil, combusting the fuel to generate 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 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 choice 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 with air circulation. Reduced 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 scaled-down kind of HVAC system is used to keep garages warm in the colder months. Most garages are unfinished, so they can be quite 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 manufactured to be portable. They can be carried 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 deciding on a new HVAC system, there are a few things to think about. You want to strike 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 might end up costing you in steeper energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the proper size for peak 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 demand on critical components and doesn’t need to work as long for climate control. Look for models marked with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Explore financing options and special offers: Lots of local service companies offer special financing for new installation. You could receive special offers for the system itself as well as other advantages like discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Entrust new installation to certified 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 review your home and recommend the perfect HVAC system for you. If you’d like to start the process, give Dave's Diversified Services a call at 540-636-3396 today.