Your HVAC system is an essential utility. We rely 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 boost its efficiency and select the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most popular HVAC systems. After, we’ll go over how to find the best HVAC system in York.
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. As a group, these systems collaborate to keep our homes cool in the summer and warm 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 work by circulating air in and out of your home. Depending on the type of system, heat may be introduced or taken away to regulate the indoor temperature. Air ducts can bring the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always necessary. Lots of HVAC accessories like 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 picking out an HVAC system. There are multiple different types, with one or more being the best 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 a groundbreaking piece of technology that pulls 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 incredibly efficient for staying cool during the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most prominent way to heat your home for many years. 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 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 provide 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 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. 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. Lower 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 carried around the garage freely or attached to the wall. Some models are even hung from the ceiling.
How Do I Pick an HVAC System?
When choosing a new HVAC system, there are several things to think about. You want to find a balance between efficiency and your unique comfort preferences. You can narrow down available options with the following tips:
Find the right size for your home: Bigger isn’t always better. In fact, a furnace that’s too powerful for your home could end up costing you in higher energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the appropriate 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 essential components and doesn’t need to run as long for climate control. Seek out models marked with the ENERGY STAR® rating for particularly efficient models.
Browse financing options and special offers: Many local service companies offer special financing for new installation. You could receive special offers for the system itself as well as other benefits 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 evaluate your home and suggest the ideal HVAC system for you. If you’d like to start the process, give Strine's Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 717-383-4479 today.