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 significant part of your monthly energy bills. Taking time to learn more about your HVAC system includes a lot of benefits. You can improve its efficiency and choose the ideal replacement equipment. We’ll share the key details about the most popular HVAC systems. After, we’ll discuss how to choose the best HVAC system in Crystal and Twin Cities.
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. Collectively, these systems work together to keep our homes cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. Your everyday 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. Depending on the specific system, heat may be added or taken away 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 like air filtration equipment are mounted inside 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 considerably more options than ever when selecting an HVAC system. There are several different types, with one or more being the right 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 pulls 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 dependable central furnace has been the most well-known way to warm your home for many years. It commonly runs on natural gas or oil, combusting the fuel to produce heat. This heat warms the air that circulates 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 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 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. As opposed 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 best suited for milder climates and can even be installed along with 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 quite 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 designed to be portable. They can be relocated around the garage freely or attached to the wall. Some models are even hung from the ceiling.
How Do I Choose an HVAC System?
When deciding on a new HVAC system, there are a few things to consider. You should strike a balance between efficiency and your unique comfort preferences. You can narrow down possible 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 might end up costing you in steeper 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 best 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. Try to find models labeled with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Browse financing options and special offers: Many local service companies offer special financing for new installation. You might receive special offers for the system itself as well as other perks such as discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Entrust new installation to certified 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 enjoy maximum benefit from the beginning.
Your local expert technicians can assess your home and recommend the perfect HVAC system for you. If you’d like to start the process, give GV Heating & Air a call at 763-535-2000 today.