Complete Guide to HVAC: What It Means and How to Choose the Right System for Your Home

June 17, 2022

Your HVAC system is an important utility. We count on our heating cooling to keep our homes comfortable all year-round. It can also be a big part of your monthly energy bills. Taking time to find out more about your HVAC system offers a lot of benefits. You can increase its efficiency and determine the ideal replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most popular HVAC systems. After, we’ll discuss how to find the best HVAC system in Hodgenville.

What Is HVAC?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This utility system keeps indoor temperatures comfortable. It also manages 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 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 specific system, heat might be introduced or taken away to regulate the indoor temperature. Air ducts can carry the air to every room of the house, but they’re not always required. Many HVAC accessories such as 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 deciding on an HVAC system. There are multiple different models, 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 a groundbreaking 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 extremely efficient for keeping cool through 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 generate heat. This heat warms the air that moves through your home while vapors are carefully ventilated outside. 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 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 generate 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 compact kind of HVAC system is used to keep garages warm in the colder months. Many 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 configured to be portable. They can be carried around the garage freely or attached to the wall. Some models are even mounted to the ceiling.

How Do I Pick an HVAC System?

When deciding on a new HVAC system, there are several things to consider. You should strike 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 proper size for maximum effectiveness.

Prioritize energy efficiency for long-term savings: Higher energy efficiency is one of the best ways to earn back more savings. Energy-efficient equipment puts less strain on critical components and doesn’t need to run as long for climate control. Look for models marked with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.

Browse financing options and special offers: Lots of local service companies offer special financing for new installation. You might receive special offers for the system itself as well as other benefits like discounts on preventive maintenance plans.

Trust new installation to trained professionals: A new HVAC system is a great investment. You can get the most out of a new air conditioner or heat pump with seasoned 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 suggest the ideal HVAC system for you. If you’d like to begin the process, give Phelps Heating & Cooling a call at 270-358-3167 today.