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 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 right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll review how to find the best HVAC system in Libertyville.
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 collaborate 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 work by circulating air in and out of your home. Based on the specific system, heat may be introduced or taken away to regulate the indoor temperature. Air ducts can transport the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always required. Many HVAC accessories such as air filtration equipment are mounted 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 models, with one or more being the most appropriate 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 using a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Unwanted heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is highly efficient for keeping cool during the sweltering summer months.
Furnaces
The dependable central furnace has been the most well-known way to warm your home for decades. It commonly runs on natural gas or oil, combusting the fuel to generate 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 begin 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 type 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 desirable option for heating and cooling your home. Unlike 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 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 dispersed with power fans. The garage heaters themselves are often designed 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 choosing a new HVAC system, there are a few things to think about. You want to find 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 maximum effectiveness.
Focus on 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. Try to find models marked with the ENERGY STAR® rating for particularly efficient models.
Browse financing options and special offers: Lots of local service companies promote special financing for new installation. You might receive special offers for the system itself as well as other perks like discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Trust new installation to trained professionals: A new HVAC system is a terrific investment. You can get the most out of a new air conditioner or heat pump with seasoned technicians. They complete air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you receive maximum benefit from the outset.
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 TopTec Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical a call at 847-362-0262 today.