Your HVAC system is an essential 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. Spending time to understand more about your HVAC system offers a lot of benefits. You can boost 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 choose the best HVAC system in Norco and St. Charles Parish.
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 work together to keep our homes cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. Your everyday 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 removed 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 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 models, with one or more being the most appropriate combination for your comfort needs. These vary from popular air conditioners and furnaces to alternatives like the heat pump.
Air Conditioners
An air conditioner is a groundbreaking piece of technology that draws heat out of the air with a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Extra heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is highly efficient for keeping cool throughout the sweltering summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most well-known way to heat your home for decades. 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 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 circulate heating and cooling. A ductless mini-split system is one such type 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 desirable choice 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 using air circulation. Less 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. Most 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 mounted 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 should find a balance between efficiency and your specific comfort preferences. You can narrow down potential 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 may end up costing you in higher energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the proper 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 demand on critical components and doesn’t need to work as long for climate control. Look for models labeled with the ENERGY STAR® rating for particularly efficient models.
Explore financing options and special offers: Many 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.
Entrust 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 perform air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you enjoy 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 begin the process, give Mayeuxs AC & Heating a call at (985) 764-2426 today.