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 significant part of your monthly energy bills. Spending time to find out more about your HVAC system includes a lot of benefits. You can improve its efficiency and determine the ideal replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most popular HVAC systems. After, we’ll review how to choose the best HVAC system in Lafayette.
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 come together 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 function by circulating air in and out of your home. Based on the specific system, heat might be added or taken away to adjust the indoor temperature. Air ducts can carry the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always necessary. 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 selecting an HVAC system. There are multiple different styles, 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 draws heat out of the air with a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Excess heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is extremely efficient for keeping cool through the sweltering summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most prominent 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 moves through your home while vapors are carefully ventilated away. Furnaces use a pilot light or electronic hot surface ignition system to initiate a heating cycle.
Mini-Splits
Some HVAC systems don’t need central ductwork to deliver 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 alternative for heating and cooling your home. Compared with central furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps don’t create 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 ideal 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 distributed with power fans. The garage heaters themselves are often manufactured to be portable. They can be moved around the garage freely or mounted to the wall. Some models are even mounted to the ceiling.
How Do I Pick an HVAC System?
When choosing a new HVAC system, there are a few things to consider. You want to find a balance between efficiency and your specific comfort preferences. You can narrow down possible 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 could 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: Higher energy efficiency is one of the easiest ways to earn back more savings. Energy-efficient equipment puts less demand on critical components and doesn’t need to run as long for climate control. Seek out models labeled with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Browse financing options and special offers: Lots of local service companies extend 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 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 seasoned technicians. They complete air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you receive maximum benefit from the beginning.
Your local expert technicians can review your home and recommend the perfect HVAC system for you. If you’d like to begin the process, give AC Sales a call at (337) 234-2345 today.
