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 portion of your monthly energy bills. Spending time to learn more about your HVAC system offers a lot of benefits. You can improve its efficiency and choose the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll talk about how to find the best HVAC system in Naples.

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. As a group, these systems come together to keep our homes cool in the summer and cozy 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 removed to adjust the indoor temperature. Air ducts can transport the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always required. Many HVAC accessories like air filtration equipment are fitted 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 more options than ever when selecting an HVAC system. There are several different types, 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. Unwanted heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is highly efficient for staying cool through the sweltering summer months.

Furnaces

The dependable central furnace has been the most popular way to warm your home for decades. It frequently 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 properly 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 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 linked by copper piping that delivers climate control. You can install 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 option 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. 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 compact 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 choosing a new HVAC system, there are several things to consider. You want to find a balance between efficiency and your unique 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 can end up costing you in higher 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 easiest 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. Try to find models labeled with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.

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

Entrust new installation to qualified professionals: A new HVAC system is a quality investment. You can get the most out of a new air conditioner or heat pump with experienced technicians. They complete air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you enjoy maximum benefit from the outset.

Your local expert technicians can assess your home and suggest the perfect HVAC system for you. If you’d like to start the process, give Speedy Air Conditioning a call at 239-244-3439 today.