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 significant portion of your monthly energy bills. Spending time to learn more about your HVAC system offers a lot of benefits. You can boost its efficiency and choose the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key details about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll review how to find the best HVAC system in McHenry.
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. Collectively, these systems come together to keep our homes cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. Your average 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 function by circulating air in and out of your home. Depending on the specific system, heat may be introduced or extracted to adjust the indoor temperature. Air ducts can bring the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always necessary. Many HVAC accessories such as air filtration equipment are mounted 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 several different models, with one or more being the best 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 an ingenious 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 staying cool through the sweltering summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most common 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 circulates through your home while vapors are carefully 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 type 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 desirable choice for heating and cooling your home. In contrast to 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. Reduced energy use can help you save on your monthly bill. Heat pumps are best suited 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. 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 manufactured to be portable. They can be moved around the garage freely or fastened to the wall. Some models are even hung from the ceiling.
How Do I Select 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:
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 larger energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the proper size for peak effectiveness.
Prioritize energy efficiency for long-term savings: High 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 work as long for climate control. Try to find models marked with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Explore financing options and special offers: Lots of local service companies promote special financing for new installation. You may receive special offers for the system itself as well as other perks 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 start.
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 Jett's Heating & Air Inc. a call at 815-410-1128 today.