Your HVAC system is an important utility. We depend 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 includes a lot of benefits. You can increase its efficiency and determine the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key details about the most common HVAC systems. After, we’ll discuss how to choose the best HVAC system in St. Louis.
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. Collectively, these systems work together to keep our homes cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. Your standard 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 might be introduced or removed to adjust the indoor temperature. Air ducts can carry the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always required. Lots of HVAC accessories like air filtration equipment are installed within 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 choosing an HVAC system. There are several different styles, with one or more being the right 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 innovative piece of technology that pulls 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 keeping cool during the sweltering summer months.
Furnaces
The dependable central furnace has been the most prominent 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 away. Furnaces use a pilot light or electronic hot surface ignition system to begin 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 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 choice for heating and cooling your home. Unlike 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 with air circulation. Less 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 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 configured to be portable. They can be moved around the garage freely or mounted 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 several things to consider. You want to find a balance between efficiency and your distinct 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 higher energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the proper size for peak effectiveness.
Focus on 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 particularly efficient models.
Explore financing options and special offers: Lots of local service companies offer special financing for new installation. You could receive special offers for the system itself as well as other advantages such as discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Entrust new installation to certified 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 perform air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you receive maximum benefit from the start.
Your local expert technicians can assess your home and recommend the ideal HVAC system for you. If you’d like to begin the process, give Morgner Inc. Air Conditioning & Heating a call at 314-262-4541 today.