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 big part of your monthly energy bills. Taking time to understand more about your HVAC system includes a lot of benefits. You can increase its efficiency and choose the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key details about the most popular HVAC systems. After, we’ll discuss how to choose the best HVAC system in Marshalltown.
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 collaborate to keep our homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Your standard HVAC system will have three primary 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. Based on the type of system, heat might be introduced or extracted to regulate the indoor temperature. Air ducts can bring the air to every room of the house, but they’re not always necessary. Many HVAC accessories including air filtration equipment are installed within the ductwork for the highest possible efficiency.
There Are Different Types of HVAC Systems
HVAC technology has come a long way in terms of overall design and efficiency. Homeowners have considerably more options than ever when selecting an HVAC system. There are several different styles, with one or more being the best 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 an innovative piece of technology that extracts 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 throughout the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most well-known way to warm your home for many years. 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 safely 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 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 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 alternative for heating and cooling your home. As opposed to central furnaces and air conditioners, heat pumps don’t produce their own source of climate control. Instead, they pump heat in or out of your home with 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 along with 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 fitted 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 several things to think about. You want to find a balance between efficiency and your specific comfort preferences. You can narrow down possible options with the following tips:
Find 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 larger energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the appropriate size for peak 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 strain on essential 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: Many local service companies extend special financing for new installation. You could receive special offers for the system itself as well as other advantages like discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Trust new installation to certified professionals: A new HVAC system is a terrific 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 perfect HVAC system for you. If you’d like to begin the process, give Kapaun & Brown Inc. a call at 641-812-2028 today.