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 offers a lot of benefits. You can enhance its efficiency and choose the ideal replacement equipment. We’ll share the key facts about the most popular HVAC systems. After, we’ll discuss how to choose the best HVAC system in Omaha.
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 everyday 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 work by circulating air in and out of your home. Based on the type of 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. Many HVAC accessories including air filtration equipment are installed inside 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 additional options than ever when deciding on an HVAC system. There are several different models, with one or more being the right 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 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 incredibly efficient for staying cool through the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The dependable central furnace has been the most well-known way to warm your home for decades. It frequently runs on natural gas or oil, combusting the fuel to generate heat. This heat warms the air that moves through your home while vapors are safely ventilated away. Furnaces use a pilot light or electronic hot surface ignition system to start a heating cycle.
Mini-Splits
Some HVAC systems don’t use central ductwork to provide 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 option for heating and cooling your home. In contrast to 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 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 smaller 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 manufactured to be portable. They can be carried around the garage freely or fastened to the wall. Some models are even hung from 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:
Find the right size for your home: Bigger isn’t always better. In fact, a furnace that’s too powerful for your home might end up costing you in steeper 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 easiest ways to earn back more savings. Energy-efficient equipment puts less strain on essential components and doesn’t need to work as long for climate control. Look for 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 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 great 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 beginning.
Your local expert technicians can review your home and recommend the ideal HVAC system for you. If you’d like to begin the process, give Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 402-509-5940 today.