HVAC, short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, are systems used for heating and cooling your house which are comprised of items such as furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps, as well as ductwork, and thermostats.
Many people believe that air conditioning systems are only suitable and are used in houses in sunny areas, but this is not the case. Every building requires an air conditioning unit. The device helps to enhance indoor air quality, reducing respiratory issues caused by allergies and other particulate matter. It filters out contaminants including dust, carbon dioxide, smells, and heat.
There are multiple types of HVACs
Several types of heating and cooling systems are available on the market. Each one has a distinct design that has been created to provide special benefits in various settings. It is important to do a second evaluation of the various units or preferably get the opinion of professional HVAC contractors before making a decision to purchase one. Here are a few examples of the different kinds of HVAC systems.
Heating and Cooling Split Systems
Split heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are by far the most common type of equipment found in homes. This system includes two components, one is for cooling and another for heating, as the name implies. The heating system is inside the building, while the cooling system is outside.
Heating Systems
Homeowners have a range of heating systems to select from in various configurations. Some feature a fuel-burning furnace fuelled by propane or natural gas; the ductwork helps to disperse heat; others feature steam radiators or boilers that increase the temperature of the water for forced-air heating.
Another type of HVAC system is the so-called underfloor radiant heating, which uses pipes filled with warm water that runs beneath the floor. Floor heating may be installed in a variety of flooring materials, including wood and concrete, by HVAC professionals.
Cooling Systems
You may use ductless air conditioning for indoor cooling needs. It is a component of a mini system, and its installation necessitates collaboration with a skilled home renovation contractor since the interior and outside units must be correctly installed. The advantage of adopting a mini-split heating and cooling system is that each room has its own cooling unit, which allows for independent management.
Hybrid Split HVAC systems
Because of their energy efficiency, these systems are becoming increasingly popular. This type of system offers an option with which you may change the heating method from gas to electric, which gives faster and quieter cooling. They have typical ducting and are ideal in mild locations with hotter summers.
Does HVAC Equipment Require Annual Maintenance?
Mechanical systems include air conditioners, heat pumps, and furnaces used for heating and cooling. Components wear and tear as they are used throughout the year - this is totally natural. Annual maintenance is essential to offset this wear and tear and maintain the HVAC system functioning at peak performance and energy efficiency at all times.
The number of tune-ups required for a heating or cooling unit each year is determined by its function. Furnaces, boilers, and air conditioners require only one tune-up every year since they only perform one job — heating or cooling. However, heat pumps that perform both heating and cooling functions require two tune-ups each year.
We recommend scheduling heating system tune-ups in the autumn and cooling system tune-ups in the spring. This allows a technician to service the system prior to the start of the season, ensuring that it is ready to go when you need it.
Problems That a Tune-Up Can Help Prevent
A preventative maintenance tune-up for your HVAC system can help you avoid a range of problems that may arise in your home's heating or cooling systems. Regular service prevents wear and tear and keeps components in good condition. A professional eye inspecting your system identifies and corrects small problems before they become severe maintenance demands or cause a system breakdown.
Final Thoughts
Finding a proper way to heat or cool your space can be tricky as there are countless options on the market today with new ones popping up like mushrooms after rainy weather. Technological advancements make heating and cooling increasingly more efficient, so there’s no excuse for sticking with your decades-old HVAC system. Now that you understand the fundamentals, contact your local HVAC provider for a thorough examination and suggestion on which heating and cooling system is best for you.