Your HVAC system is an essential utility. We rely on our heating cooling to keep our homes comfortable all year-round. It can also be a significant part of your monthly energy bills. Taking time to understand more about your HVAC system includes a lot of benefits. You can boost its efficiency and determine 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 Manassas.
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. Collectively, these systems collaborate to keep our homes cool in the summer and warm 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. Based on the specific system, heat might be added or removed to adjust 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 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 selecting an HVAC system. There are multiple different types, 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 ingenious piece of technology that draws heat out of the air using a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Extra heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is incredibly efficient for keeping cool during the hot summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most prominent way to heat your home for decades. It frequently runs on natural gas or oil, combusting the fuel to generate heat. This heat warms the air that circulates through your home while vapors are properly ventilated outside. 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 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 choice 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 using air circulation. Lower energy use can help you save on your monthly bill. Heat pumps are best suited for milder climates and can even be installed along with 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 rather 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 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 several things to consider. You should 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 could end up costing you in larger energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the appropriate size for maximum effectiveness.
Focus on energy efficiency for long-term savings: High 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 marked with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Explore financing options and special offers: Lots of local service companies offer special financing for new installation. You might 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 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 receive 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 start the process, give Woody's Sudden Service Inc a call at 703-278-2036 today.