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Buying or replacing your HVAC system in your home is one of the most important choices when it comes to the comfort of your home and the efficiency and monthly utility costs.
There are a few different types of HVAC units to consider, and determining which is suitable for your home can depend on your budget, location, and even the age of your home.
HVAC, which is short for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, allows homeowners to control the heating and cooling within their home so that it is comfortable to enjoy.
Different Types of HVAC Systems
There are quite a few different types of HVAC systems; about three of them are the most common in residential homes. Depending on where you live will also change the types of systems that should be installed or can even be installed in your home. This is due to their efficiencies based on that location's climate and needs.
The most common residential HVAC system is called a split system, which is precisely how it is named. It is an HVAC system where the main heating and cooling units are split. Typically the cooling system has a large AC unit placed outside that uses a combination of coils, refrigerant, and compressors to cool the air while a large fan blows out the hot air.
The heating component of this system is usually on the inside of the home, using gas to produce the heat, and a fan will disperse that heat throughout the home. This system uses a traditional thermostat and contains different cleaners, filters, and humidifiers, making them the most widely installed throughout homes.
A hybrid split system is similar to a traditional split system but has a few key differences worth looking into. Mostly used in mild climates, these systems save energy costs because the heating unit can switch from gas-powered to electric-powered heating.
This electric heating hybrid technology is quieter and more efficient. It uses traditional ducts and systems as a split system HVAC—all the benefits of a traditional split HVAC system with the bonus of lower utility costs.
Duct-free HVAC systems are units installed inside each room with a compressor on the outside. They are the most visible HVAC systems but provide home additions or even garages with climate control abilities as they are so easy to install.
Although they are easy to install into homes, they do carry a lot of upfront costs, and they have very particular maintenance that has to be done to ensure that they function correctly. The most significant benefit is allowing each room to be individually controlled. That way, any exterior or unused rooms are using energy effectively.
Determining Factors
When choosing a new HVAC system, working with your local HVAC services will help narrow down your choice in which system is suitable for your home, but you should also come in with some things already on your mind. One of the first things to consider should be air quality.
The quality of the air coming from your HVAC system is determined in the design phase and your HVAC maintenance portion. Most companies think of efficiency when designing their units, and with this factor directly impacting your family's health, it should be the first thing to discuss with any company. Thornton HVAC Company will be able to ensure that with proper ventilation, adequate airflow, and the correct size unit installed that air quality comes first with your home's HVAC system.
Are there actually energy efficiency rating systems for your HVAC? An energy efficiency rating measures how well the system turns electricity into cool air. For a large HVAC system, you need an energy efficiency rating called a SEER, which stands for a seasonal energy efficiency rating. This measures the efficiency for the entire season and is a more comprehensive rating for how well the system is cooling your home and keeping it cool.
The heating side of your system needs an HSPF rating, similar to a SEER rating, which measures how well a heat pump is cooling and heating your home across a season. One of the most popular upgrades to your HVAC unit is the compatibility of a programmable thermostat. A thermostat that allows you to control your unit anywhere will help you save on energy and utility bills.
Maintenance is also a huge factor when considering the HVAC system you want to be installed in your home. Without proper maintenance, you could be exposing your home to health risks with poor quality air, bringing in any extra costs with costly repairs, and even shortening the life of your HVAC unit entirely. When looking into the installation of the HVAC system, you should get a quote on any service or warranty plan as well.
The system's price will be one of the main factors anyone uses when installing or purchasing new HVAC units. However, you must maintain a balance between price and purchasing the right unit size for your home. Although you need to buy a unit within your budget, the cheapest option is necessarily the best in quality or even the correct size for your home.
One of the first questions you should ask your contractor is what size air conditioner you need, and sometimes bigger is only sometimes better. There is an American Standard in determining the unit size you need while wading through the brand names and warranties of HVAC systems.
Choosing a Contractor
This all can seem like a lot of information, but as you start to understand the different types of HVAC systems, and factors to consider, you need to look into your local contractors to help you not only narrow down your choices for what is best for your home but also to install your system.
You can look into our blog for other resources and helpful tools in your home. Any systems installed into your home should be done with a trusted, licensed, and insured company to help you make the best decisions for your family.