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. Spending time to learn more about your HVAC system offers a lot of benefits. You can enhance its efficiency and select the right replacement equipment. We’ll share the key details about the most popular HVAC systems. After, we’ll discuss how to find the best HVAC system in Siloam Springs.
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. Collectively, these systems come together to keep our homes cool in the summer and cozy 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 function by circulating air in and out of your home. Based on the specific system, heat may be introduced or taken away to adjust the indoor temperature. Air ducts can transport the air to each room of the house, but they’re not always necessary. Many HVAC accessories such as air filtration equipment are fitted 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 more options than ever when selecting an HVAC system. There are multiple different types, with one or more being the most appropriate combination for your comfort needs. These range from popular air conditioners and furnaces to alternatives like the heat pump.
Air Conditioners
An air conditioner is a groundbreaking piece of technology that extracts heat out of the air with a special substance called refrigerant or coolant. Excess heat and moisture are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors. This is highly efficient for staying cool throughout the sweltering summer months.
Furnaces
The trusty central furnace has been the most popular way to heat 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 moves through your home while vapors are properly ventilated outside. Furnaces use a pilot light or electronic hot surface ignition system to begin a heating cycle.
Mini-Splits
Some HVAC systems don’t need central ductwork to deliver heating and cooling. A ductless mini-split system is one such type of equipment. An indoor and outdoor unit are instead connected 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 desirable option for heating and cooling your home. Unlike 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 using air circulation. Reduced energy use can help you save on your monthly bill. Heat pumps are ideal 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. 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 dispersed with power fans. The garage heaters themselves are often manufactured to be portable. They can be carried around the garage freely or attached 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 a few things to consider. You want to strike 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 may end up costing you in steeper energy bills. New HVAC systems should be the proper size for maximum 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 demand on critical components and doesn’t need to run as long for climate control. Look for models marked with the ENERGY STAR® rating for especially efficient models.
Browse financing options and special offers: Many local service companies offer special financing for new installation. You might receive special offers for the system itself as well as other benefits such as discounts on preventive maintenance plans.
Trust new installation to qualified professionals: A new HVAC system is a terrific investment. You can get the most out of a new air conditioner or heat pump with seasoned technicians. They complete air conditioning installation quickly and efficiently, ensuring you enjoy maximum benefit from the beginning.
Your local expert technicians can evaluate your home and recommend the ideal HVAC system for you. If you’d like to start the process, give Siloam Springs Heating & AC a call at 479-308-8176 today.