Home & Lifestyle

Your Guide to HVAC Systems

If you want your HVAC system working all year round, it’s vital that you understand how it works. Here’s all you need to know about HVAC units.

What is An HVAC System?

HVAC is a broad term that refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. During the warm months, the air conditioning part of your HVAC system keeps the temperature cool. In the winter, you can count on your heat pump or furnace to keep you cozy.

Components of An HVAC System

Air conditioner: This piece of technology draws the heat from the air circulating in your home with the help of a substance called coolant or refrigerant. Unwanted moisture and heat are pumped out of the air and ventilated outdoors.

Furnace: The dependable furnace has been a popular and reliable way to warm the inside of homes for many decades. It usually runs on oil or natural gas, combusting fuel in order to generate heat. The heat warms up the air that circulates around your home while vapors are ventilated away.

Mini-splits: Some HVAC units don’t make use of central ductwork to provide cooling and heating. A ductless mini-split system is an example of such a piece of equipment. An outdoor and indoor unit is instead linked using copper piping, which delivers climate control. You can typically install more than one indoor unit to cool or heat your home. Some models offer only air conditioning, while others can handle both cooling and heating.

Heat pumps: Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular alternative for cooling and heating homes. As opposed to air conditioners and furnaces, heat pumps are not the direct source of temperature control. Instead, they pump heat into or out of your home via air circulation. This means they use less energy, which results in more savings on your monthly bill. Heat pumps are ideal in regions with moderate temperatures, and they can even be installed along with a regular HVAC unit.

Garage heater: This compact system keeps the garage warm during winter. Garage heaters make use of fuel like natural gas, electricity, or propane in order to generate heat. This heat is then dispersed with power fans. In general, garage heaters are designed to be portable.