HVAC systems are vital in buildings to control temperature, ventilation & humidity. They also take stale air out & bring fresh air in, enhancing air quality. Some warranty companies offer coverage for HVAC systems. If you are wondering, “What is home warranty?” There is a lot of information regarding home warranties that can be answered by experts.
Choosing the right HVAC system isn’t as simple as picking out a sofa. It’s important to consider which company installed the unit & who regularly services it.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioning is the heart of your home’s indoor air duct cleaning. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, or requires frequent repairs, you might want to consider upgrading to a new high-efficiency model.
Air conditioners are sized based on their cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr) or in “tons.” Oversized units waste energy by working overtime to cool the space.
Make sure the air conditioning contractor you hire conducts a load calculation during your new home purchase. Also ask how many years of education, apprenticeship and licensing their team members have completed. Look for HVAC technicians with a G2 license, which signifies they are qualified to work safely on natural gas systems.
Furnaces
A furnace is a heating system that works with ducts to move hot or cold air around your home to the temperature set on the thermostat. Furnaces run on either gas, oil or electricity.
A gas furnace uses a heat exchanger to warm the home’s air by burning fuel. The hot exhaust gases then go through a vent pipe that leads outside the house.
Your furnace should have a data sticker with information like its AFUE rating, which is the measure of efficiency. A higher AFUE means you’ll use less fuel to heat the house.
Heat Pumps
The energy efficient, climate-friendly heat pump is one of the hottest trends in HVAC. It’s also the most affordable option when it comes to heating and cooling a home.
Unlike fossil fuel furnaces and traditional electric resistance heating systems, heat pumps don’t create energy—they move it. They use a tiny amount of electricity to power the fans, compressors, and condensers that move a refrigerant that can transfer heat in both directions.
Ducted heat pumps can connect to existing forced air ducts, and ductless mini-split systems offer precise room-by-room control. However, if you install a heat pump without addressing the building envelope, you’ll lose energy savings.
Ductwork
Air ducts transport conditioned air to different rooms of your home and conduct used air back to the HVAC unit to be heated or cooled. They also help regulate temperatures. Air ducts have various openings known as vents that are opened or closed manually. They are connected to a main duct by fittings called take-offs.
Properly insulated and straight ducts minimize resistance and pressure drop. Ducts that have excessive turns or kinks waste fan energy. Dirty ducts can make your HVAC system work harder than it should, which will lead to high energy bills.
Thermostats
Thermostats are like the brain of an HVAC system, always working to keep the house at a set temperature (your “set point”). They do this by triggering heating when it’s needed, and cooling when it’s not.
There are many different kinds of thermostats, from the iconic round ones with a dial to today’s digital interfaces. Look for a programmable model that allows you to create schedules based on your daily routine. Also consider whether you want smart features, such as motion sensors or reminders to change air filters and have seasonal maintenance performed.
Air Filters
Air filters are one of the most important components of an HVAC system. They remove irritants from the air and improve indoor air quality. They also work to reduce household allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander.
They also help reduce bacteria, viruses and mold spores. They also help lower energy bills by ensuring that your system doesn’t have to work as hard or for as long to keep the house comfortable.
Dirty filters restrict airflow and force the blower to work harder to circulate conditioned air through the ducts. This can shorten the lifespan of your unit.
Maintenance
A HVAC system is a critical component of your home, and it’s important to ensure the proper function and maintenance of your new home. Doing so can help reduce your utility bills, maintain a comfortable temperature, and improve air quality.
Be sure to find out the age of the system and when it was installed. This will give you an idea of how well it’s been maintained and if there are any upcoming repairs.
It’s also a good idea to maintain the area around your outdoor unit by keeping shrubs, plants and pine needles away from it. This will keep the fan from being sucked in, and it will also help with airflow.
