It’s important to note that homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility, and one of the most essential things you’ll have to do is maintain your house’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. As a result, it’s critical for homeowners to be comfortable with their home’s HVAC technology. Remember, this incredible piece of equipment is what allows you to feel at ease throughout the year! Our LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling experts and trained specialists have put together a list of three key pieces of information for homeowners to know about their HVAC systems. We hope that this will assist our customers in recognizing how significant their home HVAC system is. These little details are important, and they can help your system perform at its peak performance and last for several years to come.
1. What exactly is HVAC, and What Does It Stand For?
The acronym “HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, which are the three primary duties of your home’s climate control system. The temperature and humidity in your house are constantly maintained at your preferred temperature, thanks to the three duties of your HVAC system. Because your home’s HVAC system is one of the most energy-consuming devices, it’s critical to understand what these components represent and how they operate. Heating and ventilation are phrases that refer to the aim of heating your house to make it warmer or cooler according to what temperature you have your thermostat set. Additionally, air conditioning refers to how an HVAC system uses refrigeration techniques and equipment to cool your home.
2. What Are the Four Different Types Of HVAC Systems?
- Packaged System- This is a form of an HVAC system in which all of the components are housed in a single device, much like a split/hybrid system. However, packaged systems are most often used in small houses with specific HVAC needs, such as zoned heating and cooling.
- Split System: Includes an outdoor condenser and compressor unit, as well as an indoor evaporator coil element. They’re ideal for heating and cooling and come in a range of shapes and sizes. Not to mention, they are the most popular residential HVAC system in the United States.
- Hybrid System: This is a form of a split heating and cooling system that utilizes both an electric heat pump and a traditional furnace/air conditioner to warm and cool your home. Arguably, this system saves homeowners time, energy, and money since an electric heat pump is more energy-efficient than a single gas furnace.
- Duct-free Systems- These systems do not require ductwork to deliver conditioned air throughout your property. Instead of employing one big centralized component, they utilize petite components that are attached to your walls or ceilings. Ductless technologies are a great way to save money while also improving your home’s overall energy efficiency.
3. How Do I Keep My HVAC System in Good Shape?
The most important thing you can do to take care of your HVAC system is to maintain it. Some tasks are simple enough for the average homeowner to complete, such as changing the air filter. However, having each unit of your HVAC system examined and maintained by an expert at least once a year is still recommended. Nevertheless, other tasks should be inspected on a regular basis, such as:
- Check your air conditioner’s evaporator coils for debris. Dirty evaporator coils may cause the system to work harder than necessary, resulting in higher utility expenses.
- Check the environment around your unit for any branches, leaves, vegetation, or other debris. This will allow your HVAC system to work more efficiently while allowing for greater air ventilation.
- Check for leaks, holes, and gaps in your ductwork and repair any that are discovered. If your monthly utility expense goes up, it’s likely that your ductwork hasn’t been properly sealed. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to fix your ductwork; our professionals are happy to assist!
More often than not, knowing how your home’s HVAC system works, you can keep it functioning at full capacity for many years to come. Furthermore, by being proactive and having an expert perform routine maintenance on your system, you may prevent having to make larger, more costly repairs or replacements in the future.
If you’re unsure which HVAC system is suitable for your house, contact LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling, and our experts will assist you with all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Call us today at (614) 837-4822, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! We’re here to help you make the best decision for you, your home, and your loved ones!