HVAC Basics: A New Homeowner’s Guide to Understanding Your HVAC System

There are more than 127 million homes in the US. It’s safe to assume that most of these homes that a heating or cooling unit. In many cases, homes have both to help maintain a comfortable temperate year-round.

That said, new homeowners may not be familiar with an HVAC system. Purchasing a house is a great experience. But, you also need to learn HVAC basics that help you keep your system in good shape.

What is the HVAC System?

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, or HVAC, allows you to control the temperature in your home. There are many parts to an HVAC system. But, all of them have these basic parts:

Air Conditioning

Also known as your cooling unit, the air conditioning helps lower temperature. This is great during the hot summer months. And, most AC units use refrigerant and coils to cool the air. But, this can vary depending on the type.

Heating

As the name suggests, the heating system helps increase temperatures. It helps maintain a warm house during the cold months. This is especially important in areas with extreme winters.

The Control System

The control system comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It helps regulate the temperature in your house. And, modern models include timers and other options.

Types of Systems

There are three main types of HVAC systems. These include:

Traditional Units

Traditional units, known as split units, combine both heating and cooling. They rely on ducts to transport cool and warm air throughout the house.

The cooling unit works like a traditional AC. Heating, on the other hand, may come in the form of a gas or electric furnace.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps use preexisting heat to warm the house. When it comes to cooling, they extract heat from the inside of your house and push it outwards. New advancements have made these systems more efficient and popular over the last years.

Ductless Systems

Ductless systems can serve a variety of purposes. That said, they have a limited range.

These systems make a great choice if you’ve added new parts to your house. Make sure you speak to your HVAC professional of choice about this possibility.

HVAC Basics All Homeowners Must Know

Most homeowners want to have an energy efficient home. Besides reducing emissions, this can also help lower utility bills. Knowing your heating and cooling units will help ensure you have a home that’s energy efficient.

• Repairs: If you notice odd sounds or a drop in power, your system may need repairing.
• Maintenance: Keep in mind that all HVAC systems can benefit from regular and preventative maintenance.
• Replacements and New Installations: In some cases, it’s better to replace a unit than to repair it. Likewise, if you are adding a new part of the house, you may need to install a new unit.

Always remember to work with a reliable HVAC professional to ensure the best results!

Work with a Reliable Professional Today!

Owning a house is extremely exciting. That said, you need to learn HVAC basics to make sure your system is in top condition. The tips above should help you monitor your HVAC and get assistance when necessary.

If you need to hire a reliable HVAC expert, get in touch with us today. Our team of professional technicians will be happy to help!