What’s better than a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day?
Going home to the knowledge that you can set your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system to your desired temperature.
With just the press of a button, you can change your home environment—all thanks to your HVAC systems and solutions. More than that, it can help you reach optimal comfort, contributing to your overall health and well-being.
But how exactly does an HVAC system work?
Today, we’ll have a crash course on the components of an HVAC system. Plus, we’ll be sharing the types of HVAC systems for homeowners and tips on choosing the right one for you.
How Do HVAC Systems Work?
An HVAC system works to regulate the temperature in your home through air conditioning units, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, or a combination of these systems. To cool your home, air conditioners and heat pumps move the warm air inside your home to the outside. And to warm it, heat pumps work in reverse—they move warm air from the outside to inside your home.
On the other hand, boilers work by heating water in a vessel, which emits hot steam that travels through the radiators around your home. Meanwhile, furnaces operate by suctioning air into a heat exchanger and circulating the warmed air back through a system of ducts.
4 Main Types of HVAC Systems
When it comes to HVAC installation, there are numerous ways to categorize HVAC systems. However, there are 4 primary types of HVAC systems used in most homes and buildings today.
#1 – Heating and Cooling Split System
Most common among HVAC systems, a heating and cooling system employs separate cooling and heating units. Often, this means that a heating component—either a furnace or boiler—is placed in the basement or internal storage of the house. Meanwhile, the air conditioning unit is located outside of the home.
#2 – Hybrid Split System
A hybrid split system is similar to heating and cooling systems in that it uses separate cooling and heating units. What makes it different is that it uses two kinds of heating systems.
For example, it can have a traditional gas furnace to warm the house quickly. However, a hybrid split system can also have an electric furnace to improve energy efficiency and lower energy bills. Electric furnaces are also popular in places like Vancouver because there are furnace rebates available in BC.
#3 – Packaged Heating and Cooling
Unlike the previous systems, a packaged heating and cooling HVAC system uses only one unit to heat and cool the home. This makes it ideal for smaller homes and buildings with limited storage space. Packaged heat pumps are an example of this type of HVAC system and solution.
#4 – Zoned System
Zoned Systems allow you to control specific areas and rooms of your home through a few different ways. One is by installing separate HVAC systems per floor. Another is by placing dampers inside ducts to have more control of the airflow. Thirdly, you can have a mini-split ductless system that moves energy around the house.
4 Tips for Choosing an HVAC System
It’s no secret that HVAC system costs can cost a lot. In fact, many homeowners have to take out loans or use savings to upgrade to a new heating or cooling system. When you’re upgrading yours, be sure to consider following:
#1 - Home Size
The size of your home will dictate the type of HVAC system you’ll need. Naturally, a larger space requires a bigger and more powerful one. It might also need more than one system, especially if you live in a multi-story house.
#2 – Consider Your Existing System
If your home already has an existing HVAC system, that will determine what you can and can’t install. For example, if your home already has ducts that are still in good condition, then it would make sense to have an HVAC system that continues to use it.
Conversely, if your home doesn’t have a duct or radiator system, then you might want to consider having a ductless system for your home.
#3 - Read Up on HVAC Systems
HVAC systems can be confusing for any homeowner. But with a little research and studying, you can better understand how an HVAC system works. That way, you know which features you’ll need for your home and what suits your budget.
#4 – Work with an HVAC Professional
When in doubt, always seek a professional opinion. Then you will avoid costly mistakes when choosing and installing your HVAC system since a professional can walk you through the entire process. This way, you learn more about the ideal HVAC system for your specific situation and make the best choice for you.
Looking for an HVAC professional in Vancouver?
At Mom’s Heating & Cooling, we only do premium HVAC installations and work with top-skilled technicians. Reach out today so you can feel more comfortable and safe in your home.
