If you’re moving into a new home, building a home or remodeling your existing house, your HVAC system is going to be an important consideration. It should keep you comfortable day in and day out for years to come. But choosing a new HVAC system can be a daunting task. Here’s a quick guide on what you really need to know before you start shopping.
Efficiency
The higher the efficiency of your HVAC equipment is, the less you’ll have to spend on heating and cooling. Because higher efficiency appliances are better for the grid and the environment, you can often find tax credits and other incentives to install higher efficiency units. Ask your HVAC contractor about any for the Lorain area.
Sizing
Sizing the system properly means matching the power to the heating and cooling needs of your house. Undersized units can’t keep up with demand, while oversized units cause higher bills and temperature swings.
Heating
If you go for a traditional forced-air furnace, the principle is simple. Gas or oil is burned to create heat, which is used to heat air. The heated air is pushed by a fan through the air ducts in your home, which carries it to different areas throughout the house. Return ducts take air back to the furnace afterwards to be warmed again.
A central heat pump circulates air in the same way that a furnace does, but it heats air using the condensation and evaporation of refrigerant. As a liquid evaporates, it takes on heat energy from its environment. When it condenses, it releases that heat.
Because a heat pump moves energy into your home instead of creating heat, it can be up to four times more efficient than a combustion furnace.
Cooling
An air conditioner is really just a central heat pump that only moves air out of your home; the principle is the same.
To learn more about choosing a new HVAC system for your home, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning for in-depth, expert advice.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area