How a Heating Cooling Unit Heats and Cools Your Home
Heating cooling units cool and heat your home. It can be powered by electricity, natural gas or propane and is able to use hydronic baseboards.
A thermostat regulates the system to set a desired indoor temperature. When the system is on, a blower fan circulates warm air through the ductwork in your home.
What is a Furnace?
The furnace is at the center of your home’s heating system. Its primary function is to heat your home’s air and then send it through ducts to heat different areas of the home. Furnaces are powered by natural gas, electricity propane, oil, or propane. They can be variable speed or two-stage units to help save energy over time.
Furnaces are typically found in the basement or attic. They are designed to last for a long time. They have several components including thermostats, gas valves burners, heat exchanger, blower, and air ducts. If a thermostat senses that the temperature has dropped below the set point, the gas valve is activated to provide gas fuel to the burners. The gas is ignited, generating heat that warms the air in the home as it moves past the metal baffles within the heat exchanger.
A blower then forces the heated air into a system of air ducts that spread it throughout the home. The heated air absorbs the cooler air outside the ducts, and is then drawn back into the heating system. The blower is able to direct the exhaust gases produced by combustion into a vent flue which connects to a gas vent outside.
A more modern version of a furnace operates with natural or propane gas, oil, or electricity. It is similar to a natural gas furnace, except that it uses an electric fan and combustion chamber that is powered by an electrical heating element instead of burning components.
A furnace can also be a two-stage unit which is more efficient than a single-stage version. It will provide less heat output on the initial stage to warm the house more slowly. The second stage will then be fully powered to keep the home warm. You will need to decide if the upfront cost is worth it. An experienced HVAC contractor can assist you with this process by assessing your home’s heating needs and making recommendations accordingly.
What is an air conditioner?
A cooling system eliminates moisture and heat from the air at your home, making it more comfortable. The exact method used is different dependent on the type of system you have and the way it is set up the majority of cooling systems work by utilizing a remarkable law of nature which is that when liquid changes into a gas and it absorbs heat.
Air conditioners rely on this principle to produce dry, cool air that is circulated throughout commercial and residential areas using ductwork. They do this by forcing chemical compounds into a cycle of that involves condensation and vaporization.
A cooling system is composed of two parts -- an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, also called the evaporator coil. These units are connected via a network of tubing and wires. Split system air conditioners are typically installed by homeowners. This is the most common type of HVAC system in the United States and is still an excellent option for many homeowners.
These systems comprise the outside of a condenser, and an evaporator, a blower and filter inside. Often, a furnace is also used to heat a house or business. This kind of system can be used to heat a variety of homes and climates. However, it is important to take into consideration the local climate prior to deciding on a heating or cooling system.
Another type of air conditioning system is the packaged unit. These are large metal boxes that hold all of the components for both heating and cooling. These are commonly found in homes with traditional ductwork, which can’t accommodate smaller components.
A hybrid air conditioning system is a popular option. They are similar to conventional air conditioning systems but provide a choice between natural gas and electric power. These systems are ideal for homeowners in moderate to warm climates that don’t experience many winter storms.
What is a Packaged Unit?
A packaged unit is an all-in-one heating cooling, furnace and cooling system. This type of HVAC can be installed on the ground in a crawlspace, or on the roof. It can be connected via supply and return ducts. The cabinet-style HVAC system can be placed in a single place that allows the interior space to be used as a living or office area.
A roof-mounted unit is a box-shaped system that houses all of the heating and cooling equipment in a small space. This type of unit is often employed in commercial spaces since it is easier to manage and maintain than a traditional split system.
The components of a packaged unit are outdoors. They are, therefore, more susceptible to deterioration and more susceptible to the elements than a split-system which has an indoor air handler coil and evaporator coil. In addition, wildlife may easily access the interior of the system and create nests or cause further damage. Using a top-quality EPP foam to insulate the components of a package unit can shield them from the elements as well as reduce energy losses that cause higher operating costs.
The site needs to be prepared prior to the installation of the new system. It should be strong enough to support the weight of the system. This can mean reinforcing the roof or constructing the slab of concrete. A skilled technician will choose the unit that best matches the client’s needs for cooling and heating.
Once the new unit is installed the ductwork will be connected to it, and the entire system will be tested to make sure it’s operating properly and efficiently. A professional will also suggest the best maintenance program based on the customer’s specific requirements.
A well-maintained and maintained package unit will give years of reliable service. It is also easily upgraded when the demand arises to expand the capacity. As with all pieces of HVAC equipment, regular maintenance will be necessary to keep the system running efficiently. Picking a reliable and experienced team of professionals to perform the required maintenance will keep your system in good shape for the long haul and will prevent costly repairs.
What is an Ductless System (DS)?
Ductless systems have become one of the most popular options for heating and cooling your entire home. Installing a ductless system is often cheaper than putting in central systems, since they don’t require ductwork. The absence of ductwork also makes a ductless system relatively easy to maintain and update to lower energy costs.
Ductless systems work by moving refrigerant from indoor to outdoor units. They are comprised of air handler, condenser and electrical wiring. This kind of cooling and heating is ideal for new construction homes, additions, sunrooms, renovations, and apartments.
These systems are typically divided into one or more zones that are able to be independently controlled. The programmable features of a ductless system let you to cool rooms in your home or office according to the need. This can help you save money by only operating the system when the room is being used. This can prevent overcooling by cooling only the rooms that are being used.
A ductless system, although relatively easy to maintain requires professional installation and maintenance. This will ensure that the system is operating at maximum efficiency, and any future issues are avoided.
If you decide to work alongside a qualified HVAC contractor it will ensure that your ductless system is installed, commissioned and tested by a licensed technician. You can be sure that your ductless system will operate according to the specifications of the manufacturer and will provide you with the highest level of comfort possible for your home or business. This will ensure that you get the most value from your investment, and that it will be maintained in good condition for many years to come. Call us today to find out how a ductless cooling system can work for you. We provide expert installation and replacement services for a range of ductless systems. We can help you find the system that is suitable for your needs and budget regardless of whether you’re building a new home or adding an extension.