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 uses hydronic baseboards.
A thermostat controls the system to set an ideal indoor temperature. Once the system is ON it will circulate warm air through your home’s ductwork.
What is a furnace?
The furnace is the heart of the heating system in your home. Its primary function is heating the air in your home and sending it through ducts to ensure that different parts of your home are heated. Furnaces can be powered by natural gas, oil, propane, and electricity. They can be variable speed or two-stage units that help conserve energy over time.
Furnaces are usually located in the attic or basement. They are built to last for many years. They comprise of a thermostat, gas valve burners as well as a heat exchanger, blower, and air ducts. When a thermostat notices that the temperature has fallen below the set temperature, the gas valve will be activated to supply gas fuel for the burners. The gas is ignited, generating heat that warms the air in the house as it flows through the metal baffles inside the heat exchanger.
A blower pushes the heated air through a series of air ducts that spread it throughout the home. The heated air absorbs cooler air outside the ducts and is then redirected back into the heating system. The blower directs the exhaust gases from combustion into a vent flue which connects to an outside gas vent.
A more modern version of a furnace can operate with natural or propane gas, oil or electricity. It works in the same manner as the traditional natural gas furnace, except it uses an electric combustion chamber and blower which is powered by an electrical heating element instead of the gas burner.
A two-stage furnace is more efficient than a single stage model, and has less heat output in the first stage so that the house can be warmed up slower. The second stage will go full power in order to keep the house warm. The upfront cost of a two-stage furnace can be expensive and you’ll have to decide if it is worth the additional expense. A knowledgeable HVAC contractor can help you in this process by evaluating your home’s heating needs and making recommendations accordingly.
What is an air conditioner?
A cooling system eliminates heat and moisture from indoor air, making it more breathable and cooler. The exact method of operation depends on the type of air conditioning system used and how it’s set up. However, all air conditioners work by taking advantage a remarkable natural law: when liquid turns to gas and absorbs heat, it absorbs the heat.
Air conditioners use this principle to produce cool, dry air that is circulated through commercial and residential spaces by ductwork. They accomplish this by forcing chemical compounds into a cycle of that involves condensation and vaporization.
A cooling system is comprised of two components -- an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, also called the evaporator coil. These units are connected via an interconnected network of wires and tubing. Typically, homeowners install split system air conditioners. This is the most well-known type of HVAC system that is used in the United States. It is still a good option for many homeowners.
These systems consist of a condenser outside and an evaporator, a blower and filter inside. A furnace is often also employed to heat a home or business. This type of system is suitable for a variety of properties and climates. However, it is important to think about the local climate prior to selecting a heating or cooling system.
The packaged unit is another type of air conditioner. These are large metal boxes that hold all the components needed for cooling and heating. They are often located in homes with traditional ductwork, which isn’t able to accommodate the more compact components of a split system.
A hybrid air conditioning system is a popular option. They are similar to traditional air conditioning systems, but offer a choice between natural gas and electricity for power. These systems are ideal for homeowners in moderate to warm climates that don’t see any freezing temperatures.
What is a Packaged Unit?
A packaged unit is an all-in-one heating and cooling unit that includes air conditioning as well as a furnace. This kind of HVAC can be installed on the ground, in a crawlspace or on the roof. It can be connected with supply and return ducts. The only location for the cabinet-style system frees up interior spaces for use as offices or living spaces and is an ideal solution for those with limited space.
A roof-mounted unit is a box-shaped unit that houses all of the heating and cooling equipment in one confined space. This type of unit is commonly found in commercial spaces as it is simpler to maintain and manage than a split system.
The components of a packaged unit are located outdoors. They are, therefore, more prone to damage and are more susceptible to the elements than a split-system that has an indoor air handler coil and evaporator coil. Wildlife may also gain access to the inside of the unit, causing further damage or build nests. Insulate components of a packaged system with high-quality EPP to shield them from the weather and decrease energy loss which results in increased operating costs.
The site should be prepared prior to the installation of the new system. It must be able to support the system’s weight. This could involve strengthening the roof or building the slab of concrete. A trained technician will select the unit that best matches the client’s needs for cooling and heating.
Once the new packaged unit is installed the ductwork will be connected to the unit and the entire system will be tested to make sure it’s functioning correctly and efficiently. Experts will also suggest a maintenance plan that is specific to the needs of the customer.
A well-maintained packaged unit will give years of reliable service and can be easily upgraded to provide more capacity as the need arises. Regular maintenance is required for every HVAC system. Selecting a reputable and experienced team of professionals to handle the required maintenance will help keep your system in good shape over the long run and will prevent costly repairs.
What is what is a Ductless System?
Ductless systems have become one of the most sought-after choices for heating and cooling your entire home. Installing a ductless system is often cheaper than installing a central system, as they don’t require ductwork. The absence of ductwork makes a ductless system easy to maintain and update to reduce energy costs.
Ductless systems work by circulating refrigerant between indoor and outdoor units. They are comprised of an air handler, condenser and electrical wiring. This type of heating/cooling is ideal for new construction and additions to homes, sunrooms and renovations.
These systems are usually divided into one or more zones that are able to be independently controlled. The programmable functions of a ductless system allow you to cool rooms in your office or at home when needed. This can help save you money by only operating the system when the room is used. It also helps prevent over-cooling a room by only cooling those spaces that are actually being used.
Despite the fact that a ductless system is relatively easy to maintain, it requires professional installation and ongoing maintenance. This is to ensure that the system operates at maximum efficiency and avoid any issues that may arise in the future.
If you choose to work with a certified HVAC contractor, this will ensure that your ductless system is installed, commissioned and tested by a licensed technician. You can be assured that your ductless system will operate in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturer and will provide you with the best comfort possible for your home or office. This will ensure that you get the most out of your investment, and ensure that it is properly maintained for a long time to come. Contact us today to find out more about the ways a ductless system can benefit you in south Jersey or southeastern Pennsylvania. We proudly offer professional installations and replacements for a wide range of ductless systems. We can offer you a system that meets your requirements and budget regardless of whether you’re building a new home or adding an extension.