When you’re preparing to use a property, heating and cooling are two of your biggest concerns. What should you use? How much will it cost? Which option is better?

If you don’t know where to start and how to make this decision, this article will help you.

What is HVAC?

The term HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This is a system responsible for cooling and heating homes and comes in many forms and varieties. It includes choices like air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, thermostats, ductwork, etc.

Generally speaking, a quality HVAC system will provide indoor comfort and thermal control for the user. Quality systems are designed using principles of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, as well as thermodynamics.

Many things fall under this terminology. Those big boxes you see on top of offices and apartment blocks are just an example of these systems (the visible part of them, anyway). Very often, companies and architects are required to use specific systems in large industrial buildings, apartment blocks, and skyscrapers based on health regulations, as well as infrastructure laws.

But, this goes beyond industrial and large buildings. The cooling and heating systems that people use in their homes also fall under this category. They come in different forms, but the fundamental principles of operating, efficiency, and installment are often very similar.

Types of HVAC systems available today

For the majority of homes and buildings, cooling and heating accounts for at least half of the energy used every month. Knowing this, it's crucial that you choose an HVAC system from a reputable supplier such as this provider. Before you decide to invest in an HVAC system, you should know what your options are for systems that match your needs and budget.

HVAC systems can be separated into or include both heating and cooling systems. Heating systems can take the form of furnaces, boilers, radiators, and heat pumps. Cooling systems, on the other hand, are air conditioners in different forms, including mini-split systems and evaporative coolers.

The five main types of systems have different operations or at least variations of them. Here is what they include.

1.     Heat pump

Heat pumps are highly efficient systems that extract the heat from cold spaces like the outdoors (during winter), warm it up, and only then release it into the inside. These use the refrigeration-type cycle originally used in air conditioners. But, there's a difference. Instead of releasing the air outside as cooling systems do, they push the air back to the room to heat it.

In addition to heating, these products can be used for cooling also. They simply reverse the airflow to expel the heated air brought from outdoors (during summer).

One of the biggest perks of this option is that it’s up to four times more efficient in using power than traditional heating systems.

2.     Handlers/ rooftop units

Handlers are large systems placed on rooftops and used to control the temperature of larger spaces. You can easily see these on top of houses and apartment buildings. Inside the boxes that are visible on the exterior, you can find a blower, filter racks, both cooling, and heating elements, as well as dampers and chambers.

In most cases, handlers connect with a ductwork ventilation system which means that they distribute the air through an entire building before they get it back to the box.

These are cost-effective in the long-term but can cost a fortune as an initial investment. They also need to be maintained frequently, which is why it's recommended that you have an HVAC maintenance contract handy to avoid high expenses and prolong the life of the system.

3.     Packaged air conditioners

These look rather similar to rooftop units, but they are more widely used for domestic purposes. Packaged air conditioners come in two forms:

·         With water-cooled condensers. In these cases, the condenser is being cooled by water, which means that the system must be connected to a water source constantly to work. They are usually installed inside the buildings.

·         With air-cooled condensers. Such air conditioners use the atmospheric air to function, which makes them outdoor units. They have a fan to suck the air before blowing it onto a condenser coil. This makes them very similar to those large rooftop units we discussed previously.

4.     Water/ ground source heat pumps

Water source heat pumps have become very popular in the past couple of years. If you want sustainable heating and cooling, this is an ideal solution for you.

However, water source heat pumps require proximity to a body of water. Similar to them are geothermal heat pumps, which are more frequently used since they draw on the ground.

Regardless of which one you choose, both HVAC systems offer heating and cooling and are environmentally-friendly. To be more, they can be taken a step further and provide the household with hot water as well as heating. By drilling down holes for the system, users can get drinking water as well as feed the heat pump.

5.     Central/ Mini-Split HVAC

Split systems are ideal for larger homes or units where several households live. In this case, the key components are placed in different locations and are all linked to one main source.

These come in two forms – central system and mini-split or ductless system.

The central systems are ducted and designed specifically to cool the space. They can offer multi-zone control capabilities for temperature through air-louver-control boxes, which is excellent for spaces that aren’t used all the time.

Ductless systems, on the other hand, are the smallest of them all. These are designed for small places like a single large room or several smaller rooms. They require small space on the wall and the compressor and heat exchanger unit do not have to be located very close, which allows for greater flexibility.

Factors for choosing the best HVAC system for your home

The cost to purchase, install, and maintain an HVAC system can vary depending on your home's construction, size, location, project complexity, as well as the company you purchase it from. Knowing this, you should consider different things before you make your decision. Here are the main factors to pay attention to:

Type of unit

Based on where you're located, how big your place is, and how much money you have to spend, you need to choose the type of unit you plan to install. Companies that sell different units have experts that can measure your space, give you advice, and estimate your choices. Then, it all comes down to what your preferences are.

For example, central air uses a packaged unit or split system to create a comfortable, warm or cold atmosphere throughout your property. However, if you have a larger property, split systems can be more affordable. If your property is smaller in size, a packaged unit will be preferable.

Before you pick one, make sure to discuss your options with an expert.

Size of the unit

Next is the matter of how much space the unit will take. Measure the space you have to place the system and determine whether or not you can fit in your ideal option. There are air conditioners of different sizes available.

Rules and regulations

Depending on where you are, there might be some laws and regulations you need to meet when placing an HVAC system. Make sure that you can install whatever you plan to before you make a purchase. For example, some residential buildings are only allowed to use a split system.

Maintenance requirements

Any unit you purchase will need tune-ups at some point. Some will need maintenance more often than others. Make sure to learn about this before you make your purchase. Maintenance can be expensive, so consider this when choosing your system. It’s a good idea to schedule appointments with maintenance experts as soon as you purchase the product.

Energy efficiency

Getting an energy-efficient system can save you a fortune in energy costs. Compare the costs with each and make sure to calculate the purchase of the HVAC system when making your choice. Some options such as geothermal heat pumps cost a lot, to begin with, but are very energy-effective and pay off a lot in the long-term. They can save you up to 40% in energy costs.

Features

Different HVAC systems have different features. For example, some can be monitored and controlled from your smartphone. Others have thermostats that allow you to create a personalized temperature schedule. You can even ask for an upgrade of existing systems based on your needs or preferences.

Final thoughts

Taking care of the heating and cooling should be one of your priorities when you equip your property. Don't rush into this decision. Get more estimates from professionals and view website information, calculate your short-term and long-term expenses, consult with several people, and consider both your needs and your budget. There are plenty of options available today, each of them offering a set of perks. Depending on your location, budget, size of the property, as well as needs, you can choose the best system if you get enough information and not rush.