HVAC basics: What do you need?

HVAC basics: What do you need?

Learn the basics about home heating and cooling including their costs, key terms, products, and essential maintenance.

Are you confused about home heating or cooling? Not sure where to start? Don't worry. You don't have to worry about making a big purchase or starting a project.

OVERVIEW - WHAT IS HVAC?

HVAC stands for heat, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This system is responsible for heating and cooling your home.

HOW MUCH DOES A NEW AIR CONDITIONER OR FURNACE COST?

Prices can vary between states and depend on many factors including make and model, as well as the size of your house. For a free, in-home estimate and custom evaluation, contact your HVAC Service Marietta. Get a free estimate online and a recommendation tool. For pricing information, see our pricing guide.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE COST OF A NEW HVAC SYSTEM?

It's good news that there are many ways of saving on a Trane. They include tax credits and local rebates. Here are some factors that influence the cost of a new heating/cooling unit.

location region is important when choosing the right system to heat your home and save energy. The heat and cooling requirements of the north and south will vary. You may also find that installation costs can vary by up to 20% depending on your location.

HOME SIZE CONSTRUCTION
A larger home will require more cooling units or multiple systems to maintain the right temperature. It will likely cost more than a smaller one. Also, the quality of insulation and proper sealing on doors and windows will impact your monthly cooling and heating expenses.

DUCTS
The comfort of your home from room to room is directly affected by the quality of your ductwork. A properly designed and implemented duct system will maximize comfort and save energy. A duct system can increase the cost of your HVAC system by as much as $2,000-$3,000, depending on whether you're replacing existing ductwork or installing a new HVAC unit.

PROJECT DIFFICULTY
You'll notice an increase in the cost of your HVAC system if it is installed in a difficult-to-reach area or if you live with historic homes that require retrofitting. These kinds of costs can only be determined by an onsite assessment.

 

 

HEATING and COOLING PRODUCTS

FURNACE
The four major components of furnaces are 1) the burners that provide and burn fuel, 2) heat-exchangers, 3), a blower, 4), and a flue that exhausts gaseous byproducts. A furnace is a device that generates heat from fuel by burning it and distributing this heat throughout the house.

AIR CONDITIONER
An air conditioner is a device that draws heat energy from the home and transfers it outside. The split system is the most common for residential homes. This includes an outside condensing heater heat exchanger, and an inside evaporative heating exchanger.

HEAT PUMP
If you live somewhere with mild climates, a heat pump can be an energy-saving option. It heats and cools a home using outside air.

HANDLER
Most commonly, an air handler works in conjunction with a heat pump to circulate cool air throughout your house. A furnace or conventional air conditioner will work fine without an air handler. They have all the necessary internal components to circulate air.

DUCTLESS
Ductless systems offer a simple way to heat and cool a single room without adding ductwork.

THERMOSTAT
Thermostats can be divided into two categories: traditional and connected. Basically, connected controls can interface with other smart home systems and learn how to heat and cool the home most efficiently over time. Many traditional controls can be programmed, but some are simpler.

HEATING COOLING TERMS

A furnace's efficiency in heating and converting energy to heat. A higher percentage equals higher efficiency and lower costs.

Air conditioner or heat pump cooling efficiency. A higher number indicates greater efficiency and lower costs.

This is the ratio that determines heat pump efficiency. High efficiency is defined by an HSPF score of 8 or higher.

SPLIT
Split systems consist of an outdoor unit as well as an indoor unit. Split systems are one of the most widespread HVAC systems in modern houses.

PACKAGED
The package system provides all-in-1 solutions. Most of the cooling and heating components are contained in one cabinet.

HEATING STAGES
A furnace's or heat pump's number of settings. Multi-stage, variable or multi-stage systems can provide better temperature control and operate more efficiently than single-stage systems.

COOLING STAGES
It refers to the number of settings of an air conditioner/heat pump. Variable or multi-stage systems are more accurate in temperature control and more efficient than single-stage air conditioners.

Energy Star
The ENERGY STAR logo is intended to help consumers identify products that are energy-efficient.

HYBRID SYSTEM
A hybrid dual fuel is an electric heat pump combined with a furnace.

 

TIP FOR FINANCIAL SUGGESTIONS: FOLLOW THE $5,000 RULE
Multiply the equipment age by the estimated cost of repair. If your estimate is higher than $5,000, it's time to replace the equipment.

 

HVAC Service Marietta

Marietta, GA

(470) 720 5165