Skip to main content

HVAC Systems: Understand Your Options

Many modern homes have an HVAC system. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and these systems are designed to keep your home a comfortable temperature all year round. If you’re considering installing one of these systems, this guide will help you understand the different types of HVAC systems and ultimately choose which is the right one for your home.

HVAC system outside

Christian Delbert / Shuttershock

Your guide to HVAC systems

In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of HVAC systems and highlight the key differences between each type of HVAC system. We’ll also explain the pros and cons and let you know where to find unbiased reviews to help make a final purchase decision.

HVAC systems overview

HVAC systems are used to keep homes cool in hot weather and warm during the colder months. In addition to a heating and/or cooling component, they typically contain a thermostat that allows the user to control the temperature and an air filter that removes impurities and keeps the air clean. Most systems also have ducts and vents that distribute the heated or cooled air throughout your home.

There are four basic types of HVAC systems:

  • Split systems are the most common type of HVAC systems. These systems are split between a heating unit, which is typically located inside and runs on oil or gas, and a cooling unit, which is located outside and runs on electricity.
  • Hybrid split systems, or hybrid systems, are very similar to split systems. However, these systems have one additional feature: they can be switched between gas and electric power. This allows the homeowner to have more control, save money, and reduce energy usage.
  • Duct-free systems, or mini-split systems, place individual HVAC units in each room. Each unit has its own indoor and outdoor component, eliminating the need for ductwork.
  • Packaged systems are systems that combine heating and cooling abilities into one single unit. They are most often powered by electricity.

There are many reasons to install an HVAC system. Most older homes – and even a few newer ones – weren’t built with central heating and cooling. Installing an HVAC system can help reduce the energy bills in these homes when compared to running space heaters and window AC units, not to mention making things more comfortable for the occupants. If your home already has an HVAC system, you might need to consider getting it partially or completely replaced. This could be due to age or to update your antiquated system with something more energy efficient.

HVAC systems pros

One of the biggest concerns for homeowners when installing an HVAC system is the cost to operate the system on a regular basis. Some types of HVAC systems are more efficient than others. Ductless HVAC systems are typically the most energy efficient and will therefore generate a lower energy bill over time.

Choosing the right type of HVAC system will also depend on the size of your home. For larger homes, split systems are typically more energy efficient. If you live in a small home or apartment, you’ll get better value from a packaged system. On the other hand, if you’re looking to add an HVAC system to a guest house, workshop, garage, or other auxiliary space that isn’t consistently used, you might want to consider a duct-free system that can be individually controlled.

HVAC systems cons

The main drawback of installing HVAC systems is the upfront cost. This will depend on the size of your home and whether or not you have existing ductwork. If your home already has a functioning system of vents and ducts, you’ll be best off replacing your existing HVAC system with another split or hybrid split system. Installing ducts alone can cost up to $5,000 at a hefty price of $35 to $55 per foot.

In addition to the cost of installation, you’ll also have to plan for maintenance and eventual replacement of your HVAC system. Duct-free systems often require the most ongoing maintenance, a hefty price to pay for a lower energy bill. Even with maintenance, many HVAC systems will need replacement every 10 to 15 years.

Finally, physical appearance is a major consideration between HVAC system types. Most people are accustomed to seeing ductwork in homes, and vents are easy to hide, making split systems the most aesthetically pleasing. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to find a place for a large outdoor cooling unit, which can often be an eyesore. Duct-free systems aren’t always the easiest to incorporate into your interior design scheme, though. Their large indoor units must be mounted on a wall in each room and are nearly impossible to camouflage.

HVAC systems reviews

One of the best ways to get reliable HVAC system reviews is by asking an installation expert. HVAC technicians have years of experience installing and replacing systems and can easily refer you to the most reliable and affordable solution for your home.

However, there are also a few online resources to look at. Consumer Reports has updated ratings for dozens of HVAC systems. The U.S. Department of Energy also has a rating system called SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which measures the energy efficiency of different HVAC systems and can be used to predict how much one will cost to operate. The higher the SEER rating, the better.

When installing a new HVAC system, keep in mind that purchasing a cheaper system upfront doesn’t mean you’ll save money in the long term. Take into consideration the energy efficiency of the system, the cost of electricity and gas in your area, and the anticipated maintenance and lifespan for the system. 

The post HVAC Systems: Understand Your Options appeared first on Freshome.com.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

SKÅDIS: 5 ways to make the IKEA pegboard even better

IKEA introduced its own pegboard system, SKÅDIS, two years ago and I’d say it’s one of the best systems IKEA launched in recent years. I love how super customisable it is, with a growing range of accessories that help keep things organized. It works everywhere, in your wardrobe to bathroom . Probably anywhere you have a flat surface to hang it up. Photo: IKEA.com SKÅDIS pegboard system See it on IKEA.com But no matter how perfect a system, you can trust IKEA hackers to improve on the SKÅDIS. And they’ve settle these 5 issues you may have faced with the handy IKEA pegboard. Read on for their fixes. 5 IKEA SKÅDIS issues and fixes #1 Expensive hooks? You’ll need quite a number of hooks and accessories to fill up the SKÅDIS pegboard, and Kenyer was shocked at how quickly they all added up. So he figured he could make his own hooks to save cost. Photo: Kenyer Over at Instructables , he shows us how to twist copper wires into the SKÅDIS hook shape. It works s...

KALLAX desk ideas: Three ways to set up a workstation

Three great ideas for a KALLAX desk . #1 Compact, minimalist desk for laptop I put together a KALLAX desk for my laptop for just under 25 euros. Just a KALLAX 2×2 is needed. No other materials required. IKEA item used: KALLAX 2 x 2 (77 x 77 cm) KALLAX 2×2 | IKEA.com All you need to do is assemble 3 of the pieces in a U shape. That is all.  If you want to strengthen the structure you would need to drill a couple of holes in order to use the long middle shelf of the KALLAX unit as a back reinforcer. Easy and it works. ~ by Fabio Tudela #2 KALLAX standing desk I choose to stand at work because it makes me feel infinitely more productive. Our department recently moved into a new building and we had the opportunity to design our own spaces. Items Used: VIKA AMON / TORNLIDEN table top x 2 (discontinued, replaced by LINNMON ) KALLAX 4 cube x 2 KALLAX drawer unit x 2 8 – 3″ locking casters / wheels 1 – 6′ zinc brace I had a few VIKA AMON tables ...

Amped up KURA bed with drawers and safety rail

We saw other KURA beds with storage drawers underneath on this site. So, we also wanted the same — to make space for LEGO s and wooden trains under the bed. We installed the additional headboard panels because the configuration of the room and the location of the windows in the room meant that we wanted the children’s heads on the right and the ladder on the left. The KURA plans did not seem to allow this configuration, though I have seen online that there are models of this bed from 2003 that allowed more options for setup. Additional safety features Safety rail panel for the lower KURA bed helps our two year old feel secure, as he just transitioned from a crib directly to this bunk. Likewise metal handles on the ladder. They added a lot of confidence for both the five-year-old and the two-year-old when climbing up to the top bunk. We are aware that the bunk is now even higher than before and both children are under 6. Use caution and common sense before making these modifi...