Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibility – and one of the most important things you’ll need to take care of is your home’s HVAC system. As a homeowner, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how your home’s HVAC system works. After all, this is what keeps you comfortable throughout the year! To help you further understand the inner workings of your residential HVAC system or experts at Monroe Heating & Air have put together a list of 3 basics that every homeowner should know about their HVAC system:
1. What Does HVAC Stand for?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) are the three main functions of your home’s climate control system. HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Together, these three functions work to provide comfortable indoor temperatures and humidity levels year-round. Heating refers to the process of raising the temperature of a space to make it warmer, while ventilation is the process of exchanging or refreshing the air within your home, and air conditioning is the process of cooling a space.
2. What Are the Different Types of HVAC Systems?
As of today, there are several different types of HVAC systems to choose from, and the type that’s right for your home will depend on a number of factors such as the size of your home, the climate you live in, and your personal heating and cooling preferences. Some of the most common types of HVAC systems include a split system, hybrid system, duct-free system, and packaged system.
- Split System: A Split System is the most common type of HVAC system in the United States. It consists of an outdoor unit that houses the condenser and compressor and an indoor unit that contains the evaporator coil. On top of that, they can be used for both heating and cooling, and they’re available in a variety of configurations, including single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed.
- Hybrid Systems -A hybrid system is an HVAC system that uses both a heat pump and a furnace. The heat pump is used to circulate air in the summer, while the furnace circulates air in the winter. This makes them a more versatile option for homes in climates that experience both hot and cold weather. Not to mention, this revolutionary piece of HVAC equipment allows homeowners to use less energy overall, which can save homeowners money on their monthly energy bills.
- Duct-free Systems- also known as mini-split systems, don’t use ductwork to distribute air throughout the home. Instead, they have small, individual units that are mounted on walls or ceilings. Duct-free systems are an excellent option for homes that don’t have existing ductwork or for homeowners who want to improve the overall energy efficiency of their homes.
- Packaged System- A packaged system is similar to a split/hybrid system, but the main difference is that all of the components are housed in a single unit. This type of system is typically installed on the roof or on a concrete slab next to the home. This makes them a great option for homes with limited space for an HVAC system.
3. How Can I Maintain My HVAC System?
To keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Some tasks you can do yourself, while others should be left to a professional. Nevertheless, here are a few general maintenance tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Change the air filter at least once every three months, or more often if you have pets or live in a dusty area.
- Have your HVAC system serviced by a professional at least once a year. This will help ensure that your system is running efficiently and that any potential problems are caught early on.
- Keep the area around your outdoor unit clear of debris and vegetation. This will help keep the unit from overworking and improve airflow.
- If you have a central air conditioner, make sure the evaporator coils are clean. Dirty coils can cause the system to work harder than necessary and lead to premature wear and tear.
- Last but certainly not least, keep an eye on your energy bills. If you see a sudden spike, it could indicate that your HVAC system is working harder than it should. This could be caused by a number of factors, such as a dirty air filter or a problem with the ductwork.
By understanding your residential HVAC system, homeowners can help prolong its lifespan and keep it running smoothly for years to come. No matter what type of HVAC system your home is equipped with, it’s important to have it serviced by a qualified professional at least once a year. This will help ensure that your system is running efficiently and that any potential problems are caught early on. If you need help choosing the right HVAC system for your home, our professionals at Monroe Heating & Air are here to help with all of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Call us today at (513) 540-4890, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
