HVAC basics: What you should know

HVAC basics: What you should know

Learn about the basics of home heating & cooling such as costs, key terms, and products. Also, learn how to maintain your system.

Confused about heating and cooling your home? Confused about home heating and cooling? Don't worry. Do your research before you begin a project or make major purchases.

OVERVIEW - WHAT IS HVAC?

HVAC stands for heating ventilation and air conditioning systems. This system heats and cools your home. It can include products such as furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps as well as ductwork, and other home comfort control devices.

HOW MUCH DOES A NEW AIR CONDITIONER OR FURNACE COST?

Prices will vary by state and are dependent on many factors such as the make and type of your HVAC equipment and the size of the home. To schedule an in-home evaluation and estimate, we recommend you contact your local HVAC service Marietta. You can find more information in our pricing guide and our online recommendation tool.

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT THE COST OF A NEW HVAC SYSTEM?

Good news! There are many ways you can save on a Trane. These savings can only be found by speaking to your local dealer. These include rebates from your local dealer, tax credits, and special offers that are only available for a limited time. These are just a few of the major factors that impact the price of a new heating/cooling system.

LOCATIONRegion, climate, and other factors are crucial in choosing the best system for your home. There will be a difference in heating and cooling needs between the north and south. Installation costs can vary greatly depending on where you live.

HOME SIZE CONSTRUCTION
For a large house to maintain a comfortable temperature, it will require a larger unit (or multiple systems) which will also cost more. You will also notice a difference in your cooling and heating bills if you have the right seals on your windows and doors.

DUCTWORK
Your home's comfort level is determined by how well the ductwork connects rooms. Properly designed and installed, a well-designed duct system can improve comfort and decrease energy consumption. Ductwork can be added to the cost of a Marietta HVAC system, whether it's for the new home construction or a replacement.

PROJECT DIFFICULTY
You will see an increase in your HVAC installation costs if the new system is intended for a difficult-to-reach space or if retrofitting is necessary. These types of costs will only be discovered by an on-site assessment.

 

 

PRODUCTS FOR HEATING & COOLING

FURNACE
Each furnace consists of four components: 1) burners to deliver and burn fuel; 2) heat exchangers; 3) a fan and 4) an exhaust that allows for gaseous by-products. A furnace creates heat by burning fuel and distributes that heat throughout the house.

AIR CONDITIONER
An air conditioner extracts heat energy from the house and then transfers it to the outside air. Split systems are the most popular for residential homes. They include an inside condensing heat exchanger as well as an outside evaporative heat transfer unit.

HEAT PUMP
If you live in a moderate climate zone, a heat pump is an option that can save you energy. It heats your home in winter with the outside air and cools it during summer.

AIR HANDLER
A heat pump is often used with an air handler to circulate the air in your home. You won't need an Air handler if you're looking for a furnace or traditional air conditioner.

DUCTLESS SYSTEMS
Ductless systems can be used to heat and cool a single space in your home without needing to install ductwork.

THERMOSTAT
There are generally two main types of thermostats: connected and traditional. The majority of connected thermostats can connect to other smart home systems, and learn over time how best to heat or cool your home. Although traditional controls are easier to use, some control systems offer programming capabilities.

HEATING and COOLING TERMS

ALFIE
The furnace's efficiency when converting heat into electricity. A higher percentage indicates higher efficiency and lower energy bills.

SEER
The air conditioner's or heat pump's cooling efficiency. Higher efficiency means lower energy costs and greater efficiency.

The heat pump's heating efficiency. A heat pump with a high HSPF of 8 is considered to be high-efficiency.

SPLIT
A split system consists of two parts: an indoor and outdoor unit. Split systems are the most commonly used HVAC system in modern homes.

PACKAGED SYSTEM
A package system is an all-in-one solution that includes most of the heating and cooling components.

HEATING STAGES
The number of settings that a furnace or heat pump can use. Multi-stage, or variable, systems provide more precise temperature control and are more efficient than single-stage systems.

COOLING STAGES
The number of settings that an air conditioner or heat pump has. Variable or multistage systems provide better temperature control and work more efficiently than single-stage air conditioners.

ENERGY STATED
The ENERGY STAR symbol is used to help consumers find energy-efficient products.

HYBRID SYSTEM
A hybrid dual-fuel system is an electric heat pump and a gas furnace that uses a combination of both fuels.

 

FINANCIAL TIPS: FOLLOW THE $5,000RULE
Multiply the equipment's age by the estimated repair costs. If it is over $5,000, you might consider replacing the unit.

 

HVAC Service Marietta

Marietta, GA

(470) 720 5165