HVAC regulates moisture, which is a critical element for building structures and human health. Indoor air quality and temperature can also affect staff morale and productivity.

Whether you choose a packaged unit or split system model, there are many benefits to owning a new HVAC unit. Prospective homebuyers are looking for smart, durable products, and a high-efficiency HVAC system will give your house an edge. For professional help, contact experts at Lexington Heating And Air.

Air conditioning is a major part of your HVAC system. It cools indoor temperatures by removing excess heat from the air and transferring it outside. The system is also responsible for controlling humidity and moving that air throughout your home. Humans in hot climates have cooled themselves using fans, fountains, and natural ventilation systems for centuries, but air conditioning has become ubiquitous in developed countries like the U.S. Air conditioning accounts for more than a fifth of the global energy used for home heating and cooling. This has led to a massive increase in carbon emissions, especially from power plants that produce electricity.

The primary components of an HVAC system are a furnace, ductwork, and an air handler. The thermostat controls the temperature and sends signals to the other units when you want to change the temperature. Ductwork carries the warm or cool air from the furnace and distributes it to rooms with an air handler. The air handler can be powered by gas or electricity.

The energy efficiency of an HVAC system is determined by its SEER rating, which indicates how efficiently it operates. A high SEER rating indicates a more efficient unit. A ductwork system is also considered efficient if it has low leakage and proper insulation.

When selecting an HVAC system, look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure it meets or exceeds energy efficiency standards. This label is often found on newer, high-efficiency HVAC models.

To save even more energy, make other energy-efficient improvements to a house before installing a new air conditioner. For example, by adding wall and attic insulation, upgrading to double-pane windows, increasing window overhangs, reducing duct leakage, and regularly changing air filters, the heat load for a 2,000-square-foot home can be reduced so that an existing 4-5-ton HVAC system is no longer oversized.

The air conditioning system can also introduce pollutants into the environment, such as outdoor air pollution, mold spores, and animal dander. To help reduce these, schools can specify features such as a differential pressure monitor to control building pressurization and ensure that outdoor pollutants do not enter the school.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is an HVAC system that can act as both a cooling and heating system. Its primary source of energy is the air in your home, and it uses electricity to transfer thermal energy from the air to the interior of your house or building.

The more efficient your heat pump, the lower your energy bill. A top-rated professional can test your unit and recommend the correct size for your home based on a variety of factors, including your current air conditioning system.

Most heat pumps have a large unit installed outside that connects to one or more small, wall-mounted units inside your home. These units can also be connected to ductwork for whole-house heating and cooling. Known as “ductless mini-splits,” these systems are popular in homes that lack a centralized air system.

There are two types of heat pumps: air-source and ground-source. Air-source equipment extracts thermal energy from outdoor air, while ground-source devices tap into thermal energy stored in the earth. Both can work well in mild climates, though ground-source systems are better suited for colder areas.

A heat pump can be one of the most environmentally friendly options for replacing a propane, fuel oil, or electric resistance furnace. A recent study found that homeowners using these fossil-fuel systems can save up to $1,000 per year when switching to heat pumps, and payback periods are generally less than 15 years.

Replacing inefficient, fossil-fuel-powered HVAC equipment with heat pumps is a key part of Montgomery County’s efforts to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals. However, heat pumps aren’t as widely adopted as solar panels or electric vehicles, and they need more public awareness and support.

Heat pumps are an attractive solution for the climate crisis, and they can be easily paired with renewable sources of power like solar, wind, or energy efficiency measures. In fact, if all Americans switched from natural gas to heat pumps today, it would eliminate nearly a billion metric tons of annual emissions.

A comprehensive strategy to decarbonize the housing sector, including incorporating heat pumps into existing certifications for HVAC technicians and introducing large-scale installation incentives, can help ensure that all American families have access to this clean and affordable technology. With the right policy framework in place, this technology can make a huge impact on our global fossil fuel use.

Ductless Systems

Many homeowners use ductless systems to address hot or cold spots, heat and cool garages, media rooms, and basements, and make their homes more energy efficient. Unlike traditional systems that distribute air through a network of leak-prone ducts, a ductless system operates independently of your other systems to precisely control the temperature of specific areas in your home.

Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, adding a room, or expanding an existing space, a Bryant ductless system offers a quick, economical, and simple solution to your comfort needs.

Like central AC, ductless systems use outdoor components to produce refrigerant that cools indoor air and pushes it throughout your home. Rather than distributing cooled air through a network of ducts, however, a ductless system pumps that refrigerant directly to compact indoor units within individual living spaces. Each unit has its own wireless controller to set a desired temperature and control your comfort.

Because the ductless system has so much smaller equipment, it uses considerably less energy to operate than central AC. That savings adds up, too, in lower cooling and heating costs, reduced energy usage, and a smaller environmental footprint.

In addition to reducing your utility bills, a ductless system can also improve your health by lowering dust and pollen levels. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 40% of all illnesses are caused by poor indoor air quality.

Ductless systems are quieter than central duct heat pumps and air conditioning. This is largely due to the blower speed variations that are used to regulate temperatures rather than the on/off cycle of traditional systems. This means you can comfortably watch a movie or have a conversation without the air conditioner interrupting your comfort. However, ductless systems require regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Cleaning the air filters once or twice a year and scheduling professional maintenance checks twice a year will keep your ductless system running efficiently. Our experienced technicians can help you choose a model that’s right for your home and lifestyle. We’ll ensure your ductless system is properly sized and installed for maximum performance, efficiency, and durability.

Installation

A new HVAC system requires expert installation to ensure it operates at peak efficiency and provides optimal comfort in the home. During the process, the HVAC technician repairs or modifies existing ductwork and installs any new equipment inside and outside the home. This may include an air handler or evaporator, an outdoor compressor or condensing unit, a new thermostat, refrigerant supply lines, and a new drain line, if applicable. They also upgrade or repair electrical wiring and circuit breakers as needed.

The HVAC industry is highly specialized, so it’s nearly always best to hire an experienced professional when performing a replacement or major repair. This is because the job involves complex, dangerous work, including lifting heavy equipment, working in confined spaces, and handling toxic chemicals. HVAC technicians are required to maintain licensure and undergo ongoing training and apprenticeships.

If you’re considering an HVAC upgrade, it’s important to choose an Energy-Star-rated system for the best possible performance. These systems meet stringent Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and produce far fewer carbon dioxide emissions than older units. Additionally, a high SEER rating will save you significant amounts of money on utility bills over time.

Besides cooling and heating, an HVAC system helps to clean the air in the home or business by removing contaminants like dust mites, fungus spores, animal dander, and infectious bacteria. It also eliminates odors and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

When choosing an HVAC system, it’s important to consider how it will affect the environment in your home or business. In addition to determining the size of the system, you’ll need to consider factors like your climate, how often you use the system, if your home is drafty, and whether or not you want to install additional features such as a zoning system or air purifier.

During an HVAC installation, it’s crucial to carefully label all components of the system to facilitate operations and maintenance. This includes the air return, filter, exhaust outlets, ductwork, thermostat, and any other equipment that’s part of the system. It’s a good idea to place these labels in a visible area and to coordinate them with system diagrams and drawings.

Renee Cade