Want to learn about the basics of HVAC? Here are our answers to your most asked questions.
What Does HVAC Stand For?
HVAC is an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. This refers to the system that provides your home or business with heating and air conditioning. In some cases, there may be two different systems, one providing heating and the other cooling. Modern central and ductless HVAC offers both heating and cooling within the same system.
What Types of HVAC Systems Are Available?
There are four primary types of HVAC systems that home and business owners can choose from:
- Central heat and air
- Ductless systems
- Hybrid systems
- Split systems
Which system is right for your residential or commercial space depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to the size of your space, its layout and how many rooms there are, how you use the various areas within the space, and what your personal heating and cooling needs are.
What Are Energy Star Ratings?
To receive an Energy Star Rating, HVAC equipment must meet certain federal guidelines on how energy efficient the appliance runs. HVAC equipment that are Energy Star Certified are less harmful to the environment and save money on energy over time.
How Can I Save Money on Heating and Cooling Expenses?
Heating and cooling expenses can get out of hand during New England summers and winters, especially if your HVAC system isn’t the appropriate type or size for your space.
Other than upgrading to a ductless system, there are many other things you can do to reduce the overall cost of heating and cooling your home or business. These include plenty of relatively simple things like making sure there are no leaks or cracks in the seals around windows and doors or covering windows to block hot or cold air.
What Size HVAC System Do I Need?
When selecting an HVAC system, it’s important to choose one that is the correct size for the home or building it will be heating and cooling. A unit that is too small won’t provide enough warmth or air conditioning for a large area, and a unit that is too large can tax the system and inflate your electric bill.
The best way to know what size HVAC system you need is to allow an experienced HVAC contractor to calculate how many BTUs per square foot your building needs and make an equipment recommendation based on the size of your area and any other factors that need to be taken into consideration.
What Size HVAC System Do I Need?
When selecting an HVAC system, it’s important to choose one that is the correct size for the home or building it will be heating and cooling. A unit that is too small won’t provide enough warmth or air conditioning for a large area, and a unit that is too large can tax the system and inflate your electric bill.
The best way to know what size HVAC system you need is to allow an experienced HVAC contractor to calculate how many BTUs per square foot your building needs and make an equipment recommendation based on the size of your area and any other factors that need to be taken into consideration.
- How Do I Determine the Tonnage of My HVAC Unit?
- What Size Ductless System Do I Need?
- How the Wrong Size HVAC System Can Cause Problems
How Will I Control the Temperature in My Space?
To control the temperature of your space, you’ll use a thermostat connected to the HVAC system. Generally, a thermostat works by sensing the ambient temperature of an area and comparing it to the temperature you set. It then turns the heating and cooling system on or off to achieve the desired ambient temperature.
There are a wide variety of thermostat types available, ranging from simple dial thermostats for older HVAC system models to programmable thermostats with many features. Typically, newer HVAC systems and ductless split systems have programmable thermostats, or they are compatible with integrated controls like the Kumo Cloud station.
- Programmable Thermostat FAQ
- Integrated Controls for Ductless and Oil-Based Heating Systems
- Introducing the Mitsubishi Kumo Cloud Station (Video)
Does My HVAC System Need Preventative Maintenance?
Your HVAC system should be serviced regularly to prevent problems before they start. Waiting until your system isn’t heating or cooling properly, gives off a bad odor, or starts making strange sounds can result in expensive repairs and potentially the need for replacement equipment.
Work with your HVAC contractor to have your system inspected and maintained seasonally or as recommended by your technician.
How Does My HVAC System Impact My Air Quality?
The system you choose to heat and cool your home or business has a significant impact on the quality of the air within that space. Old, poorly serviced HVAC systems can pump dirty, allergen and bacteria-filled air into your space, potentially causing serious health hazards.
However, skilled HVAC technicians working with reputable components can ensure that your system helps your air quality instead of hurting it. Well-planned heating and cooling setups not only ensure that your home or business stays comfortable in all types of weather but also keeps the air inside your space at the proper humidity levels and free of dust, allergens, and harmful chemicals.
- Causes of Indoor Air Pollution
- How Your HVAC System Can Help (or Harm!) Your Health
- Why Indoor Air Quality Matters for Your Business
- How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution Right Now
How Do I Find a Good HVAC Provider?
It’s important that you select an HVAC company that is reliable, trustworthy, and has a good local reputation. Beware “jack of all trades” and “weekend warrior” HVAC providers; these companies are usually undertrained and may even be scam artists instead of a legitimate HVAC company.
Look for a contractor that has a website with contact information, look for logos on company vehicles and uniforms, and check the web for online reviews.
At N.E.T.R., Inc. we ensure our HVAC technicians have comprehensive, up-to-date training not only when they are hired, but ongoing throughout their career. Contact us today for more information heating, ventilation, and air conditioning at 781.933.6387.