Residential HVAC

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. There are many different types of HVAC systems that rely on different types of technology to function, but their core purpose is to provide heating and cooling. Here are two of the most common types of residential HVAC systems and how they work:

• Standard split: Split HVAC systems consist of two main components – one for heating and one for cooling. The cooling component is typically installed on the outside of the home and uses a refrigerant to cool the air before carrying it indoors. Meanwhile, the heating component is installed indoors and is controlled using a thermostat. 
• Ductless or mini-split: Mini-splits are becoming increasingly popular because they are compact and don’t need extensive ductwork. In these systems, both the heating and cooling components are kept together in one unit rather than split between different areas of the home. Most also use a heat pump to transfer thermal energy between spaces, which can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Most HVAC systems will last between 15 and 25 years, though there are a few factors that can impact the lifespan of your unit. Proper maintenance is perhaps the most important part of keeping your HVAC system functioning properly for years to come. However, other factors such as pet ownership or outdoor air quality can also affect the long-term performance of your unit.

Regularly maintaining your HVAC system not only keeps your home as comfortable as possible, but it also prevents problems like premature breakdowns and high heating bills. Here are a few signs that your HVAC system needs maintenance:

• Poor airflow or uneven heating
• Unpleasant odors from the vents
• Loud or unusual sounds
• Water leaks or moisture 
• Increasing utility bills

It’s important to make sure your HVAC system is large enough to effectively heat and cool your entire space. To figure out the right size of HVAC system for your home, you’ll want to compare the square footage of your space to the British Thermal Units (BTUs) that the HVAC will put out. 

Generally speaking, a home that is around 1,000 to 1,500 square feet will need a system that puts out around 21,000 to 24,000 BTUs. Meanwhile, larger homes that are between 2,000 and 2,500 square feet will need a larger unit that puts out at least 30,000 to 34,000 BTUs.