HVAC is an essential part of any home as it keeps homeowners and their families safe and comfortable during the hottest and coldest months of the year. However, even though most people use HVAC systems almost every day, unless they work in the industry, they probably do not know much about them.
Not everyone has the time to become an HVAC expert, and it is completely normal to have questions. Still, it cannot hurt to learn a bit of base knowledge about the subject, and this guide is great for anyone who wants to become a bit more educated about HVAC. So, here are a few basics that are important for Chester County homeowners to know.
What is HVAC?
HVAC is an abbreviation that stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This means that the term HVAC is quite broad and encompasses any machine or system that is involved in temperature regulation and moving air throughout a building.
Are All Heating, Air Conditioning, or HVAC Systems the Same?
No, not all HVAC systems are the same. In fact, there are a wide variety of different HVAC systems, all with their own advantages and disadvantages for different types of homes. To make this easier to understand, HVAC systems can essentially be split up into three different categories: air conditioners, heating systems, and heat pumps.
There are many different kinds of air conditioners, including window units, wall or floor-mounted units, and central air conditioning, which is powered by a large unit outside of the home that sends air through a home’s ductwork. However, most work by cooling air with a liquid refrigerant stored within the unit.
There are also many different types of heating systems, from plug-in fan and convection heaters as well as natural gas furnaces, oil burners, and more. With the exception of plug-in heaters, most other home heating systems either work by sending hot water to radiators throughout a home or by heating air and sending it through a home’s ductwork.
Heat pump systems, unlike the other two categories, can provide a home with both heating and cooling, which makes them a convenient option for many homeowners. Instead of heating or cooling air and sending it out into a home, a heat pump works by essentially moving the heat itself. When homeowners want their home to be warm, the heat pump adds heat from outside to the home, and when they want it to be cooler, it removes heat from the home and transfers it outside. Because of this, heat pumps are more efficient than many other heating and air conditioning systems.
How to Take Care of an HVAC System
Just like anything else, HVAC systems require routine preventative maintenance to continue working properly. While some systems may require more attention than others, in general, it is best to call a local HVAC contractor for a system tune-up once a year. This can help ensure that a home’s HVAC systems are working as efficiently as possible and have far less risk of breaking down.
Do HVAC Systems Affect Indoor Air Quality?
Yes, HVAC systems, especially air conditioning systems, can have a big effect on the air quality within a home. All air conditioners have some sort of air filter that, at the very least, filters out particles like dust to prevent build-up in the air conditioner itself. This means that when the air conditioner is on, it is constantly filtering dust out of the air, which can improve air quality and help reduce the symptoms of health problems like allergies and asthma.
However, it is important to note that, unlike whole-house air cleaners and purifiers, these air filters mostly just filter out larger particles and will have a negligible effect on things like mold, germs, and smoke.
Is it Possible to Install a New HVAC System in a Home?
Yes, it is, however, the size, scope, and ease of these types of projects will depend largely on the home and what type of HVAC system is being installed. For example, air conditioning and heating systems that require ductwork to distribute air throughout a home will be much more difficult to install if there is not already ductwork there to use.
Installing ductwork requires extra space and time, thus increasing the time and labor charge for a heating or air conditioning installation project.
Chester County Fuel Oil: Professional HVAC Install Chester County, PA
Chester County Fuel Oil is here to help homeowners in West Chester, PA and the surrounding area looking to install a new HVAC system in their home. Their team of highly trained and passionate service technicians are experts in all sorts of different HVAC systems and can quickly and conveniently install new systems at the most competitive prices in the region.
But they do not just stop at installation, Chester County Fuel Oil offers a full range of heating and air conditioning services, including regular HVAC maintenance and repair, water heater services, and 24/7 emergency services that have Chester County residents covered around the clock.
Whether customers are looking to install a new, more efficient heating system in their homes or simply need the help of a professional air conditioning or heating repair service, Chester County Fuel Oil is there to get the job done right.
Contact Chester County Fuel Oil Today
For homeowners who still want to learn more about HVAC or simply want to inquire about Chester County Fuel Oil’s amazing heating, air conditioning, and general HVAC services, feel free to give them a call. Their team is always there and happy to answer any questions that homeowners may have. Serving West Chester, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area, call Chester County Fuel Oil and get the superior service Chester County residents deserve today!
