Shop All
Store Locator
Search
Order Status
Log In
List
CartHere’s How to Choose the Right HVAC System for Your Home
HVAC stands for ‘heating, ventilation & cooling’. The HVAC system in your home is designed to regulate the temperature throughout the house and through the changing seasons. Whether your HVAC system is aged out or you just want to reduce energy costs, there are numerous factors to consider when choosing a replacement. Your home’s layout, square footage, local climate, and the cost of retrofitting all play a role. No single factor is most important, but purchasing new heating and cooling equipment will be one of your most significant, big-ticket investments. Here are some pointers to help you select the right heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for your house.
Ducted HVAC Systems
As the name suggests, a ducted HVAC system circulates warm or cool air throughout the house via supply and return ducts located in the ceilings and walls. The system consists of a furnace and a central air conditioner. Ducted systems are available in four main types, each with different features and benefits.
Ductless HVAC Systems
Without ductwork to channel airflow, ductless HVAC systems rely on a variety of methods to supply heating and air conditioning. If your home doesn’t have ducts, then your HVAC installer or HVAC repair specialist will almost certainly recommend a ductless system to avoid the expense and mess of retrofitting ductwork.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
A geothermal heat pump provides heating and cooling by using the earth as a natural energy source. It’s an expensive option, but it’s also the most environmentally friendly. Heat is drawn from deep in the ground in winter and returned to the earth to cool the home during summer. A residential geothermal system consists of a network of pipes and a heat pump instead of a conventional furnace or exterior AC installation. The heat pump connects to ductwork and delivers air like a furnace blower through supply and return vents. A ductless, hydronic/geothermalsystem circulates heated water through coiled tubing to provide radiant heat in flooring and driveways.
Geothermal heat pump benefits include:
Environmentally friendly solution
Can be powered by electricity, solar or wind power
Usually compatible with existing ductwork
Expected to perform for 20-30 years
Available as all-in-one, forced air, and hybrid split systems
Once you’ve researched all your options, be sure to consult with a qualified HVAC service provider to decide which HVAC system is right for your home. Compatibility is key, even before budget. Your next HVAC unit should incorporate energy-efficient technology, provide reliable, all-season comfort for you and your family, and pay for itself in the long run.
