According to studies, 60% of Canadian households had any type of air conditioner. This number grew since two years prior to the study, meaning more and more households are installing heating and air conditioning systems.
A quality heating and air conditioning system can keep your home comfortable while also being energy efficient and saving you money. If you’re thinking about installing a new one, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about these systems.
How Do HVAC Systems Work?
Heating and air conditioning systems are commonly referred to as HVAC systems, meaning they take care of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is also possible to have ductless heat pumps or mini-split systems.
Your system will include a heating element, which is usually a furnace or boiler. This pairs with a pipe system if you have a fluid-based system or ductwork if you have forced air. Either of these systems helps distribute the heat.
Some systems also include a separate air-cleaning element here. Finally, the air conditioner will include an outside unit that includes a compressor, as well as an evaporator coil attached to the furnace.
Your air return is the starting point of the ventilation cycle in your home. It sucks in air and brings it through a filter. Then, the air passes into the main system. This air then moves on to the heater or central air conditioner where it is heated or cooled as needed.
The air, which is now at the temperature you want it, is sent back into your home using the ductwork. Blowers, which is essentially a fan that is part of your furnace, helps force the air to move through the ducts.
How to Choose a Heating and Air Conditioning System
If you already have a heating and air conditioning system, odds are that sooner or later you will need to replace it with a new one. Unfortunately, they do break down over time. This causes them to be inefficient or ineffective, possibly raising your energy bills, requiring frequent repairs and maintenance, and making your home less comfortable.
When choosing a new heating or air conditioning system, it’s important to take a careful look at what your system needs to do. You don’t want to buy an oversized unit, but you should make sure it can meet the requirements for your home.
It’s important to choose one that will adequately heat or cool your home. Larger homes require larger units. Some very large homes may even require multiple units. However, smaller homes may only need a relatively small unit.
How Much Does an HVAC System Cost?
Prices will vary depending on where you purchase your air conditioner or furnace from as well as your location. In addition, certain factors like the make and model of the system will also affect the cost.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of installation. This can vary drastically depending on your location and your particular home, including how old your current unit is. Modern building codes may require substantial upgrades to venting, piping, and electrical wiring.
If you’ve never had an HVAC system in your home or have an outdated system, you may need to factor in the cost of installing or updating ductwork. Having a properly working and installed duct system will ensure your new HVAC system will work efficiently, lowering your overall costs.
If you can’t purchase a new heating or air conditioning system outright, there are other options. Furnace rental and air conditioner rental can help you get the system you need now without paying for a whole new system right away.
Another option is to finance your furnace or air conditioner. You can get great rates with flexible options, while still being able to install the heating and cooling system you need.
Where to Get Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
You can get a heating and air conditioning system from a number of places. Many heating and cooling companies that are known for service and installation also sell some standard HVAC systems if you need one.
However, there are also other options. Some companies offer furnace rent to own or air conditioner rent to own.
You should consider a company that specializes in selling and financing heating and air conditioning systems. Going this route will give you a wider variety of units to choose from, meaning you can get one that will work best for your situation.
In addition, you can get more flexible payment options, making it easier to get the system you need affordably. You could finance your system and only have to deal with low monthly payments. There are options for zero-interest financing and even bad credit financing.
Plus you’ll still have access to licensed and certified installers that are experts in installing heating and cooling systems the right way.
How to Maintain Your Heating and Air Conditioning System
Keeping up with the maintenance on your heating and air conditioning system is key to keeping it running efficiently. Scheduling your heating and air conditioning services regularly will help you extend your system’s life and save money on your energy bills.
In general, you should have your systems inspected and serviced by a professional before the season in which they’ll be used. For your heating system, this means you should schedule an appointment in the late summer or early fall before you need the heat.
On the other hand, your air conditioner should be serviced in late winter or early spring. This will ensure it’s ready to go for cooling season. You should also be sure to change your filters regularly even between servicings.
If you have an outdoor unit, it is important to maintain the area around it. Make sure there isn’t any debris or vegetation that is too close to the unit. It can get sucked into the fan and cause serious issues.
Keep Your Home Comfortable
Heating and air conditioning systems may seem complicated for the average homeowner when you first learn about them. However, with a little bit of knowledge, you can choose a system that works for you and keep it well maintained.
Get a free quote from Furnace Financing so you can upgrade your heating and cooling system and start enjoying a more comfortable home.
