HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and it is the most important system in your house. Throughout the seasons, each part of an HVAC system takes a role.
During summer, the air conditioning unit transforms hot air into cold air by condensing it, keeping a living space comfortable for people and animals. During winter, a heating system takes over and provides heat to all areas of the house, which prevents illness. And the ventilation system keeps allergens, dust, and dirt from circulating through your home.
Understanding the HVAC system is important to reduce the possibility of a sudden collapse of one part of the system. Knowing the signs if a furnace is going to break down or an air conditioning unit is going to stop working are crucial for maintaining a quality of living that many want.
One way to make sure you’re knowledgeable about your HVAC system is to talk to heating and air conditioning contractors when they’re installing the system or performing maintenance. Heating and air conditioning contractors should be able to tell you where your system is in its life cycle, what parts are wearing out (if any), and what options there are if you want to go with a different system.
The HVAC industry in the U.S. employs over 300,000 people and has over 85,000 businesses. From 2009 to 2014, it grew by 4.1% annually and brings in $71 billion in revenue every year. Finding a qualified professional for your specific need may mean searching online for air conditioning repair companies or HVAC contractors. Asking for a recommendation from a friend may help as well.
The importance of understanding your HVAC system extends to money as well. Improper HVAC unit installation can increase energy costs by as much as 30%. With proper maintenance, a new HVAC unit should have a life span between 12 and 15 years, which is the average. It’s important to watch out for warning signs like clunky, unusual sounds or s sudden change in performance that may indicate the system is under strain.
An area that may save you money is a focus on the ventilation system, specifically air filters. An air filter is a material that goes over the end of the air vent. While the air itself blows through it, the air filter can catch many of the problems associated with air quality, such as allergens, dust, and dirt. While improving air quality, this can also have an impact on you and your family’s overall health.
Heating and air conditioning contractors can be useful in telling you how you can save money with your HVAC system. Many may recommended newer technologies, like a programmable thermostat, which can save users as much as $180 per year in energy costs. Understanding your HVAC system can save you money and stress in the long run.
