HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning. HVAC systems are, efficiently, everything from your air conditioner at home to the vast systems used in apartment blocks and industrial complexes. A perfect HVAC system aims to provide thermal regulator and indoor comfort, and one that is produced using the principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
The oversized air conditioner boxes that you might see on top of offices or apartment blocks are examples of (the apparent part of) HVAC systems. They’re typically used in large industrial buildings, apartment blocks, skyscrapers, and extensive interior environments. They’re also an essential element of environments where health regulations require that temperature and humidity be kept at certain levels, utilizing air taken from outside.
But the cooling and heating systems you use in your home are also HVAC systems. They may take another form, but many of the basic principles determining how they work and their efficiency passes over from the smallest of personal devices right over to the most significant commercial installations.
For most people, cooling and heating will account for as much as half of the energy they use. With this in mind, it’s essential to choose an HVAC system that will match your comfort needs without pulling on excess power and increasing your cost of living.
How to Choose the Right HVAC System
The type of HVAC system that you choose for your building will ultimately determine how comfortable you feel and how much you spend on cooling or heating bills during the year. HVAC systems are available in many sizes and have various features, making it necessary to do a bit of research before making your decision. Here are some tips to follow when choosing the right device for your property.
1. Check the Ductwork
Before you start shopping around for the best HVAC system, hire a professional technician to examine the ductwork in your property. An expert can check to see that everything is in good condition before installing a new device. If your ducts are poorly sealed or have damages, then it will result in up to 30% of energy loss with the HVAC system.
2. Look for an Energy-Efficient Appliance
Not all HVAC units are created equal, making it essential to find an energy-efficient device called Energy Star certified to ensure that you save more on the product's operating costs. You can also look for an HVAC system with a high SEER over 16 to ensure that less energy is used as it works.
3. Select the Air Handler
There are several types of air handlers to choose from for the heating part of the HVAC appliance. Single-stage air handlers only have one speed setting with the motor, but they can cause excess energy that is wasted. Two-stage engines can run on a low- and high-speed setting. They can conserve energy when on the low setting. Modulating or variable-speed motors are an added option that isn’t bound by settings. They enable users to set a specific speed that’s most efficient.
breathalong.com can help you choose the right HVAC system for your property.