HVAC sounds technical to some people. You might be more familiar with a “furnace” or “heater” or just your AC. We often hear the question about it because people aren’t entirely sure if HVAC is the heater or AC or both.
If you guessed both, you’re right! An HVAC system is what keeps your home or space at a comfortable temperature. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and provides heating and cooling inside an area. Without it, your home would feel overly hot in the summer and frigid in the winter.
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How Does an HVAC Work?
HVAC systems control your space’s temperature and the environment by using heating and cooling, controlling the humidity, and using ventilation. Another benefit of an HVAC system is its filter, which increases the air’s cleanliness.
There are three main elements to an HVAC system. The first is heat, usually controlled by a furnace or boiler. The furnace is connected to a pipe system or ductwork, which distributes the heat throughout the space.
The second element, ventilation, can be either natural or forced. If you live in an older home, natural ventilation occurs via internal gaps and cracks that allow heat to escape. In other homes, you may get fresh air by the frequent opening and closing of doors. However, current construction techniques have homes tightly sealed, and ventilation is essential. With forced ventilation, your system is likely improving your air quality as well. Air is sucked back through the filters, and dust, dirt, and allergens are removed from the air you’ll breathe.
Air conditioning is the final part of HVAC systems. Its job is to remove heat from buildings or homes and cool the space down. Air conditioning is becoming less of a luxury and more necessary, especially during summer months in hot climates such as Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina.
How Long Does an HVAC Last?
HVAC systems tend to last around 15 years. However, if you’d like yours to last as long as possible, we recommend routine maintenance twice a year. Of course, there are several kinds of HVAC systems, and their longevity will depend on these factors and usage, care, and climate.
Energy Usage
You might be wondering how much energy an HVAC system uses and how much to expect on your monthly bill. The answer is that it depends! Your energy usage depends on your use, of course, as well as the unit’s efficiency. The unit should also be the appropriate size relative to your home/space to lower costs. Your local climate and the type of fuel (gas/electric) it uses are also factors.
Is it time to replace your old HVAC System? Give us a call or fill out our contact form!
