What Should a New Homeowner Know About HVAC Systems?

Summer is no longer around the corner, it’s here, now, along with its scorching heat and insufferable humidity. This means you most definitely don’t want to be sitting around the living room with a box fan turned all the way up to ‘max,’ in front of your face as the TV blasts inaudible audio that can’t be heard over the 1,700 CFM (cubic feet per minute) emanating from your fan. 

So what do you do? The answer is simple: install an HVAC unit. Whether you’re a first time homeowner or simply clueless about what you should take into consideration when buying a new HVAC unit—then you’ve come to the right place. With our guide on HVAC systems, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information to beat the summer heat! 

What does HVAC stand for?

Before delving deeper into the world of HVAC units, it’s helpful to start with the basics: what exactly does HVAC stand for? HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and it’s the usage of varying technologies that allow you to control the purity, humidity, and temperature of the air within an enclosed area, in this case, your home. 

Different Types of AC Units

While HVAC is a general term for technologies controlling air quality, there are various HVAC systems with differing parts and functions. So before you think about purchasing a new HVAC unit all willy-nilly, it’s important to better understand your needs. For example, what do you want to get out of your HVAC unit? Do you need it to cool an entire house or just a single room? It’s important to ask yourself these questions when buying a new unit. Read on to get a better understanding of the different types of AC units you will find: 

Window Air Conditioners

A window air conditioner is exactly what it sounds like, an air conditioning unit that’s mounted on your window. It’s a popular and cost effective option for those looking to cool individual rooms and or smaller spaces. Generally, window units are designed to fit the majority of windows, but custom options exist for more irregular window sizes. 

Ductless Mini-split Air Conditioners

Ductless mini-split air conditioners, also known as ductless AC systems, are a type of HVAC unit that function without needing a duct network. Ductless systems are interconnected by a network of refrigerant lines that allow for targeted cooling. These types of systems are perfect for older homes and homes where extending a duct network would be too costly. Additionally, it forgoes the process of duct cleaning, meaning, one less thing you’ve got to worry about. 

Split-system Air Conditioners

A split-system air conditioner, commonly referred to as split ACs, are a type of unit that differentiate themselves from traditional window units by incorporating both an indoor and an outdoor component.  Your system’s indoor unit is  typically made up of a coil, which absorbs heat from inside your home, and the outdoor unit consists of a compressor and condenser, which releases the heat outdoors and away from your home. 

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable AC units are a great affordable option to cool your home. Not only are they cost-effective, but the ease of use and flexibility they provide is unmatched. Portable conditioners are perfect for cooling individual areas, or even to supplement existing cooling systems that need that extra bit of help. 

What size HVAC system do I need?

Buying an HVAC unit is not as simple as choosing the right model. In fact, you have to ask yourself, ‘Does size matter?’ Yes, yes it does. New homeowners tend to flock to the HVAC unit with the most BTUs (British thermal units), and while it’s understandable, they fail to realize that picking an HVAC unit is like an article of clothing: you want it to fit just right. Below is a general guide you can use to determine whether your HVAC unit is a right fit for you. 

• Small Rooms (under 150 sq ft): 5,000 to 8,000 BTUs. 
• Medium Rooms (150-300 sq ft): 8,000 to 12,000 BTUs. 
• Large Rooms (300-500 sq ft): 12,000 to 18,000 BTUs. 

What’s the average lifespan of an HVAC system?

The average lifespan of an HVAC system can greatly vary depending on usage, maintenance or lack thereof, and on the specific type of system. Generally though, you can expect your HVAC system to last anywhere from 15-25 years. 

How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?

One of the most common questions we receive from new homeowners is, “How often should I schedule HVAC maintenance?” Ideally, you should service your HVAC system a minimum of two times a year, as it’s the best way to ensure your HVAC unit is always up and running. We recommend you service it once in the spring in order to prepare your unit for the summer months, and then again in the fall to ensure all the heating components are in check.  

Trust the Experts

Deciding on a brand new HVAC system can be difficult, especially for first time homeowners. It can be tiring, time consuming, and above all, it can be trying. Imagine doing research just to still end up buying the wrong unit? Don’t be that person. Instead, give our HVAC professionals at A1 Mechanical Heating and Cooling a call. With us, you won’t have to worry about buying the wrong unit—we’ll just  provide you with the right one. For all your HVAC needs, give us a call!