If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know much about HVAC systems in West Babylon, NY. That’s understandable since these systems are usually hidden away in attics or basements, and most people never give them a second thought.
However, if you’re planning on buying a home or commercial property, it’s essential to learn at least the basics about HVAC systems before purchasing one to ensure you get the best fit for your property. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:
The Basics of HVAC Systems
HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.” An HVAC system in West Babylon, NY is responsible for providing comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. The system keeps things cool inside in the summer months by circulating fresh air and blowing out hot air. In the winter, it reverses the process to keep things warm.
An HVAC system is designed to give you control over the temperature inside your home. So you can make your indoor space comfortable all year round. Somehow, it makes your home a cozy place to stay.
Parts of an HVAC Unit
An HVAC unit comprises various parts, each of which plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable. Some of the most critical features of an HVAC unit include:
Thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for controlling the temperature in your home. It does this by regulating the amount of heat or air conditioning delivered to each room. It’s like the brain of your comfort system.
Return and Supply Registers: Have you seen something in your ceiling, wall, or floor rectangular in shape. That’s likely the return and supply registers. These registers control the flow of air into and out of your home. They help to ensure that the air is distributed evenly throughout your house.
Blower: The blower moves the air around inside the HVAC unit, helping it to circulate more efficiently.
Ductwork: Ductwork is a system of pipes and tubes used to deliver heated or cooled air to each room in your home. But not all HVAC systems in West Babylon, NY need this component to function.
Condenser Coils: These coils help remove heat from the air, making it cooler.
Evaporator Coils: You cannot see this component from the outside. But its function is mainly to hold the refrigerant, a chemical that absorbs heat from the air.
Condensing Unit: This is the metal unit installed outside your home and expels the heat that the refrigerant absorbs from the indoor air so the chemical can start absorbing more heat so your room can be cooler.
There are different HVAC systems, and they all have unique features. The ones listed above are just some of the most important.
HVAC Types
HVAC in West Babylon, NY comes in many shapes and sizes. While all these types are designed to help you achieve an ideal indoor temperature, they are different to some degree. Some are designed to cool all rooms in your home simultaneously, while other systems can only provide heated or conditioned air in the unit’s area.
For air conditioning systems, your options include a central air conditioning system, ductless mini-split, and portable A/C, among others. A central air conditioning system is a type of A/C that uses ductwork to distribute air to different rooms. All of its components are housed in a single casing.
Ductless mini-splits, on the other hand, come in two units. One of the units is installed indoors while the other one is outdoors. This unit does not require ductwork to distribute air, but on the downside, it can only cool the room where it is installed.
Portable A/C, as you probably guess, is the type of system you can carry wherever you go. It’s like a plug-and-play device. There’s no need to hire an HVAC contractor to install the system professionally in your place. But you shouldn’t expect much power from this equipment.
You also have many options in terms of heating, but the most popular are furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps. Furnaces are the most common choice between homeowners. On the other hand, boilers are often found in older properties.
Heat pumps can act as cooling equipment in the summer. It’s a convenient option since there’s no need to purchase two different systems to stay comfortable throughout the year. Of course, it isn’t perfect because it comes with a high price literally.
HVAC Size
HVAC systems in West Babylon, NY are available in a variety of sizes. In this case, the size does not refer to the physical dimension of the equipment. Instead, we refer to the capacity of the unit.
It’s crucial to choose a system with just the right capacity for your home. If you select a system that’s too small, it won’t be able to keep up with demand, and your home will be uncomfortable. On the other hand, if you choose a system that’s too large, it will use more energy than necessary, and your utility bills will be higher than they need to be.
For air conditioning units, the size is measured through BTU or British Thermal Units. But large air conditioning units are rated in tons.
Calculating a BTU can be quite complex, especially for those who aren’t just fond of numbers, so you may just want to leave the calculation to the professionals. You can also find BTU calculators online, but that may not be too accurate since many other factors are considered in the sizing.
Power Source
Different HVAC in West Babylon, NY runs using different energy sources. Air conditioning units are powered mainly by electricity. But heating systems are quite different. Heating equipment can use various fuel or power sources to heat your home; the most common fuel source includes natural gas, oil, and propane. But some still use electricity.
The fuel that a heating system uses typically affects its upfront and operational cost. That’s why it’s crucial to think about what power source your heating unit should be using when searching for a unit. Remember, you’ll be purchasing this fuel source for as long as your heating system is working. If your chosen energy source is quite costly and not easily accessible, then you better brace yourself for the expenses down the road. So it will be best to learn about their cons and pros so you can be sure you’re getting the most out of your money.
HVAC Systems and Energy Efficiency
HVAC energy efficiency is the term used to describe how well a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system uses energy to operate. The higher the HVAC energy efficiency, the less energy the system will use to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
For air conditioning units, energy efficiency is rated by SEER. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a measure of how much energy a system uses relative to its output.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has minimum energy efficiency standards that all new units must meet. For central air conditioners, the minimum SEER is 13. Generally, the higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the system is.
When shopping for an HVAC system in West Babylon, NY, ask about the SEER rating. Some HVAC systems have a rating as low as 8, while others have a rating as high as 25. The higher the rating, the more money you’ll save on your utility bills.
For heating systems, energy efficiency is rated by AFUE or HSPF. AFUE is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and HSPF is the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has minimum energy efficiency standards that all new furnaces must meet. For central furnaces, the minimum AFUE is 80%.
Most furnaces have an AFUE rating of 80%, meaning they convert 80% of the fuel they use into heat. Furnaces with an AFUE rating of 90% or higher are considered high-efficiency furnaces.
Contact All Seasons Air Conditioning For Your HVAC Needs
All Seasons Air Conditioning is the perfect choice for all your HVAC needs. We offer a wide range of services that will keep your home or office comfortable all year long. We have been in business for over 50 years and our experienced and licensed technicians are ready to help you with any problem you may have.
We have been in the HVAC industry in West Babylon, NY long enough to know everything about HVAC, but we still constantly update our knowledge and skills since this is a fast-changing field. We only want to give you the best, so we do everything we can to deliver our promise.
Our company is BBB accredited and has won the Carrier President’s Award multiple times. We believe we have what it takes to transform your home or office into a comfortable space.
We also offer financing options to make sure that everyone can afford our quality services. Contact us today at 631-694-1616 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you keep your home or office comfortable all year long!
