staff HVAC systems keep your home pleasantly cool in summer and warm in winter. Keeping these systems correctly sized and maintained maximizes their effectiveness and reduces energy costs.
Contact at least three providers for quotes. Review their itemized bids to compare parts, labor, and warranty options. Also, ask for detailed explanations of the repair or replacement process and whether they will clean and test your system afterward.
Air Conditioners
When you return home from a hot and humid day outside, you want to be greeted by perfectly cooled and comfortable air. That’s why having a reliable HVAC system is so important.
A central AC system typically comprises a condensing unit, which sits outdoors, and an air handler connecting to your house’s ducts. The evaporator coils in the air handler create cool air by absorbing and releasing water vapor. This moisture must be drained regularly to avoid damaging the system.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that HVAC technicians hold Section 608 Technician Certification. This certification necessitates passing an exam that shows proficiency in correctly handling HVAC equipment with refrigerants, including installation, repair, and disposal. Checking credentials is an essential step in choosing a quality HVAC company.
Contact three providers for HVAC West Chester, PA, and ask if their specialists can visit your home to inspect the air conditioning system. Compare their explanations, solutions, estimated costs, and warranties.
Furnaces
Furnaces heat homes by pulling cool air from rooms in the home and heating it. The warm air is circulated throughout the house through ducts. The furnace uses natural gas, oil, propane, or electricity to produce and distribute heat. The system also includes a blower, thermostat, and flue pipes to vent exhaust out of the home.
Most modern homes feature forced-air heating systems. These systems retrieve cool air, push it through a filter, and then through the blower, where it’s heated. The ducts distribute the warmed air to reach every room in the house.
When a heating or AC repair is needed, working with a trusted HVAC company that offers a fair investment and excellent service is essential. Before selecting an HVAC provider:
- Request quotes from several companies.
- Explain the problem and ask if specialists can inspect your system in person before making recommendations.
- Compare each provider’s explanations, solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timelines.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps use only electricity to move thermal energy from the air or ground to keep homes warm and cool. If you live in a moderate climate, this system can be a cost-effective alternative to a traditional gas furnace and AC combo.
Heat pumps work the same way as an air conditioner in summer by shifting warmth from indoors to outside via the evaporator coil. They also use a reversing valve to shift warmth back in during winter.
The system switches to more energy-efficient resistance heating when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing.
If you’re considering a heat pump, work with a certified dealer who can properly size the system for your home. You’ll only oversize the unit, which can result in a shorter lifespan and higher electric bills.
Ductless Systems
If you’re adding a new room to your home or want to cool or heat an existing area of the house where ductwork isn’t available, consider a ductless system. Also called “mini-split” systems, a ductless air conditioning or heat pump uses multiple indoor wall units operated by a single outdoor unit.
The exterior unit draws in air through a small pipe, which connects to the interior wall units through an opening. The interior units heat and cool the air in your room or home, while a filter helps keep harmful microorganisms from entering your home’s environment.
When choosing an HVAC system, get quotes from at least three providers. Ask them to explain their diagnoses, recommended solutions, estimated costs, warranties, and timelines. Avoid companies that pressure you or demand payment upfront.
You can enjoy efficient, cost-effective temperature control for years with proper installation and regular maintenance. The correct HVAC system will keep your family safe and comfortable for generations.
