What You Should Know About Your HVAC System

An HVAC system has multiple units and parts on the inside and outside of a home or building that work together to meet temperature, air quality and comfort needs throughout all seasons.

Air conditioning is part of the HVAC system and works hand-in-hand with ventilation to cool circulating air. It can also filter or control humidity. Check out more at hvac Coquitlam.

Energy Efficiency

A high energy efficiency rating means your HVAC system uses less power to heat or cool your building. This leads to lower utility bills and long-term cost savings. A more efficient unit also lasts longer than traditional equipment, reducing maintenance costs and freeing up funds for other business needs.

There are many factors that contribute to HVAC energy efficiency, including the climate and geography of your location. Replacing outdated systems with modern units is a key efficiency tactic, but you can also use smart technologies to reduce energy waste.

For example, analytics software helps spot overuse and improve efficiency by tweaking settings. This eliminates waste by preventing HVAC systems from running when they’re not needed. It also ensures that they’re not operating at oversized capacity, avoiding overworking the motor and reducing energy consumption. Moreover, using appropriate thermally-insulating materials during design helps contain potential losses and maximize energy resources. Lastly, investing in renewable energy sources can help your facility offset its electricity costs and achieve true sustainability.

Brands

Brand trust plays an essential role in a consumer’s decision-making process for purchasing an HVAC system. Reputable brands instill a high level of confidence by focusing on research and development, compliance with industry standards, and robust customer support.

A good brand can also offer efficient systems that are tailored to individual needs and provide lasting performance. For example, Carrier’s commitment to offering high-quality products and customized solutions for commercial air conditioning sets them apart from other brands.

In the residential market, there are many brands to choose from. However, most of them are owned and manufactured by a few large companies. For instance, Carrier Corporation owns the brand names of Bryant, Tempstar, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker, and Heil. Rheem Manufacturing Company owns the brand name Ruud and produces water heating equipment. Lennox International Inc manufactures its namesake brand as well as Amana, Goodman, and Nordyne. Danfoss is a Denmark-based company that produces power solutions and climate solutions for cooling and heating.

Installation Costs

The cost of your HVAC system depends on many factors, including the type of system you choose and whether you need to replace existing ductwork. Different brands may have varying costs, and higher-end systems come with more warranties and efficiency ratings.

The size of your home also impacts the size of the unit you need. A unit that is too small will struggle to regulate the temperature, while one that is too large can waste energy and cause high utility bills.

Ductwork installation can add a significant amount to the total price of your HVAC system. This includes adding new ductwork, modifying existing ductwork or adding new zones. Pricing depends on the type of ductwork and its location, with aluminum ducts costing more than galvanized steel.

It’s best to have your HVAC system installed during the spring or fall to take advantage of seasonal discounts. You should also ask the contractor about local and federal rebates to help offset the upfront costs of installing a new system.

Noise Levels

HVAC equipment is expected to produce some noise as it operates. However, excessive or persistently loud noise is not only unwelcome but can also indicate underlying mechanical issues that need to be addressed promptly.

The type of equipment, its age and its overall condition contribute to HVAC noise levels. Newer equipment tends to operate at lower decibel levels than older equipment. Also, some brands of equipment have noise-reducing features.

The amount of noise produced by a furnace depends on its size and its capacity. Some brands also have features like insulated cabinets that reduce the noise generated by the blower unit during operation. In addition, the proper installation of vents and ductwork can reduce HVAC noise levels. For example, supply registers and return grilles should be designed to have an airflow velocity of less than 500 fpm. This will prevent a humming sound caused by excessive air turbulence. Other features that minimize noise include air filters with an MERV rating of 10 or higher and noise-reducing fan blades.