If you have ever hired a technician to fix your furnace or clean your air ducts, you have used the services of HVAC contractors. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These are heating and cooling services typically provided to residential and commercial properties. The main function of an HVAC system is to keep the air in your home or business at a comfortable, healthy level. This means heating the home in the winter, cooling it in the summer, and removing dirt and other impurities from the air year-round.
Heating
If you live in a climate exposed to cool temperatures, a well-functioning heating system is a must. HVAC contractors work hard to ensure that your furnace, boiler, or heat pump is in good working order and warming up the home or business to a comfortable temperature. A technician also has the ability to provide HVAC repair in the event that your heating system breaks down or emits unusual odors or sounds. HVAC contractors have the experience needed to properly diagnose your heating system and can provide services for all types of heating equipment, from minor repairs to full replacements.
Today’s heating systems differ greatly than the systems used decades ago. Modern systems are often quieter, smaller, and more energy-efficient. Home and business owners also have access to more options than ever before with premium choices at every price point. Choices like geothermal systems pull hot or cold temperatures from the earth to heat or cool your home without burning fossil fuels. These customizable systems can significantly reduce your energy costs. While you may note that highly energy efficient systems are more costly to purchase and install, it does not take long to replenish the costs through lower heating bills.
Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial to the comfort of your home. Proper ventilation ensures that dirt, dust, and other irritants are removed from the air before being circulated in your home. It also contributes to moisture control, meaning a comfortable level of humidity. This is not only good for your health, but also your wallet. Excessive moisture in your home can be absorbed by wood, contributing to mold and affecting the structural integrity of your house. Proper ventilation is typically achieved by having HVAC contractors install air ducts throughout your home.
Your HVAC system is essential for maintaining indoor air quality. In addition to circulating and purifying air, the ventilation system helps remove unwanted odors and prevent air stagnation. Depending on the age of your home, you may have natural or mechanical ventilation. Natural ventilation is achieved through windows and fans, while mechanical ventilation uses forced air systems that pass the air in your home through a special air filter to remove airborne pollutants. Understanding how the ventilation system in your home works is the first step towards managing any allergy or respiratory issues that your family may encounter from season to season.
Cooling
When temperatures rise, air conditioners are used to cool indoor air for optimal comfort. Air conditioners work by filtering the outdoor air of irritants that can trigger asthma and allergies. The AC’s indoor unit consists of a coil box that contains an evaporator. The evaporator contains a cooling fluid called refrigerant which is used to evaporate and absorb heat. After absorbing the heat inside your home, it transfers cool air throughout your house. The outdoor unit, which is typically located in the back or on the side of the house, is where the heat is dispersed from your home. The process then repeats.
Today, you’ll find several types of cooling systems, such as central air conditioners, heat pumps, room air conditioners, and ductless mini-split air conditioners. Once installed, the life expectancy of a standard centralized air conditioner is about 10 to 15 years. If properly maintained by experienced HVAC contractors, an AC unit can last up to 20 years or more. Like heating systems, cooling systems may also undergo HVAC repair when components break or wear down. If caught early, most HVAC repair tasks can be completed inexpensively. If your AC unit has reached or surpassed its life expectancy, it may be time to consider upgrading your old unit to a more efficient model.
Importance of routine HVAC maintenance
It is easy to forget about your heating and cooling systems when they do not sit in plain sight. However, failure to engage in routine HVAC maintenance can result in a variety of costly problems down the road. You may think that any issues you encounter are protected by warranties on your equipment. Unfortunately, warranties can be voided or even denied if you do not take the necessary steps to properly maintain your heating and cooling equipment. Undergoing routine maintenance by qualified HVAC contractors also minimizes the number of breakdowns you encounter, which saves you money.
It is ideal to have your HVAC system inspected at least twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall and before the heating and cooling seasons begin. If the contractor happens to find an issue during the inspection, he will offer professional HVAC repair that can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars if the problem is caught early. If the problem is found to be too costly to repair, a replacement may be necessary. Upgrading to new, modern HVAC equipment comes with many benefits, such as more compact equipment, better energy-efficiency, and optimized operation for enhanced comfort.
Contact Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning
A properly maintained heating, ventilation, and cooling system will not only keep your home comfortable and maintain prime air quality, but it can also save you big bucks over time. At Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. in Gaithersburg, MD, we have offered superior HVAC services to all of Montgomery County and northwest Washington, D.C. since 1982. Our expert HVAC contractors have undergone extensive training to install, service, and repair every brand and model of air conditioning and heating systems. If you have a heating, ventilation, or cooling system in need of maintenance or repair, contact our office today.