What is house cooling system

Heating and Cooling System Basics

Most of us take heating and cooling for granted. We expect our heating systems to keep us warm during the winter, and we depend on air-conditioning to keep us cool during the summer.

When the house is cold in winter or hot in summer, the natural reaction is to call for professional service. Fortunately, there is an alternative. You can cut service costs drastically and keep your heating and cooling systems working efficiently by doing some maintenance and quick fixes yourself. But first, it’s important to know how the basics of how heating and cooling systems function.

How Heating and Cooling Systems Work

All climate-control devices or systems have three basic components: a source of warmed or cooled air, a means of distributing the air to the rooms being heated or cooled, and a control used to regulate the system (e.g., thermostat). The sources of warm air, such as a furnace, and cool air, such as an air conditioner, in a house often use the same distribution and control systems. If your house has central air conditioning, cool air probably flows through the same ducts that heat does and is regulated by the same thermostat. When a heating or cooling system malfunctions, any of these three basic components may be causing the problem.

Both heating and air conditioning work on the principle that heat always moves from a warm object to a cooler one, just as water flows from a higher to a lower level. Furnaces and heaters put heat into the air to make your home warmer; air conditioners remove heat to make your home cooler.

When the furnace is turned on, it consumes the fuel that powers it, whether it be gas, oil, or electricity. As fuel is burned, heat is produced and channeled to the living areas of your home through ducts, pipes, or wires and then is blown out of registers, radiators, or heating panels. Older systems use the heat they produce to heat water, which in turn heats the air in your home. These systems use a boiler to store and heat the water supply, which is then circulated as hot water through pipes embedded in the wall, floor, or ceiling.

In the next section, we’ll review the different distribution systems used for heating and cooling the home.

7 Types of Home Heating Systems and How to Choose One

Larry Campbell is an electrical contractor with 36 years of experience in residential and light commercial electrical wiring. He worked as an electronic technician and later an engineer for the IBM Corp. is a member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board.

Home heating systems are designed to increase the temperature inside a house, and they work by tapping thermal energy from a fuel source and transferring it to living spaces—maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature.

There are several types of systems used to provide heat in residential homes, and each broad type has more specific variations. Some HVAC systems share components with the home’s cooling equipment, some work independently, and some provide both heating and cooling.

HVAC is an abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This term is used to describe the overall climate control system within a home, referring to both the heating and cooling equipment.

No matter what HVAC system is installed, the purpose of all heating appliances is to use some type of fuel to warm the interior of a home. Heating systems can use a variety of fuel sources, including natural gas, propane, fuel oil, biofuel (such as wood), solar, and electricity. Some homes have more than one heating system, like when an addition or finished basement is heated by a different system than the rest of the house.

Here, learn about seven different types of heating systems plus the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option is best for your home.

Forced Air Heating/Cooling Systems

By far the most common HVAC system in modern North American homes, the forced air system uses a furnace with a blower fan that delivers warmed air to the various rooms of the home through a network of ducts. Forced air systems are very quick at adjusting the temperature of a room, and because air conditioning systems can share the same blower and ductwork, this is an efficient overall HVAC System.

Fuel sources: The furnaces that power forced air systems can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane (LP), fuel oil, or electricity.

Distribution: Air that is warmed by the furnace’s burner or the heating element is distributed through a network of ducts to heating registers in individual rooms. Another system of ducts returns air back to the furnace through cold-air returns.

Air filters and humidifiers can be added

Highest AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings of any heating system

Combine cooling with heating capability

Requires ductwork and space in walls

Can create dry, allergen-prone air without filters and humidifiers

Heat the air rather than the objects in a room

Gravity Air Furnace Systems

A precursor to forced air systems, gravity air furnaces also distribute air through a system of metal ducts—but rather than forcing the air via a blower, gravity air systems operate by the simple physics of warm air rising and cool air sinking. However, the temperature adjustments are slow because the systems operate by simple convection currents.

A gravity air furnace in a basement heats the air, which then rises into the various rooms through ducts. Cool air returns to the furnace via a system of cold-air return ducts. The so-called «octopus» furnaces found in many older homes are gravity air furnaces.

Gravity air systems are no longer installed, and the cost of maintaining them should be minimal. In many older homes, they continue to perform effectively.

Fuel source: Gravity air furnaces can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane (LP), or fuel oil. They are seldom fueled by electricity since these systems are older and electricity was rarely used in their era.

Distribution: Conditioned air is circulated through a network of metal ducts.

No moving parts; can last for decades

Requires little maintenance

Air cannot be filtered effectively

Less energy-efficient than newer furnaces

Slow to adjust temperature

In-Floor Radiant Heating Systems

Modern in-floor radiant heating involves plastic water tubing, which is installed inside concrete slab floors or attached to the top or bottom of wood floors. It is quiet and generally energy-efficient. It tends to heat slower and takes longer to adjust than forced air heat, but its heat is more consistent.

Radiant heating is different from forced air heat in that it heats objects and materials, such as furniture and flooring, rather than just the air. Most whole-home radiant systems distribute heat via hot water heated in a boiler or hot water heater. However, boiler-based systems cannot be combined with air conditioning.

Fuel sources: Hot water tubing systems are usually heated by a central boiler, which can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane (LP), or electricity. Hot water also can be provided by solar hot water systems, which are commonly used to supplement fuel-based systems.

Distribution: In-floor systems are usually distributed by hot water flowing through plastic tubing.

Comfortable, evenly distributed heat

Energy efficient with use of boilers

Can be solar-powered

Slow to heat up during temperature changes

Expensive to install

Maintenance of hidden piping is difficult

Traditional Boiler and Radiator Systems

Older homes and apartment buildings in North America often are heated with traditional boiler and radiator systems. These include a central boiler that circulates steam or hot water through pipes to radiator units positioned strategically around the house. The classic radiator—a cast-iron upright unit usually positioned near windows—is often called a steam radiator, although this term is sometimes inaccurate.

In reality, there are two types of systems used with these older radiators. True steam boilers actually do circulate gaseous steam through pipes to individual radiators, which then condenses back to water and flows back to the boiler for reheating. Modern radiator systems circulate hot water to radiators via electric pumps. The hot water releases its heat at the radiator, and the cooled water returns to the boiler for more heating. Hot water radiator systems are very common in Europe.

Fuel sources: Boiler/radiator systems can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane, fuel oil, or electricity. Original boilers may even have been fueled by coal.

Distribution: Heat is produced by steam or hot water circulating through metal pipes to radiators shaped to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy.

Less dry than forced air heating systems

Radiators can be updated to baseboard or wall panel options

Energy-efficient with new boilers

Radiators can be unsightly

Locations of radiators may limit furniture placement or window coverings

Boiler-based systems cannot be combined with air conditioning

Hot Water Baseboard Radiator

Another more modern form of radiant heat is a hot water baseboard system, also known as a hydronic system. These systems also use a centralized boiler to heat water that circulates through a system of water pipes to low-profile baseboard heating units that radiate the heat from the water out into the room via thin metal fins surrounding the water pipe. This is essentially just an updated, evolved version of the old upright radiator systems.

Fuel Sources: Boilers for hydronic systems can be fueled by natural gas, liquid propane (LP), fuel oil, or electricity. They can also be aided by solar heating systems.

Distribution:

Excellent energy efficiency

Temperature can be precisely controlled

Durable, needs little maintenance

Must remain obstructed; can limit furniture placement or window coverings

Slow to heat up

Hot water systems cannot be combined with air conditioning

Pipes at risk of freezing if system goes out

Heat Pump Heating Systems

The newest home heating (and cooling) technology is the heat pump. Using a system that is similar to an air conditioner, heat pumps extract heat from the air and deliver it to the home via an indoor air handler. Standard home systems are air-source heat pumps that draw heat from the outdoor air. There are also ground-source, or geothermal, heat pumps that pull heat from deep in the ground as well as water-source heat pumps that rely on a pond or lake for heat.

A popular type of air-source heat pump is the mini-split, or ductless, system. This has a relatively small outdoor compressor unit and one or more indoor air handlers that are easy to add to room additions or remote areas of a home. Many heat pump systems are reversible and can be switched to air conditioning mode in the summer. Heat pumps can be energy efficient, but they are suitable only for relatively mild climates; they are less effective in very hot and very cold weather.

Fuel sources: Heat pumps are usually powered by electricity, although natural gas models are also available.

Distribution: Heat (and cooling) are provided by wall-mounted units that blow air across evaporator coils linked to an outdoor pump that extracts or absorbs heat from the outdoors.

Heating and cooling can be combined without needing ductwork

Precise temperature control for each room with quiet fans

Best suited for relatively mild climates

Distribution of hot or cold air is limited

Each unit must be controlled individually from separate rooms

Electric Resistance Heating Systems

Electric baseboard heaters and other types of electric heaters are not commonly used for primary home heating systems, mostly due to the high cost of electricity. However, they remain a popular option for supplemental heating in finished basements, home offices, and seasonal rooms like three-season porches and sunrooms.

Like in-floor radiant heat, radiant electric heaters warm the objects in the room rather than just the air. Electric heaters are easy and inexpensive to install, and they require no ductwork, pumps, air handlers, or other distribution equipment. The units are inexpensive and have no moving parts and require virtually no maintenance.

There are two main types of baseboard heaters: convection (traditional) and hydronic. Convection is a metal rod with fins that, as electricity is applied, the rod and fins heat and give warmth to the room. Hydronic is a metal tube filled with a liquid that is heated when electricity is applied and holds the heat longer, but it takes longer to heat up and is 3-4 times more expensive than convection units.

In addition to conventional baseboard heaters, there are electric radiant heaters that heat with radiation. These typically are installed near the ceiling and are directed toward the room occupants, providing more focused heat than you get with baseboard units. Radiant heaters also are more energy efficient than baseboard units.

Distribution: Baseboard heaters use natural convection to circulate heat throughout the room. Wall-mounted heaters and many specialty heaters (like toekick heaters) usually have internal fans that blow out heated air.

Versatile; can be installed anywhere with electrical circuit

Silent operation without fans

No ductwork or major installation needed

Expensive to operate

Use a lot of electricity; can overload electrical circuit

Contribute to air pollution and atmospheric carbon; uses electricity powered by coal

Types of Cooling Systems

Air conditioning, or cooling, is more complicated than heating. Instead of using energy to create heat, air conditioners use energy to take heat away. The most common air conditioning system uses a compressor cycle (similar to the one used by your refrigerator) to transfer heat from your house to the outdoors.

Picture your house as a refrigerator. There is a compressor on the outside filled with a special fluid called a refrigerant. This fluid can change back and forth between liquid and gas. As it changes, it absorbs or releases heat, so it is used to “carry” heat from one place to another, such as from the inside of the refrigerator to the outside. Simple, right?

Well, no. And the process gets quite a bit more complicated with all the controls and valves involved. But its effect is remarkable. An air conditioner takes heat from a cooler place and dumps it in a warmer place, seemingly working against the laws of physics. What drives the process, of course, is electricity — quite a lot of it, in fact.

Types of Cooling Systems

Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

Central air conditioners and heat pumps are designed to cool the entire house. In each system, a large compressor unit located outside drives the process; an indoor coil filled with refrigerant cools air that is then distributed throughout the house via ducts. Heat pumps are like central air conditioners, except that the cycle can be reversed and used for heating during the winter months. (Heat pumps are described in more detail in the heating section.) With a central air conditioner, the same duct system is used with a furnace for forced warm-air heating. In fact, the central air conditioner typically uses the furnace fan to distribute air to the ducts.

Central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps operating in the cooling mode have been rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) since 1992. SEER is the seasonal cooling output in Btu divided by the seasonal energy input in watt-hours for an “average” U.S. climate. Before 1992, different metrics were used, but the performance of many older central air conditioners was equivalent to SEER ratings of only 6 or 7. The average central air conditioner sold in 1988 had a SEER-equivalent of about 9; by 2002 it had risen to 11.1.The national efficiency standard for central air conditioners and air source heat pumps now requires a minimum SEER of 13 (since 2006), and to qualify for ENERGY STAR requires a SEER of 14.5 or higher. Central air conditioners also come with an energy efficiency ratio (EER) rating, which indicates performance at higher temperatures. ENERGY STAR-qualified models must meet an EER requirement of 12.

Air conditioners and heat pumps use the refrigerant cycle to transfer heat between an inside unit and an outside uint. Heat pumps differ from air conditioners only in the special valve that allows the cycle to reverse, providing either warm or cool air to the inside.

New efficiency standards for central air conditioners take effect in 2015. As with furnaces, the new standards will differ by region, with greater stringency in the South and Southwest than in the North. New central air conditioners sold for installation in the South and Southwest must meet a minimum 14 SEER; for units installed in the North, the 13 SEER minimum remains unchanged. Air-source heat pumps must meet the 14 SEER minimum regardless of where they are installed. In addition, central air conditioners installed in the hot, dry Southwest must meet a minimum 12.2 EER (or 11.7 EER for larger models).

In contrast, cooling performance of ground source heat pumps is measured by the steady state EER instead of a seasonal measure. The ENERGY STAR program’s minimum requirements for ground-source heat pumps are 21.1 EER for open-loop systems, 17.1 EER for closed-loop systems, and 16 EER for direct expansion (DX) units.

Room Air Conditioners

Room air conditioners are available for mounting in windows or through walls, but in each case they work the same way, with the compressor located outside. Room air conditioners are sized to cool just one room, so a number of them may be required for a whole house. Individual units cost less to buy than central systems.

Room air conditioners are rated only by the EER, which is cooling output divided by power consumption. The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner. Revised federal minimum efficiency standards for room air conditioners adopted in 2011 will take effect in June 2014; revised ENERGY STAR requirements will take effect in October 2013. Table 5.2 lists requirements for units with louvered sides—the most common type.

Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative coolers, sometimes called swamp coolers, are less common than vapor compression (refrigerant) air conditioners, but they are a practical alternative in very dry areas, such as the Southwest. They work by pulling fresh outside air through moist pads where the air is cooled by evaporation. The cooler air is then circulated through a house. This process is very similar to the experience of feeling cold when you get out of a swimming pool in the breeze. An evaporative cooler can lower the temperature of outside air by as much as 30 degrees.

They can save as much as 75% on cooling costs during the summer because the only mechanical component that uses electricity is the fan. Plus, because the technology is simpler, it can also cost much less to purchase than a central air conditioner — often about half.

A direct evaporative cooler adds moisture to a house, which could be considered a benefit in very dry climates. An indirect evaporative cooler is a little different in that the evaporation of water takes place on one side of a heat exchanger. House air is forced across the other side of the heat exchanger where it cools off but does not pick up moisture. Both types begin to lose their effectiveness with increasing humidity, because humid air is less able to carry additional moisture.

For evaporative coolers to do their job, they must be the right size. The cooling capacity of an evaporative cooler is measured not in the amount of heat it can remove (Btu), but in the fan pressure required to circulate the cool air throughout the house, in cubic feet per minute (cfm). A good rule is to figure the cubic square footage of your house and divide by 2. For example, a 1,500-square-foot house with 8-foot-high ceilings would require a 6,000 cfm cooler.

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners

Mini-split systems, very popular in other countries, can be an attractive retrofit option for room additions and for houses without ductwork, such as those using hydronic heat (see the heating section). Like conventional central air conditioners, mini-splits use an outside compressor/condenser and indoor air handling units. The difference is that each room or zone to be cooled has its own air handler. Each indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit via a conduit carrying the power and refrigerant lines. Indoor units are typically mounted on the wall or ceiling.

The major advantage of a ductless mini-split is its flexibility in cooling individual rooms or zones. By providing dedicated units to each space, it is easier to meet the varying comfort needs of different rooms.

By avoiding the use of ductwork, ductless mini-splits also avoid energy losses associated with central forced-air systems.

The primary disadvantage of mini-splits is cost. They cost much more than a typical central air conditioner of the same size, where ductwork is already in place. But, when considering the cost and energy losses associated with installing new ductwork for a central air conditioner, buying a ductless mini-split may not be such a bad deal, especially considering the long-term energy savings. Talk with your contractor about what option would be most cost-effective for you.

State of the Art Cooling

Night Breeze is a new home climate control technology designed to save energy in hot, dry climates. It is essentially a powered whole-house fan, air conditioner, and indirect water heater integrated under one control system. In the summer, the system draws in as much cool outdoor air as possible to meet cooling needs — the air conditioner only kicks on if absolutely necessary. In the winter, a water-to-air heat exchanger extending from the water heater supplies warm air to the system.

Also appropriate for dry climates, the Coolerado Cooler is an evaporative cooling technology that is 100% indirect. It can offer four to six tons of cooling with an energy consumption of 1,200 watts. Its energy efficiency ratio (EER) is 40 or higher, making it two to three times as efficient as the best conventional air conditioners.

The ultimate guide to heat pumps

Everything you need to know about the most efficient HVAC technology on the market.

Everything you need to know about the most efficient HVAC technology on the market.

Heat pumps can make your house feel great in all seasons, but it can be tricky to sort through your options. Here’s everything you need to know about this smart and efficient climate control technology.

What’s a heat pump, anyway?

A heat pump is the smarter, cleaner way to heat, cool, dehumidify and purify the air in your home, and it’s an all-in-one replacement for your existing HVAC systems.

It’s called a heat pump because it controls your home’s climate by redistributing the heat that’s already in the air. In the winter, it extracts heat from the outside environment and moves it inside your home. In the summer, the process is reversed: The heat pump takes heat from inside your home and moves it outside. The end result? Your home feels great all year. It’s a pretty simple concept that adds up to comfortable and energy-efficient climate control.

You may not have heard much about heat pumps, but that doesn’t mean they’re new. In fact, a traditional air conditioning unit is technically a heat pump—both systems work by removing heat energy from your home and transferring it to another location. The major operational difference is that the heat pump can also transfer heat into your home, so it can replace your heating system as well as your air conditioner—and do both jobs much more efficiently than traditional HVAC systems. (A heat pump also dehumidifies your home, so it’s a win-win-win.)

Heat pumps are common in many countries (even countries with very hot or cold climates), and they’re found in architecturally famous buildings all over the world, such as Buckingham Palace and Shanghai Tower. And heat pump demand in the US has doubled in the past decade—in 2019 alone, 3.11 million heat pumps were shipped to the US to be sold. As the movement toward clean energy gathers speed, heat pumps are becoming the new standard in American homes.

Can a heat pump cool a whole house?

Yes. In fact, it’s one of the leading HVAC technologies available for both heating and cooling your home. Depending on the type of heat pump system installed, you can even accomplish precise temperature control room by room.

How do heat pumps work?

Heat pumps (sometimes called ductless air conditioners or mini-splits—more on that later) control household climates by extracting and moving the heat in the air, but different kinds of heat pumps do that in slightly different ways. Let’s look at the two broad categories of heat pump technology.

Here are the different kinds of heat pump systems

Air-source heat pumps

An air-source heat pump system (also commonly called an air-to-air heat pump) operates just as you might assume: It moves heat from the air inside your home to the air outside of your home (and vice versa). Broadly speaking, an air source heat pump is made up of two main components which work in tandem: an outdoor condensing unit—which often looks like a traditional air-conditioning system—and an indoor air-handling unit or units.

Air-to-air heat pumps are the most common in the US, and when you hear people talking about installing a heat pump, this is usually the kind they mean. That’s mostly because air-source heat pumps are the easiest kind of heat pump to install and maintain, and they provide excellent comfort and lifetime value. Air-source heat pumps are also popular because they come in both ducted and ductless versions. Both systems use an outdoor condensing unit—the major difference between ducted and ductless heat pumps is the way they handle the air inside your home.

The ductless heat pump uses small wall-mounted units (called mini-splits or mini split AC) to distribute and handle air. These are placed strategically throughout your home to ensure every corner feels great.

Meanwhile, ducted heat pump systems rely on a single air-handling unit called a standard split, which redirects conditioned air throughout your home via ductwork. (Since there’s only one standard-split, it’s significantly larger than a mini-split—you’ll often find it tucked away in a basement.)

The scientific principle for both systems is the same. And whether you choose a ducted or ductless air-source heat pump, rest assured: your house will feel great. Air sealing and insulating your home at the same time as installing an air-source heat pump can make a night-and-day difference in your everyday comfort level. It’s one of the smartest HVAC strategies on the market.

Geothermal heat pumps

Geothermal heat pumps work a little differently: Instead of using an outside unit to exchange heat energy, they’re engineered to move heat to and from the earth (or a water source). These systems take advantage of the fact that the temperature of the ground and water around your home stays relatively constant, and so, once installed, they’re a bit more efficient than a standard air-source unit.

Despite some gains in efficiency, geothermal heat pumps aren’t as common in private households because they’re more complicated and expensive to install. Geothermal systems are installed under the ground or in water, so the installation process itself can be intrusive and lengthy. And servicing geothermal systems can also present challenges, since you’ll need to excavate the underground component to do certain repairs.

Geothermal vs. air source: Which is better?

#For the vast majority of private homes, an air-source heat pump system provides the best mix of comfort, efficiency and value. In fact, air-to-air heat pump technology has advanced so much in recent years that the difference in efficiency between a geothermal and air-source heat pump is minimal (and there are easier, less-expensive ways to make your home more comfortable than digging up your lawn).

That said, a geothermal system can be a great choice for homes over 5,000 square feet or for very large industrial buildings. Tap here to learn more about the different types of heat pumps (and some less common subtypes).

Why is a heat pump more efficient?

Heat pumps redistribute heat that’s already present in the environment. Transferring heat energy doesn’t require as much electricity as producing it

Heat pumps are extremely energy-efficient. According to the Department of Energy, installing an air-source heat pump can cut your electric bill in half (compared to baseboard heaters and furnaces)—a massive drop. So how and why do heat pumps use energy so efficiently?

The biggest reason: Heat pumps don’t produce heat at all. Instead, they redistribute heat that’s already present in the environment. Transferring heat energy doesn’t require as much electricity as producing it, so heat pumps can keep every room in the house comfortable—for a much lower energy cost.

Of course, a lower utility bill isn’t the only reason to get an energy-efficient heat pump system—conventional heating and cooling systems aren’t very kind to our planet. In New York, for example, traditional HVAC causes 32% of the greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for a whopping 37% of the state’s energy consumption. Opting for a heat pump system instead is better for you, the earth, and future generations.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a heat pump?

Now, let’s talk pros and cons of heat pumps for houses. Here’s why you might consider replacing your standard heating and cooling system with a heat pump system (and a few reasons why it might not be right for you).

Let’s get the cons out of the way first.

Disadvantages of heat pumps

First, let’s address the expense. The cost of installing a quality heat pump system is roughly equal to the cost of buying both a traditional air conditioning and heating system at the same time. In some cases, it’s even more expensive, and that can deter homeowners from considering a heat pump at all.

But cost doesn’t necessarily need to be an obstacle. And when you look at the lifetime value of a heat pump, the financial picture changes. Heat pumps are the Tesla of HVAC options—you get a lot for your money. They provide fantastic energy and cost efficiency and, if they’re well-maintained, they can last for 15 years or more. Even better, Sealed can help you get a heat pump system installed at no upfront cost.

“Feel” (of the heat)

A heat pump isn’t designed to replicate the feel of heat that comes from a furnace or boiler. Instead, its continuous airflow system ensures every place in your home consistently feels warm—not hot, but warm.

Most people love how their home feels after they install a heat pump, but if you’re someone who wants their home to feel “toasty,” you might want to supplement your heat pump with an additional heating solution for the coldest days of the year (which can often be built right into or directly connected to the heat pump system).

Appearance

First of all, know that heat pump systems include a visible outdoor unit—just like with a traditional AC system. So you’ll need to make space for that unit and plan your landscaping accordingly (it’s generally pretty simple to hide it with shrubs).

There’s nothing wrong with how a heat pump looks, but they’re also not walking down the runway at fashion week. If you select a ductless mini-split system, for example, you’ll need wall-units installed at strategic points throughout your home.

These units are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, but they’re not invisible. If you’re someone who places a premium on interior design, you’ll need to think about how to incorporate a mini-split heat pump into your aesthetic. (Learn how to camouflage a mini split unit here.)

Benefits of heat pumps (a much longer list)

Better comfort

Put simply, heat pumps are a life upgrade. They make your home feel amazing. Both heating and cooling throughout your home is more even and the continuous airflow ensures that every corner of your house is comfortable. Also, if you choose a ductless mini-split system, you’ll get precise room-by-room temperature control. (Trust us: once you try it, you’ll never go back to one thermostat again. Traditional HVAC is like having one light switch for every lightbulb in your house.)

Easy to live with

Heat pumps don’t produce odd smells, they’re whisper-quiet (especially the mid- to high-range models), and they don’t require much maintenance. Once your heat pump system is installed, it’s easy to have in your home.

Healthier air

Many heat pump systems have built-in filtration to keep micro-particles and other unwanted elements out of the air you’re breathing. And, since heat pumps are fully electric and don’t burn natural gas or oil inside your home, you and your family won’t be subject to fumes or dangerous carbon monoxide off-gassing.

All-in-one system

Since a heat pump replaces both your heating and cooling systems, it simplifies your home upkeep. You can install and maintain one system instead of two (and get a better climate control result, to boot).

Flexible

If you have electricity, you can get a heat pump—and there’s a heat pump system to fit every kind of residence. Replacing a ducted HVAC system? A heat pump will fit right in and use your existing ductwork. Don’t have ductwork? Or maybe you just need better climate control on one side of your home? You need a ductless mini-split heat pump. It’s an adaptable technology with plenty of options.

Cleaner, greener energy

Heat pumps are the greenest HVAC systems currently on the market. They’re fully powered by electricity, so they generate less carbon dioxide than traditional methods powered by oil, pellets or natural gas. And heat pumps are incredibly efficient with the electricity they do use, so you’ll significantly reduce your home’s environmental footprint (and energy bill) by installing one.

Affordable

Like any quality home upgrade, a heat pump can represent a significant expense to purchase and install. But if you live in an eligible area, you can get a heat pump system installed for no upfront cost—then pay for it with the money you save on energy. When you work with Sealed, your monthly expenses will hardly change, but your monthly comfort will be vastly improved. It’s a great option if you’re looking for better comfort with a lower environmental footprint.

How much maintenance does a heat pump need?

A heat pump doesn’t need much maintenance—that’s one of the great benefits of heat pump technology. But there are still a few things you can do to keep your heat pump system running well.

Change the filters

You’ll need to change the filter(s) on a regular basis—once a month, if you use your system continuously, and less often if you use it sporadically.

Clear away debris

Branches, leaves and other debris that gather around your outdoor unit can significantly impact your heat pump’s ability to do its job. Heat pumps need about 2’ to 3’ of clearance all around, so keep an eye on the area and be sure to remove anything that lands around (or on top of!) your unit.

Clean outdoor coils

If your condenser coils are dirty, your heat pump won’t be able to operate efficiently. So, once or twice a year, make a point to shut off the power and clean off the coils with a special solution.

Keep snow away

If you live in a climate zone with significant snowfall, know that you’ll need to keep your outdoor unit clear of snow and ice. (A properly-installed heat pump is raised from the ground to allow for melt and drainage, but it’s still a good idea to keep the area clear.)

Get your heat pump inspected

Heat pumps are durable, but you should have yours inspected once a year by a qualified HVAC technician. They’ll be able to identify potential problems before they become severe (and they can also give you tips on how to identify issues yourself).

Do I need ducts for a heat pump system?

No. One of the benefits of heat pump technology is that it’s flexible—you can install a heat pump system with or without existing ductwork. If you already have ductwork, it’s easy to integrate a heat pump into your existing infrastructure. And if you don’t have ductwork in your home, you’ll install a mini-split heat pump system (also sometimes called a mini-split air conditioner).

Mini-splits are small wall-mounted units that send conditioned air directly into your home.

How many mini-splits do I need for my house?

The short answer? You’ll need 24,000 BTU per 1,000 square feet of space.

But let’s unpack that a little more. To talk about this, first we need to talk about the acronym BTU. It stands for British Thermal Unit and is the standard measurement in the HVAC industry. Essentially, we use BTU measurements to talk about how much heat energy a system can remove from a space. The bigger your indoor space, the more BTUs you’ll need your heat pump system to handle.

When HVAC technicians install a ducted heat pump system, they decide how many BTUs your overall system will need and select a size accordingly. But for a ductless heat pump system, that calculation is handled on a section-by-section basis. To do this, technicians ask questions: How many BTUs are necessary in your upstairs bedrooms? How big is your downstairs? Are there any major obstructions or barriers that interfere with airflow?

So figuring out how many mini-splits you’ll need can be a pretty complex calculation, but here’s a general rule of thumb: For every 1,000 square feet of space in your home, you’ll need system capacity (combined mini-splits or central) that’s capable of handling 24,000 BTUs.

All that said, planning a mini-split strategy is a job best left to professionals—there are nuances for certain spaces of your home, such as high-traffic areas, kitchens or rooms with many windows. (And if you go through Sealed, our technicians will figure all of this out for you when they design your new system.)

How much does a heat pump cost?

The cost of a heat pump system can vary based on the size of your house, layout of your space, where you live and whether or not you’ll use your existing ductwork or install a ductless mini-split system. You’ll also need to consider the cost of professional installation. Purchasing a climate control system for your home is a significant expense in any situation, and a heat pump system is no different.

That said, the economics of installing a heat pump for your house makes sense. First of all, if you live in an eligible area you can get your heat pump system installed for no upfront cost. (You’ll pay with the money you save on energy—and if you don’t save on energy, you won’t have to pay.)

But even if you pay for your heat pump out-of-pocket, they’re generally a great investment. They significantly reduce your energy costs (especially if you also properly seal and insulate your home) and they’re relatively simple to maintain. Given that your heat pump is a complete HVAC solution that will replace both your heating and cooling system, it’s an excellent lifetime value for the money.

Sold on heat pumps? So are we. See if your home qualifies to get a high-performance heat pump system installed at no upfront cost with Sealed.

How does the heating and cooling system work in a house?

HVAC system, also known as the heating, ventilation, and cooling system, is one of the major requirements in every house. The HVAC system is equipped to work as a cooling and heating system. Hence, there won’t be any need to get an air conditioner and a room heater separately for different seasons.

However, most people think that the HVAC system is only suitable for commercial places like malls, offices, large buildings, theatres, auditoriums, etc. What they don’t know is that now, the heating and cooling system is available for residential places as well. Yes, there are several differences in the residential HVAC systems as compared to the commercial ones, but the operation of the appliance is the same- heating the rooms during the colder season and cooling the area in the summers.

If you aren’t aware of the HVAC systems in detail, do not worry any further. The forthcoming article will describe the basic facts you need to know about the cooling and heating systems for residential purposes.

What are the two major parts of the HVAC system?

A residential HVAC system can be divided into two major parts: the heating and cooling systems. Each part will have its component through which the temperature inside your house will be controlled. Before you learn about the working of the heating and cooling system, we first need to focus on the different parts of the HVAC system combined.

Working on the HVAC system?

It will be easier to understand its working since you are now aware of the major components present in the heating and cooling system.

Conclusion

Installing an energy-efficient HVAC system in your home will reduce your overall power consumption. So, if you want to control the interior temperature for comfort, you need to install the best heating and cooling system at the earliest.

Author bio:

I am Amelia Varley, a qualified blogger. Here you can see my skills which give you small ideas on understanding all the concepts with different themes. I love to write a blog on different topics, like health, home décor, Automotive, Business, Food, Lifestyle, Finance, Flowers, etc.

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