What’s the Difference Between HVAC and AC?

January 26, 2019

For many people, the terms HVAC and AC may seem as though they are interchangeable. Up to a point, they are, so those people aren’t entirely wrong. You just have to remember that one category is a subset of the other. Let’s take a look at what these acronyms actually mean. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This makes it an all-encompassing term for the different types of equipment intended to keep your home’s temperature at a comfortable level and the air in healthy circulation. It pertains to the system as a whole. AC, on the other hand, refers only to the air conditioning component of this system. Alternatively, an air conditioning unit may stand alone. A Broad Assortment of Air Conditioning Equipment There are many types of air conditioning systems available. The most common, especially in larger homes, is central air. This kind of built-in system will cool an entire house. The design requires planning since it is dependent on the size of the space. Ductless, mini-split systems are often used when a building or part of it is retrofitted. Much like central air systems, these have a compressor outdoors and handling units inside. Since you can...

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When is it Time to Replace Your AC Unit?

June 11, 2018

Knowing when it’s time to replace your home’s AC unit can help you save a considerable amount of money in the long run. Following are some tell-tale signs that it may be better to buy a new unit than it would be to fix an existing one. Age The Department of Energy recommends replacing any AC unit that is over ten years old. Old units not only tend to need regular repair but are also significantly less energy efficient than their younger counterparts. Look for a new unit that has a high SEER rating in order to keep your electric bill low. Subpar Service If your AC unit isn’t keeping your home cool, call a reputable AC company to have it serviced. In some instances, the problems may be remediable. However, in other instances, you may need to replace the unit with a newer model. You should also seriously consider replacing your HVAC unit if it is either too large or too small for your home. A unit that is just the right size will be the most effective in keeping the home at a comfortable temperature. Maintenance Problems If your HVAC unit needs regular repairs in order to work...

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