Understanding The Basic Of The Heating And Cooling System

Most homes have a heating system to keep them warm and cosy during winter and an air conditioning system to keep them cool during the summer months. The system that takes care of heating and cooling is composed of a complicated and intricate set of components that can move heat where it is needed and move heat away when it is not wanted.  

The basics of heating and cooling systems

All heating and cooling systems have three essential components: a source or warmed or cooled air that will be distributed to the home when necessary, a means to distribute air to rooms that require heating or cooling and a central control or thermostat that will regulate the system. The source of warm air is usually the furnace while the source of cool air is the air conditioner. Both cold air and hot air flows through the same distribution path in the central heating and cooling system. 

Heating and cooling systems have different sources of fuel – gas, oil, electricity and solar energy. As the fuel burns, heat is produced and distributed to different rooms in the home through ducts or pipes. Air is then blown into the radiators or panels so that the rooms are heated or cooled at a desired temperature. In order to save money in heating and cooling the home, it is essential to choose an energy efficient system. 

One of the most common questions among households is why do heating and cooling systems breakdown. All heating and cooling systems operate under the basic objective that heat tends to move from one warm object to a cool one. Heaters add warmth to the air while air conditioners remove heat. The four most common reasons for a system breakdown are dirty or clogged air filters, malfunctioning thermostats, leaking refrigerant and the lack of preventative maintenance. 

How to determine the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system

The heating and cooling system usually has a logo that shows whether it meets the specific energy efficiency criteria. There is also an energy guide label that shows how much energy the brand uses. More details are often included in the pamphlet or fact sheet. Use the information to compare the system with other brands in the market. There are new systems that are more energy efficient to reduce your energy consumption.

Assessment from a professional will provide you with a better insight that could guide you with your decision. During the professional assessment, the inspector can check for any energy leakages using specialized equipment. Inspectors usually suggest insulating specific areas of the home, sealing air leaks around doors and windows and checking for any gaps and holes in the ducts. Small energy savings can add up to significantly to save on your energy bills. 

An expert team from Chicago heating and cooling can help you with any problems with the heating system, boilers, air conditioning system or HVAC system. State-of-the-art equipment and tools are used by the team to ensure that the project is finished on time within the budget to your complete satisfaction.