Investing in a new HVAC system for your home can be an exciting decision. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. A great starting point is to assess your climate, ensuring you select an HVAC system that will perform efficiently and effectively where you live.
The Main Types of Climate Conditions
When it comes to selecting HVAC systems based on climate, there are typically three key climate indicators that HVAC professionals rely on. These are hot, cold, and humid. For example, you may live in a tropically hot climate that receives a lot of precipitation where humidity tends to hang around. The optimal HVAC system for you is going to vary drastically compared to someone living in a relatively cold climate with very little humidity.
How Temperatures Affect HVAC Performance
There’s no doubt that the outside temperature will have a big effect on the overall performance of your new HVAC system. If it gets very cold in the wintertime where you live, your heating system is going to have to work harder and use more energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. It’s essential to keep in mind how often temperatures get below freezing in your area, as this can significantly affect the type of HVAC you should consider installing.
How Humidity Affects HVAC Performance
Another essential factor that can affect HVAC performance is humidity levels. Humidity plays a significant role in your comfort, and understanding how it impacts your system can help you decide when selecting an HVAC system.
In dry climates, the air can feel uncomfortable, as the lack of moisture can cause your skin and respiratory system to become irritated. Adding a whole-home humidifier to your HVAC system can be particularly beneficial in these areas, especially during dry winter conditions. These systems add moisture to the air, creating a more comfortable environment. Additionally, maintaining the right humidity level can help protect wood furniture, flooring, and your valued possessions, like musical instruments, from damage caused by excessive dryness.
On the other hand, in humid climates, high moisture levels can make the air feel warmer than it actually is. This causes your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Many homeowners add a whole-home dehumidifier to their cooling system to remove excess moisture from their home’s air. This addition helps to maintain a more comfortable temperature, prevents mold and mildew growth, and protects against moisture-related damage to your home.
Furnaces
Furnaces are by far the most popular type of heating system on the market today. Manufacturers design furnaces that run on natural gas, heating oil, propane, or electricity. Electric furnaces are often the most affordable option upfront and are relatively easy to install. They also take up less space than other systems and are quieter, making them an appealing option for people with smaller homes. However, they tend to be more expensive to operate, as electricity generally costs more than other fuel types.
In colder climates, many homeowners prefer furnaces that run on fossil fuels, as they are more cost-effective and efficient for heating. If natural gas isn’t available in your area, propane or heating oil are viable alternatives, though they may come with higher operating costs than natural gas. When choosing a furnace, it’s important to consider both fuel availability and long-term operating expenses to ensure you select the best option for your home and climate.
Central Air Conditioning Systems
Central air conditioning systems operate on electricity and are usually paired with a furnace to provide cooling during the summer. These systems use the same ductwork as the furnace, allowing for efficient air distribution throughout the home. Most central air systems are split systems. They have two main components: an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor air handler.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular HVAC option for homeowners who want a single system that provides both heating and cooling. A heat pump can efficiently heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer, making it a versatile choice for year-round comfort. There are two main types of heat pumps: air-source and geothermal.
In the winter, air-source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and bringing it into your home. These systems are typically affordable and relatively easy to install. However, one notable limitation of air-source heat pumps is that they become less effective in very cold temperatures. When outdoor temperatures drop below freezing, the system switches to auxiliary heating, which uses an internal electric heating element similar to an electric furnace. Since electricity is more expensive than other fuels, relying on this heating mode can increase operating costs, making air-source heat pumps less efficient for homes in colder climates.
On the other hand, geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground-source heat pumps, extract heat from the ground, allowing them to operate efficiently in nearly all climate conditions, including freezing temperatures. While they offer excellent year-round performance, the main drawback is their high upfront cost and the extensive installation process. The high upfront cost is because geothermal systems require installing underground loops, which means digging up your yard.
In terms of cooling, heat pumps work similarly to central air conditioning systems. They remove heat and excess humidity from the air inside your home and release it outside. Heat pumps can be paired with traditional ductwork or used with a ductless mini-split system, which provides greater flexibility.
Mini-split systems consist of an indoor air handling unit in each space you want to heat or cool. They are connected to a central outdoor compressor by refrigerant lines, which only require a small hole in an exterior wall to be installed. These systems don’t require ducts, making them a great option for homes without existing ductwork, such as older homes where installing ducts may be impractical or expensive. Mini-split systems allow for zoning, meaning you can control the temperature in individual rooms or areas, providing customized comfort and potentially reducing energy costs.
Duel Fuel HVAC Systems
A dual fuel HVAC system combines the benefits of both a heat pump and a furnace, providing homeowners with an energy-efficient way to maintain comfort year-round, regardless of climate. These systems are designed to automatically switch between the heat pump and the furnace based on outdoor temperatures.
In a typical dual fuel system, the heat pump provides cooling during the summer and heating during milder winter temperatures. When it drops below freezing, the system automatically switches to the furnace, which uses natural gas, propane, or oil for heating. This ensures that the home remains warm and comfortable without relying on the heat pump’s auxiliary electric heating mode, which can be expensive to operate in extreme cold.
Reliable HVAC Installation Service
At Polar Air & Heating, Inc., we have served the residents of Las Vegas, NV and the surrounding areas since 1998. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. We can also help with all your indoor air quality needs, including installing whole-home humidity control systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians for HVAC installation.
