If your heating and air conditioning system is more than a decade old, consider replacing it with a more modern, energy-efficient model. With an upgraded HVAC system, you can lower your utility bills and improve your indoor air quality. Learn about ductless mini-split, geothermal, and other energy-efficient types of HVAC systems for your Highland Park, Texas, home or business.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
A ductless or mini-split system has an outdoor condenser or compressor connected to one or more indoor units with a small conduit for refrigerant. With a ductless mini-split HVAC system, you won’t have to deal with warm or drafty areas of your home caused by leaks in your home’s ducts or poorly designed ductwork. You can also avoid paying to have ducts cleaned or repaired. The compact indoor air handlers are installed in your ceilings or walls, and they come in a range of styles and colors to blend in with your current decor.
With an HVAC system that has more than one indoor unit, you can avoid heating or cooling unoccupied areas or zones. This feature is called zoning, and it’s compatible with many programmable thermostats. Many programmable thermostats can connect with your computer, smartphone, or tablet, a feature which allows you to control an indoor air handler from anywhere in your home.
Variable-Speed Systems
Variable-speed or multi-stage HVAC systems have fans that can operate at more than one speed. Since these HVAC systems don’t always have to run at full power, they don’t need to use as much energy as other types of systems.
Variable-speed or multi-stage HVAC systems can also control your home’s humidity better by running longer at a lower speed. They make less operating noise than many other types of systems, and many models will increase or decrease their operating speed gradually to keep indoor temperatures at a more constant level. Some variable-speed systems monitor your home’s humidity and outdoor temperatures so that they can make changes indoors automatically when needed.
Geothermal Systems
Geothermal systems operate similarly to many other heat pumps, but they exchange heat with the ground or a body of water instead of the outdoor air. Since ground and water temperatures don’t fluctuate with the seasons, geothermal heat pumps can operate efficiently for your home throughout the year. These heat pumps can also last decades longer than conventional HVAC systems.
While geothermal heat pumps can be more expensive to install than other types of HVAC systems, you can gain back your initial investment through energy savings over time. As such, a geothermal system can also increase the value of your home.
Do you want to heat hot water easily? If your geothermal system uses pipes filled with water to transfer heat, you won’t need a separate water heater. You can also use your geothermal system to heat a backyard swimming pool.
Packaged HVAC Systems
A packaged HVAC system comes from the manufacturer in one compact casing. With this type of system, refrigerant doesn’t need to travel long distances between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. A packaged HVAC system is ideal for home renovations, additions, or supplementing your existing system because a professional can install this type of system quickly and easily, without connecting additional ductwork to your current system. Packaged systems are often less expensive than other types of HVAC systems as well. You can install a packaged heating or air conditioning unit in a closet or a rooftop.
Many types of packaged HVAC systems are available, including ductless mini-split systems, heat pumps, and hybrid systems with air conditioners and gas or electric furnaces. You can use many models with zoning or a variable-speed fan to conserve additional energy. Some types also include exhaust fans, humidifiers, or dehumidifiers.
Willard Cooling, Heating, Plumbing, & Electrical is a family-owned business committed to customer satisfaction. We can help you choose the most efficient and comfortable HVAC system for your home or business. We also repair, install, and maintain many types of heating and air conditioning systems and accessories. For excellent service from our friendly technicians and more information about the many types of energy-saving HVAC systems available, call us at (972) 564-9785.
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