Types of HVAC Systems

What types of systems are available when I’m looking for a new air conditioning/heating system?

Good news! You have quite a few choices when you are trying to make a decision about a new air conditioner and heating system. Here are a number of common types:

Split system - This system means that there are parts of your system both inside and outside. These typically include a furnace, an evaporator coil, air conditioner (which works with the evaporator coil), ducts (you want to carry the air through your house), thermostat, and other optional accessories.

Hybrid Heat split system – This system is a smarter, more energy efficient twist on the type of system above. This system uses an electricity-fueled heat pump to provide heat (along with a furnace, ducts, evaporator coil, thermostat, and other optional accessories). Even better? The heat pump works in place of an air conditioner as well!

Packaged systems – With a packaged system, it is basically an all in one deal. Many of these look very similar, but they can serve a number of different functions.

Ductless split system – Ducts spread air through your house – so this system does this without ducts. Basically, this type of system would be for an area of the house like a room addition or areas that do not have duct work.

Geothermal Heat Pump System – This type of system doesn't rely on the air outside. Instead, it taps into the temperatures of the earth to heat and cool your home.

As you can see, you have lots of options to consider. Find the one that works best for you and your home.

Energy Efficiency 101: Vocabulary

Let us decode a few words related to energy efficiency and explain how using these terms can help you get the system that matches you and your home, whether you are considering a new air conditioner or furnace.

First things first: We’ve noticed one trend across the board with these terms. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency. This typically will result in a larger energy savings for you, ultimately reducing cost.

AFUE Rating – This stands for the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating. Why is this important? This tells you how efficient your furnace is, meaning how much fuel your furnace actually uses versus what percentage is wasted. This is helpful to know as the higher the number, the more money you are likely saving.

COP – This one means the Coefficient of Performance, and is used to measure your heat pump’s efficiency when it is in heating mode. Geothermal products tend to have this type of rating associated with them.

EER – Energy Efficiency Ratings are a source of interest for those with geothermal systems, air conditioners, or air source heat pumps. It measures cooling efficiency.

HSPF – This term deals with the efficiency of heat pumps while in heating mode. You want a high number, like with all of these figures. The industry required minimum for the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor presently is a 7.7

SEER – Defined as the measure of how the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps are rated, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is another number that can help you be more efficient with your energy and help you save more money.

These elephants find their way to keep cool...learn the terms and find a way to keep cool for you!

Why Your Office Is Freezing In The Summer

Grabbing a sweater to stay comfortable…during the summer? Stifling temperatures should not result in turning your office into a thermostat-created igloo.  Let’s learn how to keep your building at the perfect temperature so that your sweater can stay tucked away until next season – besides, when was the last time a winter wardrobe made its way into your summer wardrobe?

Summer Cooling

When it comes to season changes, General Heating and Air Conditioning ensures both you and your home will feel comfortable year round. What can you do to feel cool and refreshed in the hot summer sun?

GHAC TV

Welcome to the General Heating and Air Conditioning blog! We are excited to join the blogging community and hope to provide you with  news and information on heating and cooling!

As the summer months quickly approach, we've been working hard to develop two new TV commercials which should be airing in Dane County soon.This commerical is call "Proudest Dad." We'll post "Fido" soon - let us know what you think!