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!

Preventative Maintenance . . . It's Important!

You may ask yourself, "Why should I keep up on preventative maintenance for my air conditioning or heating system?" Well, I can tell you, there are plenty of good reasons for this!

1. It’s a good investment. Think of preventative maintenance in terms of the metaphor of say, a car. If you keep up on your maintenance by getting regular oil changes and checking your brakes, etc., your car will most likely work longer, and look nicer. It will also be a better investment in the long haul, when it comes to resale of said car (or home).

2. Catch problems before they become bigger problems. This goes along with the above – by keeping up on preventative maintenance, you will be catching problems before they become big problems. Therefore, you are likely saving yourself stress and money.

3. Preventative maintenance can help your system run more efficiently since during a maintenance visit, HVAC professionals will check the following as needed:

A more efficient system means you are likely saving money. 

4. You fix the issues on your schedule. With preventative maintenance, you not only will likely have fewer repairs, but you also are able to schedule the preventative maintenance on your schedule. This is convenient as products seem to break at the most inconvenient times possible; this way, you are setting the schedule.

5. Looking for someone to help you with your preventative maintenance? Leave the maintenance to our professional staff of technicians while you sit back and relax. Click here to learn more about our Preventative Maintenance Home Comfort Program. Even better? Mention the promo code BLOG10 and receive $10 off.

GHAC TV - New Media

The marketing team at GHAC has been working hard this fall season on two new commercial concepts that have recently started airing in the Dane County area.  This first one is called "Noises" and is a slightly humorous take on the noises a furnace can make.

Below is the second, featuring a smug neighbor who knew way ahead of time that it was a good idea to have his furnace checked before it's cold and bitter and has been watching his neighbor who isn't quite as far ahead of the game.



Think General Heating and Air Conditioning year round for all of your air conditioning and heating needs!

Furnace replacements occur throughout the year, regardless of season. Make sure to schedule your fall tune up early so that your system is ready to go when cold weather hits!