Which HVAC System Is Best For Regulating Comfort, Energy Efficiency & Indoor Air Quality In Your Home?
Would you like to know the difference between air conditioners and HVAC systems? Then, this post is for you. While many people use "air conditioner" and "HVAC system" interchangeably, they’re not the same, and it’s crucial to know their differences.
Each system plays a different role in regulating comfort, energy use, and indoor air quality. Knowing that helps you make smarter choices when it’s time for repair, upgrades, or a full replacement with your trusted plumber. Keep reading below for more!
What Sets Them Apart? Essential Differences You Need To Know
While AC units focus solely on air conditioning, HVAC systems include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Air conditioners cool down air in specific areas by removing heat and humidity, making environments more comfortable during summer or hot weather.
HVAC systems are different as they have many functions in one unit. A single system combines heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This allows for regulating temperature, humidity, and air conditioning in an integrated system for an entire building or house.
Breaking Down The Basics: What Is An Air Conditioner?
Air conditioning systems manage airflow, temperature, humidity, and air purity within an enclosed area. Their main purpose is to improve comfort for people living or working in that space by creating and maintaining ideal temperature, humidity, and air quality.
Air conditioners are great for homes and businesses as they’re available in diverse sizes and setups. Central air conditioners, which distribute cooled air via ductwork throughout a building, are the most common type in many buildings, but there are other options like portable units, window units, ductless systems, and split systems.
How Does It Work?
Your AC system might seem complicated, but it follows a simple cycle to keep your home cool:
- Thermostat starts the process: You set your desired temperature, and if the room is warmer, the thermostat tells the system to start cooling.
- Heat is pulled from indoor air: The AC uses a refrigerant to absorb heat from inside the house, turning the liquid into a gas as it moves through the evaporator coil.
- Cool air gets pushed back inside: Fans blow the now-cool air through your vents while the refrigerant keeps pulling heat from the air.
- Heat is sent outside: The heated refrigerant moves to the outdoor unit, releasing heat through the condenser coils.
- Hot air is dispersed outdoors: Outdoor fans help blow the heat away, allowing the refrigerant to cool and turn back into a liquid.
- Cycle repeats until it’s cool enough: Once the desired temperature is reached, the system pauses until it’s needed again.
Understanding What’s An HVAC System
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This type of system manages indoor and outdoor air circulation and regulates temperatures in residential and commercial buildings, ensuring comfort in varying weather. In addition to temperature control, HVAC units filter indoor air, optimize humidity for comfort, and promote health by removing airborne contaminants.
In short, an HVAC system does more than just cool. It controls temperature, humidity, and air quality to keep your space comfortable all year.
How Does It Work?
An HVAC system uses separate components to heat, cool, and ventilate your home in a cycle that adjusts based on the temperature you set on your thermostat. Here’s how it works:
- The thermostat sends the signal: You set your desired temperature, and the thermostat signals the HVAC system to either heat or cool your space.
- The main process starts: The furnace (gas or electric) or heat pump kicks in if it’s in heating mode. This way, warm air flows through vents and into your rooms. In Cooling mode, the heat pump absorbs heat from indoor air using refrigerant and sends it outside through the condenser unit.
- Ventilation keeps air moving: Fresh air enters, and stale air exits, either through mechanical systems or natural airflow.
- Air filters keep the air clean: Air filters remove dust, pollen, and other particles.
When To Choose an Air Conditioner vs. HVAC System For Your Home Or Business
Why Choose a Full HVAC System? Advantages You Need To Know
While AC units are better for small spaces, HVAC systems are a better option for larger homes, single-room apartments, studios, and even commercial buildings. As we mentioned before, HVAC systems integrate many functions into one. This has many advantages, including energy efficiency, improved air quality, and better climate control.
HVAC systems can maintain a consistent temperature in an entire space or building. Its ventilation component helps regulate air quality. Pollutants, dust, and allergens are filtered, so environments are immediately healthier.
As for energy efficiency, HVAC systems are more efficient as they combine various functions in one: heating, cooling, and ventilation. In the long term, they are an economic choice as the efficiency translates into lower energy costs.
What Should You Consider When Choosing Between An AC & An HVAC System?
It’s important to consider your space’s specific needs when deciding on the best system. Small areas like bedrooms or apartments may be cooled properly with a standalone AC or window air conditioner. Larger homes or buildings may require an HVAC system for complete climate control, so the investment may be worth it.
Also, think about future needs. If you are thinking about expanding your space or live in an area prone to significant seasonal changes, an HVAC system may be the best option, as they’re much more versatile. You should also consider ease of maintenance and energy efficiency.
Get Expert Advice On AC & HVAC Systems: Consult Our HVAC Professionals
At Smith Plumbing, our team of experts offers different services, such as air conditioning repair and installation, heating installation and repair, among others. We can also help you decide between an AC and an HVAC system according to what you need for your property!
Our team of HVAC contractors in Mesa will help you make the best choice, whether it is for your business or your house. At Smith Plumbing, we provide expert advice and installation services for an AC or a complete HVAC system. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
