Types of HVAC Services & Equipment

HVAC services include any installation, maintenance and repairs you may need for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. For most people, this type of equipment is difficult to repair or maintain without the help of a qualified professional. Even the operating manuals that your heating and air conditioning units came with can seem like they are written in a different language. To understand how your equipment operates, you must first identify the type of HVAC system you have. If you have purchased an older home, the heating and air conditioning systems will probably be different from those found on newer homes. Here are some of the types of HVAC equipment:

- Radiator Systems: This type of system is common in older houses or industrial buildings, and uses water to transfer heat through pipes that are built into the structure. In a radiator system, hot or cold water runs through the pipes throughout the home or building. Radiators may be mounted on walls or in floors to transfer the heat or cold from the water into the air in the room.

- Heat Pump: A heat pump consists of a condenser located outside and an air handler located inside, and is commonly found in homes. Through the use of electricity, this system moves heat from one space to the other, and fans circulate the heat through the space. During the summer, the heat pump operates similar to an air conditioner, transferring heat from inside to the outside. In the winter, the heat transfer is reversed. As the outside temperature lowers, auxiliary electrical resistance heaters are employed to heat the air.

- Air Conditioner & Gas Furnace: This combination of HVAC equipment is common in areas with varying temperature extremes. The furnace is used in the winter to provide heat through combustion of natural gas or propane. The air conditioner uses the same process, but the air is forced over a cooling coil to lower its temperature.

- Dual Fuel System: This system consists of a heat pump and coil combined with a gas furnace. An outdoor thermostat tells the system which type of fuel to use. Each type of fuel is used in different conditions for efficiency. The gas furnace is used when outside temperatures are below freezing, and the heat pump is used when it is above freezing.

When it comes to HVAC services, your needs will vary depending on the type of equipment you have or wish to have. Most service companies provide installation of air conditioners and heating systems. These systems are often too complex to install yourself, so professional help is necessary. In addition to installation, other HVAC services include regular maintenance on air conditioners and heating systems. Some professionals recommend maintenance checks for air conditioners prior to the start of summer, as well as checks for heating systems prior to the start of winter. Many companies will provide free in-home estimates for your equipment service needs. They also offer indoor air quality checks to ensure the air in your home is free of allergens and pollutants. Understanding the way your HVAC systems operate will help you communicate your needs to an HVAC services professional.