HVAC Basics: Stay Informed
Here at Elite HVAC & Comfort Services, we believe a well-informed customer is key to achieving outstanding results.
Continue to check our blog for helpful information and tips curated by our experienced and licensed technicians! If there are topics you’d like to read about more, feel free to send your suggestions to info@elitehvacsd.com!
Today’s blog post will cover the basics of the what the HVAC industry entails and how we play a part in making sure your living spaces are comfortable and fresh.
What is HVAC?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Heating
When it comes to keeping your home warm, you have several heating system options to choose from, each with its own unique benefits.
Furnaces are a common choice, generating heat through gas or electricity and then distributing it throughout your home, making them effective and efficient for colder weather. Heat pumps offer a versatile solution, as they can both heat and cool your home by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors, providing year-round comfort. On the other hand, boilers heat water, which circulates through radiators or underfloor systems to deliver consistent and comfortable warmth.
In Southern California, and especially in San Diego, the popularity of furnaces and heat pumps is due to the relatively moderate winters. Furnaces provide reliable warmth when needed, while heat pumps offer the added advantage of cooling during warmer months.
Ultimately, the choice between these systems often depends on personal preference and specific heating requirements. Our experienced technicians can help you find the right system for your home.
Ventilation
Ventilation ensures that fresh air circulates throughout your home and that indoor air quality is maintained. This includes removing stale air, odors, and moisture, and introducing fresh air from outside. HVAC systems use fans and ventilation systems to actively pull in fresh air and expel indoor air by using exhaust fans, whole-house ventilation systems, and heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) that exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air. Note that these HRVs recover heat to maintain energy efficiency.
Air Conditioning
As we all appreciate our trusty AC systems during San Diego’s intense heat waves, it’s helpful to understand how they keep us cool. As of September, we experienced record-breaking highs in San Diego County, with many areas reaching over 105 degrees!
Air conditioners work through a refrigeration cycle: refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air, cooling the air as it evaporates in the indoor coil. This heated refrigerant is compressed outside, where it releases the absorbed heat and cools down before returning indoors.
The cooled air is distributed through ducts and vents, while the system also reduces humidity by condensing moisture on the evaporator coil. A thermostat regulates the temperature by turning the AC on or off to maintain your desired setting. Modern AC systems are more energy-efficient, using advanced technology to reduce power consumption and lower bills.
Summary
HVAC systems—covering heating, ventilation, and air conditioning—are essential for maintaining indoor comfort.
Heating options like furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers each serve unique needs, with furnaces and heat pumps being particularly popular in Southern California’s mild climate.
Ventilation ensures fresh air circulation and improves indoor air quality.
Air conditioners manage cooling and humidity, which is crucial during San Diego’s intense heat.
Staying informed about these systems can help you make better decisions. At Elite HVAC & Comfort Services, our expert technicians are ready to assist you in choosing and maintaining the perfect HVAC solution for your home!
Don’t hesitate to contact us for your HVAC concerns!
Elite HVAC & Comfort Services Team
