Choosing a Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor

What is an HVAC contractor?

HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation, air conditioning. An HVAC contractor handles all things heating and cooling for your home or business. There are a broad range of systems that your local HVAC contractor installs and services. These systems include, but are not limited to, central air conditioning units, furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps. HVAC contractors may offer annual or seasonal maintenance, as well as emergency HVAC system repairs and installation, to keep the temperature of your home comfortable and consistent all year.

What is forced air heating?

In a forced air heating system, heated air travels through your house via a system of ducts, and is expelled through vents into different rooms. Once your home reaches the desired temperature set on your thermostat, the heat will shut off until it needs to warm the air again. Forced air heating systems are more energy efficient than other heating methods, and can be incorporated with central air conditioning systems. If a home has ductwork, and you’re considering upgrading your heating system, forced air is a sustainable option.

How much does it cost to repair an air conditioning unit?

Some areas report an average cost of $75-100 per hour for HVAC repair, while other estimates may reach above $500 per hour, although these rates vary dramatically based on the season, the contractor, and the actual repairs being made.

The national average for central air conditioning unit installation in 2019 was between $3,000 and $8,000. The size of your home and the presence of existing ducts are both factors that will affect this rate.

What is baseboard heating?

Baseboard heating encompasses two basic heating units - electric baseboard heating and hydronic baseboard heating. Hydronic units are more efficient because they generate an electric current that warms up fluid and keeps it warm for an extended period of time, which in turn radiates heat throughout a given room for a longer period of time.

Electric baseboards use electricity exclusively, and are often used to supplement a more powerful heating system. Electric baseboards are generally installed under windows, and as cold air enters through the window, the corresponding baseboard uses electricity to heat and distribute the warm air around a room.

How does air conditioning work?

The Particle Theory shows that when liquid is exposed to higher temperatures, the molecules expand, transforming from a liquid to a gas. The liquid refrigerant inside of your air conditioning system follows this process, becoming a gas as it absorbs the heat inside of your home. This gas is then cycled back through your air conditioning system and discarded outdoors.

If your home or business has a central air conditioning unit, regular maintenance with a licensed HVAC contractor will help to avoid unexpected issues, and may even help protect you with lower repair costs should something go wrong.

What should the humidity be in a house with air conditioning?

A good number for interior humidity percentage is between 45 - 55%. This becomes harder to maintain during extreme heat or cold, but an effective heating and cooling system will help. Failing to maintain ideal levels of humidity can lead to pest and insect problems, mold, and a generally uncomfortable environment in the home. Learn more.