If your heater or air conditioner is over a decade old, you can save energy and lower your utility bills by replacing it. You can increase the value of your St. Petersburg, Florida, home, avoid expensive and inconvenient breakdowns, and help the environment by reducing pollution with a new efficient HVAC system. Many new HVAC systems can distribute conditioned air more evenly than older models. This helps prevent warm areas, drafts, and other problems. To save money and energy, consider a ductless, variable-speed, packaged, or heat pump HVAC system.
Ductless Heating and Cooling
Ductless or mini-split HVAC systems have one or more indoor units connected to an outdoor condenser or compressor with a small conduit. Since ductwork isn’t needed, they’re easy to install and maintain. You won’t have to worry about leaks, pests, or biological growth in your ducts. Ductless systems also avoid using energy to move conditioned air a long distance through ductwork.
Each indoor unit has its own thermostat, so you can set different temperatures in separate rooms or zones. That way, you won’t need to waste energy heating or cooling unoccupied rooms. If your home already has ductwork, there’s no need to have it removed. When installing your ductless system, a technician will seal your ducts to prevent pests. The indoor units are compact, and you can place them on floors, walls, or ceilings. Many models are available to match with different decor, and they won’t take up valuable closet space like many conventional units.
Variable-Speed Systems
Variable-speed HVAC systems have fans that can change their speed to match your heating and cooling needs. They stay on longer than conventional heaters and air conditioners, and they’re quieter because they don’t always run at full speed. That way, you can save energy, and you won’t have to deal with uncomfortable temperature fluctuations.
Variable-speed systems can also keep your home’s humidity lower in summer. Less moisture makes the air feel cooler by letting sweat evaporate faster. It also helps prevent biological growth and rotting wood furniture or floors. You can stay cool at a higher temperature, and your system won’t have to work as hard. You can enjoy even more comfort and energy savings with a ductless variable-speed system.
Packaged HVAC Systems
Like ductless systems, packaged models are compact and easy to install. They come from the factory in a compact casing, and can be easily attached to existing ductwork. Installation is straightforward and fairly easy. Since technicians don’t need to check equipment in two or more locations, maintenance is easier and faster, as well.
Packaged HVAC systems come in many variations. You can use one or more packaged units to control different zones and save energy. A variety of packaged systems are available, including heat pumps, variable-speed systems, and hybrid systems with an air conditioner and an electric or natural gas furnace.
Heat Pumps
Air to air or air source heat pumps work like air conditioners in summer to transfer heat away from your home. They reverse their refrigerant flow to heat instead of cool in winter. Many efficient models are available, they often dehumidify your indoor air better than conventional units, and they use less space than an air conditioner and a heater or furnace. Typically not for areas where sub-zero winter temperatures are normal, they’re ideal for the warm weather in Florida.
Pinellas Comfort Systems has more than 60 years of heating and cooling experience. We’re a Trane Comfort Specialist, and we can help you choose the best HVAC system for your family. For more information, call us at (727) 315-0791.
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