General HVAC information:
Climate control and comfort in modern buildings is a major design
issue. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems help
to control the climate, and keep occupants comfortable by regulating
the temperature and air flow. HVAC systems are also important to
occupants' health, because a well regulated and maintained system
will keep a home free from mold and other harmful organisms. In some
environments, such as museums, HVAC systems are vitally important
for the preservation of historic artifacts.
In choosing any type of HVAC system, finding one that is
size-appropriate to the building is important in terms of achieving
the best efficiency and comfort level. Beyond understanding the
maintenance and installation of the systems themselves, sizing the
systems appropriately is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks of
an HVAC contractor. If your HVAC contractor recommends a heating
system that is too big or too little for your home or business, the
result will be an inefficient system that will cost more money in
the long run. An oversized air conditioner will not efficiently
dehumidify the air; and an oversized furnace is likely to cause a
large temperature swing and create an uncomfortable climate inside
the target area.
Determining the size of HVAC systems only by square footage is
largely inaccurate,
since it does not take into account the
energy-efficiency or design of the building. Another common mistake
made by many contractors is simply replacing an HVAC unit with a
newer unit of the same capacity. This is not always the best
strategy. Older homes, for example, often had larger-than-necessary
furnaces. An older home that has undergone significant renovation
with new windows, weather-stripping, insulation and caulking, will
be more energy-efficient, and may be better served by replacing the
older, larger heating unit with a smaller one.
Rest assured that our professional staff at Swift
Plumbing and Heating Inc. will expertly determine the size and installation of the
best HVAC system for your residential or commercial requirements.