HVAC System & Supply

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The system is designed to circulate air throughout a variety of structures such as commercial buildings, schools, and homes. In addition to heating and cooling, having proper ventilation is essential to supply air distribution throughout the facilities. Although it is not part of the acronym, it can also manage proper indoor air quality for a healthier and cleaner environment for you and your family. Some models even have the capability to manage the humidity of your indoor environment.

There are three ways HVAC systems can be configured:

1. Independent Heating and Air Conditioning (AC) Equipment - These are individual parts that work separately. They are usually controlled with a built-in thermostat or on/off button. These types of heating systems are perfect for individual rooms or small spaces, such as:
   • Electric wall heater
   • Hydronic Baseboard Heater
   • Space Heater
   • Window Air Conditioner
   • Cooling Fan
2. Central Heating and Cooling System – An outdoor AC condenser and an indoor furnace work together through a duct system. The HVAC supplies air by circulating it through a centralized air handler (a.k.a. “blower”). The furnace’s main job is to warm up the air, and the AC condenser’s job is to cool it down. Some systems also have humidity control built-in. With the proper humidity level, your Heating and Cooling equipment do not have to work as hard to maintain the desired temperature.
3. Mini-Split System – This is basically a ductless central system. Unlike the central system, an air handler is needed in each room or zone. The benefit of a mini-split is that you don’t need to plan and run complex ducts to move the air. This solution is ideal for buildings where you don’t have the space or access to lay ducts.

Electric heaters use electricity as a fuel source to heat the air while gas heaters use natural gas. There are pros and cons to using either solution.

Electric Heater

• Lower Initial Investment - The installation of an electric heat pump is straightforward, and a fraction of the cost of a gas heater. Going electric is attractive due to its smaller startup cost.


• Low Maintenance - An electric heater does not require the same level of attention as a gas heater. You can troubleshoot most problems without the need of a professional electrician. They either work or they don’t.


• Longer Lifetime - the average lifespan is 20 to 30 years.


• Safer to Operate - No natural gas or carbon monoxide to deal with.


• More Expensive to Run - The electric rate is often higher than gas. It can be as much as five times higher. Please check with your utility company for your local rate.


• Slower Heating - An electric wall heater makes heat by powering up the condenser coil element. Air is then blown over the coil to warm up the spaces. This process is generally slow and inefficient.

Gas Heater

• Less Expensive to Run - Natural gas is on average cheaper than electricity. Therefore, operating a gas furnace will save you money over time. Please check with your local utility companies for rates.


• Heat Rooms Faster - Heat is produced as soon as the burner is lit. It transfers heat much quicker.


• More Efficient to Operate - Because it takes less time to start warming the air and generally has lower rates from the utility company, they are more energy efficient overall.


• Shorter Lifetime - The average lifespan is 10 to 20 years.


• High Initial Investment - A gas furnace is about 50% more expensive to buy. The installation is also higher as it requires proper venting. It emits low level of carbon monoxide (CO) gas. Please make sure that you have a gas line already as it could get quite expensive to install one.


• Higher Maintenance - Annual maintenance is required as you are running with combustible fuels. The vent needs to be checked periodically to ensure proper exhaust of CO gas.

They are ideal for heating larger areas or spaces in colder climates.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the cooling efficiency of your heat pump and air conditioning system.

Fun fact: SEER = cooling output of an A/C unit / total electric energy needed over a cooling season.

The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient it is. Note that the printed SEER rating on the product is the maximum efficiency, and not necessarily the actual efficiency. The ratings range from 13 to 22.

You will not find a SEER rating on individual heating and cooling products such as:

• Kickspace heater
• Radiant heater
• Electric fireplace
• Fan heater

Most states offer rebate programs for new high efficiency HVAC equipment. It typically requires a certain score to qualify. Please check with your local utility company for more information.

Fun fact: The minimum SEER rating for southern states is 14. In northern states, it’s 13.

Don't lean toward the cheapest heater. With an efficient system, you are guaranteed to benefit from energy savings for years to come. If you are not sure which electric heater is best for you, call us. We are here to help.

Comparing BTU and watts is like comparing apples to oranges.

BTU - British Thermal Units which is the unit measure of Energy.

Watts - The unit measure of Power

Fun fact: Power = Energy / Time.

The right comparison is BTU/hr or BTUH to watts.

To convert BTUH to watts, the formula is 1 BTUH = .293 watts. For example, a 5000 Watts Unit Heater is the same as a 17,000 BTUH version.

Manufacturers use both or either of these units to classify their products. You can use this newfound knowledge to compare similar heaters side by side.

Depending on the type of filter you have and the outdoor air quality, it can range from 30 days to as long as a year. However, with a good-quality filter, it can last up to 90 days without being replaced or cleaned. Some reusable filter simply needs to be hosed down. While most people preferred the disposable version for convenience purposes.

During pollen seasons, you might want to change it more frequently.

We recommend that you inspect your air filter every 30 days and change it as needed. It’s a five-minute step that can keep your system running efficiently and make sure your family is breathing in healthy, clean air.