HVAC. Unless you know that these four letters stand for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, you might think it’s a special vacuum or maybe a Roman numeral you’ve forgotten since your school days. Even if you are familiar with the acronym, you may not know the variety of HVAC systems that exist or which is best for your Vancouver Island home. Keep reading to learn more about HVAC systems and to find a Nanaimo-based solution for your home heating needs.
H (Heat) VAC
No matter how temperate the climate in Nanaimo is, heating is required. There are four common options.
I. Furnaces
Electric, natural gas, and oil are the three types of furnaces used on Vancouver Island. However, due to governmental efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, new oil-based HVAC systems will not be available after January 1, 2030. While you can still purchase and maintain oil furnaces now, you may prefer to invest in a different heating option that is less pollutant and more energy efficient. High-efficiency gas furnaces can range from 89% to 98% efficiency, which is anywhere from 9 to 18% more efficient than oil. Electric furnaces rate even higher on the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) scale. They are considered 95 to 100% energy efficient.
II. Fireplaces
Neither wood nor gas fireplaces are sufficient to heat your Nanaimo home throughout winter, but they add excellent supplemental heat to individual rooms or zones and ambiance inside and out. Gas fireplaces are efficient and cost-effective. They are low maintenance, safe, and easy to operate. They can be installed and finished in a multitude of styles and aesthetics.
III. Heat Pumps
Considered the most environmentally sustainable heating option thus far, heat pumps do not heat your home; they transfer heat into it by using low-pressure refrigerants to soak up heat from outside and high-pressure condensers to release it indoors. Heat pumps run on electricity and can function in reverse (remove heat from inside and release it outside), thus creating a two-in-one system that both heats and cools.
IV. Ductless Mini Splits
Also known as ductless heat pumps, ductless mini splits offer an excellent heating (and cooling) option without the need for ducts. They are well suited for small homes, individual rooms and zones, and in homes that wish to maintain a ducted system for supplemental heat. While mini splits run on electricity, their ability to offer quick and effective heating in a single area resembles a gas fireplace. Since they are heat pumps, mini splits can also be used for cooling.
Ventilation
If your heating system is not equipped with a ventilation feature, you may want to invest in a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or other ventilation system to help remove indoor pollutants, control humidity levels, and improve the overall air quality. You can ask your local HVAC specialists all about it.
HVAC Solutions for Your Home in Nanaimo
Strategic Mechanical Services in Nanaimo can help with whatever type of heating system you are looking for or have. We provide sales, professional maintenance and repair, and 24-hour emergency services across all sectors in the Nanaimo area. Contact us today for more information.