COOLING OPTIONS
CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONERS & HEAT PUMPS
Central air conditioners and heat pumps are designed to cool the entire house. In each system, a large compressor unit located outside drives the process; an indoor coil filled with refrigerant cools air that is then distributed throughout the house via ducts. Heat pumps are like central air conditioners, except that the cycle can be reversed and used for heating during the winter months. (Heat pumps are described in more detail in the heating section.) With a central air conditioner, the same duct system is used with a furnace for forced warm-air heating. In fact, the central air conditioner typically uses the furnace fan to distribute air to the ducts.
DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT
Mini-splits use an outside compressor/condenser and indoor air handling units. The difference is that each room or zone to be cooled has its own air handler. Each indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit via a conduit carrying the power and refrigerant lines. Indoor units are typically mounted on the wall or ceiling. The major advantage of a ductless mini-split is its flexibility in cooling individual rooms or zones. By providing dedicated units to each space, it is easier to meet the varying comfort needs of different rooms. By avoiding the use of ductwork, ductless mini-splits also avoid energy losses associated with central forced-air systems.
STATE OF THE ART HEATING & COOLING:
GEOTHERMAL HEATING & COOLING
Geothermal energy is sustainable, energy-efficient, and has a long lifespan. Since the ground temperature below us remains a consistent 55 degrees no matter how hot or cold it is in the atmosphere, geothermal technology can extract the heat from below and transfer it into your home. A geothermal coil (“loops” or “wells”) are installed deep in the ground and can be used to heat and cool your home. In the winter, heat is extracted from the earth; in the summer, heat is extracted from your home and distributed back into the ground.
HUMIDIFIERS & DEHUMIDIFIERS
Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are two separate accessories that can be installed as part of your central HVAC system. Dehumidifiers remove six to 12 gallons of water from the air in your home each day. Humidifiers can make the air comfortable even in arid climates or when the furnace threatens to dry out your home in winter.
