An air conditioner is an all electric device that is responsible for one primary task: compressing refrigerant. Refrigerant is a gas used to absorb heat energy out of the air in your home. An air conditioner compressing this gas into a chilled liquid, and that liquid is pumped inside to the indoor coil. Warm air from the home is then forced through the chilled coil.
A gas furnace is one of the most common ways to heat a residential home. In areas in North Dallas without natural gas, propane is used which can get pricey. A heat pump and gas furnace combination can save money. Modern furnaces feature variable speed fan motors and modulating flames for greater efficiency.
A heat pump works like an air conditioner in the summer, compressing refrigerant to be used to absorb heat energy out of the air inside the home. However, a heat pump can reverse the process, and warm the air in your home as well! Heat pumps can be paired with a gas furnace to ease the cost of propane heating during milder weather.
An air handler is used in the absence of a furnace. They are also called fan coils. When a furnace is used for heating, the fan motor in the furnace is also used in the summer for air conditioning. When using another heating source is used (such as geothermal) an air handler (the fan motor from a furnace and indoor coil).
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality products play a key role in the overall comfort and health of a home. For example, proper humidity can save on cooling and heating bills, because dry air in the winter feels colder, and humid air in the summer feels hot! IAQ products such as ventilators, UV lamps and air cleaners purify, protect and refresh air in the home.
An evaporator coil is also called an indoor coil. It contains the copper or aluminum tubing that an air conditioner pumps chilled refrigerant to. Warm air is pulled from the home via the fan motor in the furnace, and forced through the chilled coil. This cools and dehumidifies the air (not complete dehumidification however). UV lamps keep the coil clean and efficient.
Remember the days of mercury based thermostats? You may even still have one in your home. Modern thermostats offer a lot more than simple temperature adjustments. 7-day programming, humidity control, Internet access and more are available. You’ll have better control of your indoor comfort and with proper use can save money on utility bills!
Geothermal Heat Pumps
We are proud to offer geothermal heat pump solutions for our customers in the greater Dallas area. Underneath your lawn there is a vast reservoir of thermal energy that remains fairly consistent year round. A geothermal heat pumps taps into this energy, and uses it for heat energy exchanges, to provide heating and cooling for your home.