HVAC solutions for residential and commercial settings
HVAC systems – or heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutions – can make for a key component in the heating of a home or commercial property alike. But how can these systems integrate with existing heating devices, and when do they make for a suitable addition to your household or business setting? This article will explore the merits of HVAC systems, offer insights on where they might best be suited to, as well as touching upon how they can align with radiators and much more…
What is a HVAC system?
Standing for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, a HVAC system is one which provides control over room temperature, humidity and overall air quality. Typically, HVAC solutions come in the form of central heating solutions like boilers or heat pumps, air conditioning units, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, air cleaners and furnaces to name a few. A HVAC system will operate by first drawing in air from the space, then warming or cooling this air and circulating it back throughout the area.
Essentially, a HVAC system can be a crucial component in creating a comfortable and safe indoor environment, whether that be for family and friends at home, or employees and colleagues in the workplace. They enhance air quality by filtering the air and offering necessary ventilation. Certain setups also provide zoning, enabling users to separate the space into separate zones and control the heating or cooling of the different sectors independently.
What are the different types of HVAC systems?
There are an impressive variety of different HVAC system types, with some better suited to specific properties or vocations than others (more on the split of residential vs commercial HVAC systems later). But first, a good initial starting point is to explore the main types on the market.
Heating and air conditioning split system
The most common HVAC system design, a heating and air conditioning split system features both indoor and outdoor parts. Typically, this style of split system will include an air conditioning component such as an air source heat pump on the outside of a property, in addition to a fan/coil within the walls. Ductwork is contained within also, which is used to transport the filtered air to different rooms of the building. Modern heating and air conditioning split HVAC systems incorporate a much more energy efficient design, guaranteeing that air is cleaned thoroughly via filters and purifiers.
Hybrid split system
A similar design to the aforementioned air conditioning split setup, hybrid split systems also boast a very energy efficient operation, with the facility to switch between gas and electric power when required. This allows homeowners or property managers an extra level of flexibility in deciding how to heat their space, and can lead to lower energy bills over time in using the most viable option at any given time. These systems utilise smart thermostats as well as traditional ductwork, so added control is afforded for the conservation of energy.
Duct-free split system
Best suited to commercial ventures, the most expensive type of HVAC system is a duct-free split setup from an installation perspective, however this solution does provide a multitude of benefits. The units will be visible in each space, but provide a far greater level of control, and for larger spaces like office blocks or hotels, they can prove to pay for themselves over longer periods of time. Furthermore, no energy will be wasted from unused rooms, as occupied spaces are kept at an ideal temperature.
How much does a HVAC system cost?
Many factors can influence the cost of a HVAC system installation, including the scale of the job at hand, with multiple parts required for fitting both inside and outside the building. Plus, which type of system is selected, the level of ductwork (if any) is needed, and the efficiency rating of the HVAC system in question. Local tradespeople will be able to offer a specific quote based on the more intricate details of the necessary work, but Checkatrade estimates that the replacement of an existing whole HVAC system will cost between £3,500 and £11,000, with brand new installations ranging anywhere from £5,000 to £30,000. This works out at an average price of £7,250 for replacement HVAC fittings and £17,000 for fresh installs, though again several circumstances can adjust these figures, including whether the work is being carried out on a residential or commercial premises.
The benefits of HVAC systems
Numerous benefits are associated with the fitting of HVAC systems, whether they are to be installed in residential or commercial properties.
Enhanced indoor air quality
Indoor air quality is a by-product of the installation of HVAC systems, which filter out pollutants, moisture and allergens to foster as healthy an environment as possible. They also offer excellent ventilation, replacing stale air with fresh outdoor air instead. This process is vital in preventing the build-up of harmful substances such as mold spores, dust mites and the like, again facilitating better respiratory health for occupants.
Improved comfort levels
HVAC systems will retain a comfortable and consistent indoor temperature all year round. In the typically colder UK winter months, a reliable HVAC setup will provide pleasant, toasty warmth via an output through designer radiators or heated towel rails, whilst the air conditioning element will offer relief in a scorching hot summer. This level of close temperature control can contribute to better productivity and wellbeing for residents or workforce employees.
Efficient performance and reduced heating bills
Modern HVAC systems are designed with energy efficiency at the forefront of concerns, and in turn they operate with a lower overall energy consumption for lower utility bills. Via the optimisation of energy usage for both heating and cooling, such setups will assist both homeowners and businesses to make significant long-term savings. Several models boast impressive Energy Star ratings too, providing a guarantee of peak efficiency without compromising performance.
Rising property value
Although they require a significant initial outlay, a premium quality HVAC system can contribute massively to an increased property value. Prospective buyers in the UK rightly view energy efficient systems as a reputable asset, and one which would make both residential and commercial properties more valuable and attractive if and when they were to be placed on the market.
Advanced monitoring and control
Many contemporary HVAC systems can integrate alongside smart heating technology to allow for remote visibility and control over temperature, air quality and humidity levels. As such, users are able to alter settings in line with routines or schedules and occupancy at specific times, which further optimises energy usage on the whole.
What are the most popular residential HVAC systems?
Now, for a more detailed insight into the best and most popular types of HVAC systems for residential properties…
Air conditioning and furnace split system
Also known as forced air systems, a standard air conditioning and furnace split setup is one of the original types of HVAC solutions to hit the market. The system utilises a blower fan within the furnace to pull in ‘untreated’ air, then heats or cools this air depending on user preference, and transports it back into the home via ductwork. Most commonly, the furnace element uses gas for power, though some versions can use propane as an alternative to natural gas.
Though it might not be wise to rely on the weather during the Great British summertime, this type of HVAC system tends to be most popular in locations that have a milder climate, so they can make use of the furnace during the colder winter months and allow natural breezes and the like in through open windows when the temperature picks up in the summer. As an added bonus, the vast majority of modern gas furnaces offer energy efficient performance credentials to the tune of over 90 per cent, ideal from an environmental perspective as well as a money-saving one.
It should be noted that these systems all require ductwork to operate properly, and disperse more pathogens and dust in comparison with other types. These traits, and a propensity to keep the air a lot drier during colder climates, mean they might be a less suitable option for people that suffer with severe allergies.
Electric furnace and air conditioning split system
An electric furnace and air conditioning split system works in the same way as the aforementioned setup, but uses an electric furnace instead of one powered by natural gas or propane.
In essence, this HVAC option acts as a large space heater with incorporated fans that will blow warm air throughout your home ductwork. They are most suitable for climates in which little winter heating is required, so couldn’t be suggested as an ideal choice for most UK households. They’re perhaps a better pick for the likes of holiday homes that don’t need a regular or hefty amount of temperature control throughout the year.
However, in contrast to alternative residential HVAC styles, this type isn’t close to as efficient, though their sporadic use could offset that disadvantage.
Heat pump and air handler split system
Another popular design is the standard heat pump and air handler split system, which delivers both heating and air conditioning in a single setup. These HVAC options use a compressor to transport refrigerant around the system, with cold air being picked up indoors during the heating process and distributed outdoors. During the warmer summer months when required, the reverse process happens to retain the cool air for a more comfortable temperature.
Air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps are the most commonly found UK types, and there is added incentivisation to add these to properties with a range of heat pump grants to promote a greener sustainable future. And whilst these systems require a bigger initial outlay (with some offset), they can pay for themselves in the long run given their energy efficient performance and lower running costs.
In the same way as the aforementioned split system, these solutions also necessitate ductwork and could be susceptible to the spread of allergens also, so again are potentially not the greatest models for anyone with bad allergies.
Boiler with radiant heat and air conditioning
A boiler with a radiant heat system and air conditioning unit is another residential HVAC choice. This system works by heating water to a significant temperature before transmitting it via flooring pipework to heat up the various rooms in a home – it is ideal for homes with underfloor heating installations. There is a variety of setups which make use of differing power sources including gas, electric and propane for the heating of the water.
One of the biggest plus points with this type of system is the type of air which it produces – radiant heat is considered one of the very most comfortable kinds as it is not too humid or dry. Plus, if a combi boiler is teamed with this sort of HVAC solution, it can use the water it heats to create domestic hot water for washing up, showers, laundry and other typical household usage, reducing wasted energy. What’s more, toasty warm flooring will feel lovely on your feet on a chilly morning.
On the flip side, a boiler can take more time to heat a full home in comparison with a furnace system (up to an hour). They also necessitate the fitting of specific radiant floor pipes if these aren’t already installed, to operate properly. The initial purchase cost is also considerably greater than with a heat pump or forced air system.
Geothermal heat pump solution
A geothermal heat pump system is another residential HVAC option that relies on underground pipework to circulate water that heats up in warmer climes and cools down in the colder months. Geothermal heat pumps are extremely energy efficient, using the earth’s soil’s natural temperature as part of the climate control process. This makes geothermal HVAC systems the most viable solution for especially environmentally conscious homeowners, aided by an expected lifespan of up to 25 years without a need for replacement or significant repair.
In terms of downsides, geothermal heat pump systems are the most expensive to buy up front. The cost is exacerbated in existing houses as well, as new-build constructions can add in the necessary pipework without disruption. And as a specialty system, if any repairs were required, the outlay for these is also very sizeable compared with other types of HVAC setups. That said, the green impact and impressive savings in heating and cooling running costs make geothermal heat pump systems a no brainer for many homeowners whose budget allows.
Mini-split heat pump setup
With a mini heat pump setup, multiple heat pumps are situated throughout the home as opposed to a single unit. Typically, this sort of system features both outdoor and concealed indoor components positioned in different zones. Depending on the size of the building, you could have as few as two units ranging up to eight or more. An extra bonus with a mini-split heat pump system is that it is one of few HVAC options that doesn’t require ductwork, so any sort of disruptive installation is not necessary in existing homes.
With regards to disadvantages, the cost to fit the system from the off is more expensive than a conventional heat pump solution, and the included parts can require more tiresome maintenance. Also, some areas that experience especially cold winter climes might not be best suited to mini-split systems to retain a comfortable and consistent temperature on demand.
How to choose the right HVAC solutions for your home or business
This article has hopefully offered some useful insights regarding the right HVAC solutions to select for your home or business premises, and what is the best option for comfort and productivity.
There’s a massive variety of HVAC systems that can operate alongside our range of home heating styles, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for any further information or help on how HVAC setups can integrate with your heating devices. You can contact us in the comments section below, or reach us via Instagram, Facebook or X.
Frequently Asked Questions
bWhat does HVAC stand for?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. There are a wide range of HVAC systems available for both residential properties and commercial premises alike.
For home HVAC setups, seamless integration with designer radiators will see heat distributed successfully throughout the space as necessary, whilst some commercial systems, often favoured by the likes of BestHeating Trade customers, are a lot more involved.
Take a look at our article, Your need-to-know guide to HVAC systems, to learn more.
Share View FAQ Page bAre HVAC systems better for commercial buildings?
HVAC systems are suitable for both commercial buildings and residential properties, in which they can team seamlessly with home radiators or underfloor heating to deliver on the heating side of the bargain.
There’s all sorts of different types of commercial HVAC systems that could align with the needs of BestHeating Trade customers.
Explore our full article, Your need-to-know guide to HVAC systems, for more information.
Share View FAQ Page bCan you use HVAC systems in a home?
Yes, HVAC systems can be used in a home, with the heating element of the setup able to integrate with home radiators or alternate heating styles such as underfloor heating.
There are a wide range of HVAC solutions suitable for residential use, as well as a number of options for commercial premises that may appeal to BestHeating Trade customers.
To find out more, browse our article, Your need-to-know guide to HVAC systems.
Share View FAQ Page
