HVAC Basics

Unit heaters are a great way to heat your extra spaces that aren't connected to your central HVAC system. In this article, we will cover the most commonly asked questions about unit heaters.

Heat pumps have changed the way we think about climate control in our homes and businesses. It used to be simple: air conditioners cool, furnaces heat, and that was it. But then along came the heat pump concept, and the terminology changed … slowly. Even now, there remains some confusion between the terms heat pump vs AC.

What is a heat pump?

You might have heard the term "air conditioner with a heat pump." While that's not too far off the mark, it isn't exactly correct. A heat pump is an air conditioner - an air conditioner that cools in the summer and heats in the winter. All heat pumps are air conditioners but not all air conditioners are heat pumps. Heat pumps are air conditioners configured with the ability to reverse the air conditioning process and provide heat instead of cooling. Appearance-wise there is practically no discernible difference between a standard air conditioner and a heat pump. You might be able to spot the reversing valve - a horizontal brass pipe near the coil fins that allows a heat pump to function - but that's essentially the only visible difference.

If replacing your home or business air conditioning system ranks high on your to-do list, you should know the basics of the AC process beforehand. If you don't know what to look or ask for, you could spend thousands of dollars unnecessarily on equipment, installation and energy. You needn't rate as an expert in the subject, but a familiarity with the basics of an HVAC system can go a long way in matching your home to the type of air conditioning that suits it best. To help, we've provided an Air Conditioning for Beginner's guide. Here's what you need to know:

We get lots of questions about the legalities of buying furnaces and air conditioners online. Most of these questions start with: “The local HVAC guy said it’s illegal to …” The rumors range from “It’s illegal to buy central AC systems and heating systems online” to “If you buy the equipment online it voids your warranty” to “Online HVAC systems aren’t as good as what we carry locally” or “It’s inexpensive because it’s poor quality.” Read on or watch the video as we debunk these statements and give you the real deal on how to save on your HVAC equipment.

If you’ve done any research on home heating or cooling, you’re sure to have come across info on HVAC zones and zoned HVAC systems. In this article – and the accompanying video – we’re going to define the concept and give you some basic info on what it might mean for heating and cooling your home. Simply, an HVAC zone is an area in your home in which you wish to have specific heating or cooling control. So, an HVAC zoning system is one that allows you to create custom areas within your home’s HVAC system.

Furnace flue pipes may not be something you’ve thought about before, but they’re an important part of your gas furnace system. It’s good to have an understanding of what they are and why they’re important … and how they match to your furnace efficiency. A furnace flue pipe (also known as a vent pipe or simply as a flue), vents the exhaust from your furnace to the outside of your home. Furnace exhaust is dangerous and so having the right furnace exhaust pipe is important.

SEER is the efficiency rating for heat pumps and air conditioners. In this video we'll review what it means for you, regarding your energy bills and how it affects the purchase and performance of your home HVAC system. As a homeowner, there is a lot to consider when making a decision on a new air conditioner or heat pump cooling system. One of the most important factors in purchasing an HVAC system is energy efficiency. And that's where SEER comes in.

In this video, we will explain the different features of a Packaged or Rooftop HVAC system and why you might need one, all available at HVACDirect.com.

Now that winter is coming let us help explain the difference between AFUE & Furnace Staging. What is a multi-speed motor? What is a variable speed motor? Does this all sound complicated? It really doesn't have to be. Let us break it down so it is easy to understand.

Most people are familiar with the term heat pump. Millions own one, but ask them to explain how it works, and the great majority would shrug their shoulders. A heat pump is an energy efficient way to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter. We often get the question of what is a heat pump and is it right for my home?

 

TXV stands for Thermostatic Expansion Valve. Why do I need a TXV you might ask? Well let us first figure out what a piston does on a refrigerant line. The piston is a refrigerant metering device that the line set will attach to. The refrigerant liquid will pass through the small orifice with a fixed size in the piston.

A dual fuel system is an electric heat pump paired with a gas furnace to assist in heating during colder months. A standard heat pump will operate at temperatures down to 35 degrees F, then will switch to auxiliary electric heat strips. This can lead to expensive electric bills if the sub-freezing temperatures persist for an extended amount of time.

Single stage furnaces have just stage of heat output: high. A single stage furnace will output 100% at all times, regardless of the temperature outside or inside the home. Imaging always driving your car at highway speeds, regardless of the recommended speed limit or road conditions. That's how a single stage furnace operates: the gas valve is either on or off.

A condenser heat pump and a furnace are two very common options for HVAC systems. As with other HVAC components, the core functionality of both units is to ensure that your home is at a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside.

When choosing between a single-stage and two-stage condenser, it comes down to comfort, efficiency, and long-term value. A single-stage condenser operates at full capacity only—turning on and off frequently—leading to uneven temperatures and higher energy use. In contrast, a two-stage unit typically runs at a lower capacity for mild conditions, only engaging full power when needed. This results in steadier cooling, better dehumidification, reduced wear, and potentially extended lifespan. While two-stage systems cost more upfront, their energy savings and consistent comfort make them a wise investment for many homeowners.

All safety tested gas appliances use a series of switches, sensors, valves etc. to both ignite the fire as well as provide a safety system in case a part fails. There are two common types of ignition systems used in the fireplace and outdoor industries. Standing Pilot Millivolt Ignition systems and Intermittent Pilot Ignition Systems. There are variations of both of these systems from different manufacturers but the information below will lay out how each works and keeps you safe.

Up-flow and down-flow; these descriptive words identify the direction air moves through a furnace and how that furnace is configured in the space it occupies. The location of the furnace within your home determines whether the best choice is up-flow or down-flow furnaces.

You won’t be limited by choice when it comes to choosing the perfect furnace for your home. A wide selection on the market means that you can choose a unit that suits your home design, your climate, and your budget.

Goodman heat pump condensers can truly help you save on electric and energy costs. In fact, these units continue to soar in popularity across the world. They are especially helpful for homes and businesses in the Southeast part of the country. This is due to near year-round hot temperatures with humidity not found in other areas of the nation. At HVACDirect.com, we offer the top quality Goodman heat pumps at cost-affordable rates.

Goodman heat pump condensers continue to soar in popularity across the country. In fact, these units are perfect for homes and businesses in the South East portion of the nation. This is due to near-year round warm and humid climates with little frigid or colder temperatures. As your premier online gas furnace store, we offer the highest-quality of heat pumps from Goodman AC at low prices.