What Is HVAC and Why It Matters for Your Home
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, the trio of systems that work together to keep your home comfortable, clean, and energy-efficient all year long.
- Heating keeps your space warm and cozy during chilly winter months, so you can stay comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops.
- Ventilation brings in fresh outdoor air while pushing out stale indoor air, helping maintain healthy air quality and reducing allergens and pollutants.
- Air Conditioning cools and dehumidifies your home during hot summer days, creating a refreshing indoor environment that’s both safe and comfortable.
Central air is a part of this system designed to cool your entire home. It works by pulling warm air from inside your home, cooling it using advanced refrigeration technology, and circulating the chilled air back through your ductwork and vents. A built-in thermostat helps regulate the inside temperature.
Central A/C Systems: Splits vs. Package
There are two main types of central air conditioning systems: split systems and package systems.
Split System
Split systems are the most common systems found in homes. A split system separates components between indoors and outdoors:
Outdoor Unit (Condenser):
- Compressor: Pumps refrigerant to absorb heat and humidity.
- Condenser Coils: Release heat from the refrigerant into the outside air.
- Fan: Pulls air in, cools the coils, and pushes hot air out.
Indoor Unit (Air Handler):
- Evaporator Coils: Remove heat from indoor air, leaving it cool.
- Blower Fan: Circulates chilled air through your home based on your thermostat setting.
Package System
All components are housed in a single outdoor unit. These systems are often used in homes without space for an indoor air handler and are easier to install.
What's the Difference Between Air Conditioning Systems and Units?
Explore air conditioning systems and units to find the one tailored to your needs. Learn the key differences to find the right fit.
What Is an A/C or HVAC System?
A mentioned earlier, an air conditioning system typically refers to central air conditioning, but it's often part of a broader HVAC system.
The ventilation component circulates air through floor, wall, or ceiling vents, works with air filters to remove particles, and helps reduce moisture, improving overall air quality. Together, these systems maintain your desired indoor temperature for year-round comfort.
What Is an A/C Unit?
An air conditioning unit’s primary design is to cool rooms in your home. Unlike full HVAC systems, most A/C units don’t include heating capabilities. That means when temperatures drop, you’ll need a separate heat source—like a furnace, heat pump, or space heater—to stay warm. Units are available as window, wall, or portable air conditioners for rooms.
Choosing the Right Size Central Air System
Your air conditioner should be powerful enough to cool your entire home, which is why choosing the right size for your home’s square footage is so important. An undersized unit may struggle to keep up with summer heat and run constantly, while an oversized unit can cycle on and off too often, failing to properly control humidity and leaving the air feeling damp. So, how do you know what size A/C is best?
Air conditioner size, also called cooling capacity, is measured in two ways, British Thermal Units (BTUs) or tons. One BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In HVAC, it measures heating or cooling capacity, or how much heat an appliance can add or remove in an hour. One ton equals the ability to remove 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour.
Key Factors That Affect HVAC Sizing
Here are several considerations that will go into determining your central air conditioning system size.
- Home Size: The square footage is the most significant factor. As a general rule, you'll need about 1 ton of cooling for every 600 to 1,000 square feet, depending on your insulation and local climate.
- Climate Zone: If you live in a warmer region, you may require more cooling capacity to stay comfortable.
- Insulation & Windows: Homes with good insulation and energy-efficient windows typically can do with less cooling power.
- Ceiling Height: Higher ceilings increase the volume of air that needs to be cooled, which can raise your cooling requirements.
- Sun Exposure: Rooms with south-facing windows or significant sunlight may need additional cooling to offset heat gain.
- Occupancy & Appliances: More people and high heat-producing appliances (like ovens or computers) can increase the demand for air conditioning.
Make the Most of Your A/C with Energy-Efficient Features
When shopping for a new central air conditioner, one of the most key details to consider is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating. It measures how efficiently your system cools your home over the entire season. The higher the number, the less energy it takes to keep things comfortable. Think of it as an uncomplicated way to compare efficiency at a glance. Just keep in mind that the rating shows the best possible performance, and actual results may vary depending on your home and climate.
Efficiency isn’t just about the SEER rating, though. Many modern systems come with features that can help you save even more energy while keeping your home comfortable. Some models use variable-speed motors that fine-tune airflow for consistent comfort without overworking the system. Others include a handy delay fan switch that keeps cool air moving through your ducts even after the compressor shuts off. You can also find fan-only settings that circulate air without turning on the cooling, plus filter indicator lights that remind you when it’s time for a quick filter change. Little touches like these make it easier to stay cool, save money, and keep your indoor air fresh.
Pairing your system with a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat can push savings even further. These thermostats let you raise the temperature when you’re out of the house and lower it again before you return or head to bed. Smart models can even be controlled through an app or learn your preferences over time, making it easier than ever to balance comfort and efficiency.
In short, while the SEER rating gives you an important snapshot of efficiency, the combination of built-in energy-saving features and a smart thermostat can help you reduce costs, cut down on wasted energy, and enjoy a more comfortable home all season long.
Central Air Installation and Replacement
For help determining which size central A/C system will work for your home, consider Lowe’s HVAC installation service. Starting with a professional assessment of your home’s air conditioning needs, we will follow up with a quote that includes product choices and labor costs, including financing options to fit your budget. Your install also comes standard with a one-year labor warranty,
Note that HVAC pricing is based on factors such as the size of your home, the amount of space you’ll need to cool, and the type of system or unit you choose.