What you need to know about heating
When winter in Washington arrives, having a reliable, cost-efficient heating system is not an option, it is a necessity. A commercial heating system is essential to keep your customers comfortable, and employees happy and productive.
A good heating system needs to accomplish that while:
Central heating systems basically contain a boiler, furnace, or heat pump to heat water, steam, or air, all in a central location such as a furnace room. The system contains either ductwork, if a forced air system, or piping to distribute heated water, and radiators to transfer this heat to the air. A furnace produces heat through the combustion of natural gas in the furnace’s burner. The heat produced by this then passes through a heat exchanger. The air from your return air ducts is blown over the heat exchanger and warms the air. Then the furnace’s blower blows the warmed air into the ductwork, carrying and dispersing the warmed air throughout your establishment. During the warmer months, the blower located inside the furnace will continue to circulate return air throughout the establishment. The return air is cooled by being blown over the indoor coil portion in the split-system air conditioning system.
Energy Efficiency
All HVAC equipment manufacturers are required by the Department of Energy rate the efficiency of their equipment on a seasonal basis. For air conditioners these ratings are known as the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.) For heating equipment the rating is the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.) Heat pumps use both numbers. The higher the HSPF/SEER rating, the more efficient the heat pump. High-efficiency units may cost more, but operating costs are lower, this can return back the extra initial cost many times during their lifetime.
A good heating system needs to accomplish that while:
- Operating efficiently to keep energy bills down
- Reliably performing year after year when properly serviced
- Run quietly and be low in maintenance needs
Central heating systems basically contain a boiler, furnace, or heat pump to heat water, steam, or air, all in a central location such as a furnace room. The system contains either ductwork, if a forced air system, or piping to distribute heated water, and radiators to transfer this heat to the air. A furnace produces heat through the combustion of natural gas in the furnace’s burner. The heat produced by this then passes through a heat exchanger. The air from your return air ducts is blown over the heat exchanger and warms the air. Then the furnace’s blower blows the warmed air into the ductwork, carrying and dispersing the warmed air throughout your establishment. During the warmer months, the blower located inside the furnace will continue to circulate return air throughout the establishment. The return air is cooled by being blown over the indoor coil portion in the split-system air conditioning system.
Energy Efficiency
All HVAC equipment manufacturers are required by the Department of Energy rate the efficiency of their equipment on a seasonal basis. For air conditioners these ratings are known as the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating.) For heating equipment the rating is the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.) Heat pumps use both numbers. The higher the HSPF/SEER rating, the more efficient the heat pump. High-efficiency units may cost more, but operating costs are lower, this can return back the extra initial cost many times during their lifetime.
Want to know more on the basics of heating systems? Watch these interactive videos.
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Call us today at 253.227.5433 to arrange for a no-obligation evaluation of your heating needs and a FREE estimate.
