Homeowners are sometimes confused by the differences between HVAC systems and air conditioning units. This becomes even more confusing due to the fact that these names are commonly used interchangeably. However, there are distinct differences between HVAC and air conditioning.

What does an HVAC unit do?

The acronym HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These units heat and cool the air in your home, ventilate your home, and allow moisture to escape. An HVAC unit will include a furnace, an air conditioning unit, and ducts for ventilation. While air conditioning units are sometimes contained inside an HVAC system, not all HVAC systems have air conditioning units. For example, if you have a home without air conditioning, you may still have an HVAC system.

What Does an Air Conditioning Unit Do?

Air conditioning, or AC, specifically cools the air in your home. AC actually stands for air control, however, is often used to describe the more common phrase “air conditioning.”

What Types of Air Conditioning Units are There?

Central Air Conditioning

Central air conditioning is often the most popular choice for heating and cooling homes. This type of system uses both an outdoor and indoor unit along with ducts to disperse the cool air in and around the home. This type of air conditioning is popular due to its quiet nature and the consistent cool air that it provides.

Ductless Systems

Ductless systems are similar to the more popular central air conditioning units, however, they simply do not have duct work to go along with the indoor and outdoor units. They are best used when the object is to provide targeted comfort in a home when a conventional central air conditioning system is too costly to install.

Window Units

A window unit is a box-like unit that is literally installed into a window. These units have the purpose of cooling a single room or small area. Window units provide adequate comfort in a small space and they are a great option for older homes without existing ductwork. However, they can be quite noisy as they run indoors.

Young man contractor worker in blue overalls and protective gloves are repairing or install the air conditioning

Signs That There is an Issue

Signs to Repair

You may need to think about scheduling a repair to be done on your HVAC/AC unit if any of the following scenarios occur:

  • There is an odor or unpleasant smell in your home
  • Your unit is making unusually loud, clanking noises
  • Your energy bills are unusually high 
  • There are cold spots scattered throughout you home
  • The temperatures in your home vary drastically from room to room

Signs to Replace

Your unit may be so dated that it would be more efficient to install a new unit in your home. The following are some scenarios that could bring you to that conclusion that it should be replaced:

  • Your home is incredibly warm and the unit doesn’t seem to be doing much
  • You are spending a considerable amount of money on your electric bill
  • There are puddles of water in your home or around your unit
  • There is a foul odor in your home

HVAC Maintenance

While HVAC maintenance isn’t on a lot of people’s minds, it could save you a ton of money in the long run. Without regular maintenance, a small issue could result in a costly repair or even replacement.

Call Stack!

Around the Cleveland area and need help with your HVAC/AC system? Whether you need an urgent repair, want to upgrade or replace your current HVAC/AC system, or would just like to perform regular upkeep and maintenance, call Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric at (440) 937-9134.

Have Any Questions?

If this is an emergency please call 440-937-9134.

Otherwise, please feel free to call us or submit this form to schedule an appointment for service or request an estimate. We will contact you shortly!