Nowadays, we have heating and cooling systems that can meet practically every need, from lifestyle and interior design to budget and home size. As you determine your specific needs, you’ll want to choose between having separate or combined heating and cooling units. So what are the benefits of having separate systems? Or is it better to combine heating and cooling systems? Keep reading to find out more.
Separate Systems
If you have a preferred heating method, for example, sitting near a fireplace, then you’ll probably prefer having separate HVAC systems. With separate systems, you can customize your heating and cooling to suit your lifestyle, decor, and individual needs.
Individual HVAC systems are typically easier and cheaper to upgrade than combined ones, as they don’t usually need major renovations. If one system has an issue, there’s no risk of the other one being inaccessible as you wait for repairs.
Combined Systems
A combined system handles both your heating and cooling needs. It offers cooling during the summer and heat during the cold winter months. You can switch from cooling to heating with the touch of a button. This makes the system easy to use and operate. The cooling and heating components of the system have many shared parts. Therefore, the efficiency of the heating system will affect the upgrades you make to the cooling system.
Combined systems generally cost less to operate than separate units, saving you money in the long run. If something goes wrong, a single fix usually repairs both segments of the system. Therefore, service costs can be less.
A combined system can be zoned for considerable year-round energy savings. You can divide your house into different zones and vary airflow. You’ll save energy by turning down the heat in rarely used rooms in the winter and keeping them warmer in the summer than the other areas you use frequently.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to combine heating and cooling systems is a personal choice. Make sure you consider how you’ll want to utilize the system, the available space, whether you want energy savings in the long term, or lower initial costs, among other factors. For further assistance with choosing the right heating or cooling system for your home, contact the experts at Ace Hardware Home Services. We’ve been serving homeowners in the Dayton area with quality services and superior heating and cooling products since 1978.