Are mini-split units good for heating purposes?

November 7, 2023

Finding the right heating solution for your O’Fallon, MO home could prove challenging. After all, there are many equipment types to choose from, and each comes with its own level of safety, convenience, and efficiency. While many households are reliant upon ducted furnaces and heat pumps, ductless mini-splits are garnering attention for their low operating costs, ease of use, and overall flexibility. Having a mini-split installed is among the cheapest ways to keep your living space cool in the summer, but you may be worried about using it for heating purposes. Read on to discover just how well these systems handle cold weather. What Are Mini-Split Systems and How Do They Work in Winter? Ductless mini-split heat pumps have been commercially available since the 1970s. However, they’ve sparked recent interest among consumers who are actively searching for ways to reduce their carbon footprints. Like central air conditioners, mini-split systems have outdoor condensers that are installed on level, composite, or concrete pads. These units are connected to one or more indoor air handlers to service select areas or entire buildings. In summer, ductless heat pumps are functionally identical to air conditioners. They harness warm, indoor air, pass it over refrigerant-filled coils,...

View Article

Read More

What Is a Heat Exchanger and How Does It Work

November 1, 2023

There’s probably a lot that you don’t know about the heating equipment in your O’Fallon, MO, home. From your furnace’s electric ignition switch to its venting system, there are many important components working together to provide an even and consistent stream of heat. Among these is your furnace’s heat exchanger. Much like its name implies, the heat exchanger is where heat transfer occurs. Positioned just below the combustion chamber and the furnace blower, it has a major role in determining just how efficient and safe your furnace is. How a Heat Exchanger Works Heat exchangers are L-shaped metal shells with multiple internal and external tubes. This shell-and-tube configuration minimizes thermal energy loss during heat transfer. When your furnace burns or combusts fuel, the hot exhaust gases from this process leave the combustion chamber and enter the heat exchanger, where their heat is absorbed. As filtered air is blown across the exchanger, it collects this heat before entering your ductwork and being distributed throughout your home. Heat exchangers experience regular and significant fluctuations in temperature along with incredibly high levels of heat. Their all-metal design makes them excellent heat conductors. This also makes them resistant to temperature-related cracking. Cracked Heat Exchangers...

View Article

Read More