Nobody wants to be shivering cold on the holidays! Treat your guests to a comfy, cozy holiday celebration with a first-rate heating system. The right HVAC will keep your house warm all winter long and refreshingly cool in the summertime.

HVACs let you enjoy the beachy, palm tree-dotted aesthetic of a SoCal winter without having to suffer through the 40°F nights that they don’t mention in the brochure. But what happens if your HVAC breaks, or you don’t even have one to begin with? 

In this guide, we discuss the essentials of HVAC heating systems, offer tips for choosing the right one, and share resources to help keep your heater in top condition.

How HVAC Heaters Work

HVACs combine the best of both worlds. It’s a heating and cooling system combined for a whole home comfort solution. And with SoCal’s long, balmy summers, it’s easy to forget what the H stands for. So let us explain:

An HVAC isn’t a single machine—it’s a system of different components working together to create a comfortable home environment. Your heater is just one part of a larger system that also includes a thermostat, filter, fan, humidifier, and potentially a network of ducts.

The two most common HVAC heating options are furnaces and heat pumps.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the go-to heating solution for most US homes. They operate on fuel sources like oil, natural gas, or electricity.

Here’s how they work: 

1. The fuel ignites the burner, producing heat. 
2. This heat flows through a heat exchanger, warming the air circulating through your ductwork. 
3. A blower fan ensures the warm air is distributed evenly throughout your home. 
4. Once your thermostat detects the desired temperature, the furnace shuts off until more heat is needed.

Furnaces work particularly well in colder weather—where outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F—thanks to their ability to quickly produce significant heat.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a two-in-one solution—featuring both heating and cooling capabilities—and are ideal for year-round comfort.

During summer, heat pumps act as air conditioners, pulling heat out of your home. In winter, the process reverses. A reversing valve activates, drawing heat from the outside air and transferring it indoors. This change happens automatically, so there’s no need for homeowner involvement.

Heat pumps share similar components with split-system air conditioners, using the same technology for cooling during warmer months.

Selecting the Right Heating System for Your Home

• Furnaces: Best for colder climates where temperatures often fall below 50°F at night.
• Heat Pumps: Energy-efficient and adaptable to a variety of climates, providing both heating and cooling.

HVAC Heating Services

At Brea/OC Plumbing, Heating & Air, our technicians work hard to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. Whether you need repairs, a new installation, or routine maintenance for heat pumps, furnaces, and other systems, our experienced technicians are here to help.

Ready to enjoy this winter in comfort and style? Call (714) 459-5673 for an estimate! (Your frozen toes will thank you.)