HVAC Talk: How Heating & Cooling Systems Differ by Region

HVAC manufacturers design systems to meet customer demand for high-efficiency heating or cooling. When you think about it, though, HVAC concerns here in North Virginia are going to be a bit different than on a job in Alaska or in some other part of the country. The truth is, you’ll find a lot of regional differences that affect the systems you use every day. 

To give you an idea of how HVAC systems differ by region, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons, a trusted fuel oil and HVAC provider in the area, offers a brief overview here.

Northeast

Air conditioning continues to grow in popularity here in the Northeast – as it does across the country – but a major difference is that almost 60% of AC units in the Northeast are basic window or wall-mounted units instead of the central air systems common in other regions. Residents are also investing more in electric heat pumps as they transition from the use of fossil fuels.

Midwest

Extremely cold winters and hot, humid summers might make this region seem comparable to the Northeast, but newer construction and solid transportation infrastructure has led to natural gas being the predominant heating fuel here. While air conditioning isn’t necessarily mandatory, HVAC repair experts note that over 80% of Midwest homes have it.

South & Southwest

Cooling and dehumidifying systems are present in just about every home in the South, which can be attributed to the warm, humid summers and mild winters. They combine these with systems that have light heating capabilities for a balanced indoor temperature year-round. For the Southwest region, air conditioning remains king because of the extremely arid environment. Furnaces are still used occasionally, as well, as the desert can get cold at night.

West

Thanks to its cool ocean breezes and high altitudes, the Western region gets by without too many air conditioning systems. While natural gas is the heating fuel of choice, electricity has seen an uptick, as more and more are investing in water heater units and heat pump systems.

Thomas J. Fannon & Sons has served thousands of clients here in Northern Virginia for over 135 years. If you have concerns about your heating and cooling systems, you can turn to our skilled experts. Give us a call at (703) 549-5700 or complete our form to schedule a FREE estimate.