If you ever wanted to learn about the basics of HVAC, this is your chance. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. If you have an HVAC system in your home, it is important to know about these components. Here are a few things that you should know about an HVAC system.
Learn About the Components
An HVAC system typically includes the furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork. However, there are other components in the system as well. The furnace is a major part of your system, and it is the most noticeable of the HVAC components inside your home. You can usually find this part in the basement or in a utility closet. The furnace moves out the air from the heat exchanger into the air ducts. Some people will confuse the furnace with a boiler, but those are not the same components. A heat exchanger is another part of your HVAC system. This component is not a part of the furnace, but it is often located near the furnace. It adds heat to the incoming air by way of the combustion chamber.
The HVAC system also includes a cooling element. The evaporator coil is part of that process. These coils have refrigerant that flows through them. When hot air passes over the coils, they will absorb all that heat. The air will cool down as it moves through your ductwork. Another cooling component is known as the condensing unit. This part works like the evaporator coil, but it is located in an outdoor HVAC unit. However, unlike the coils, the condenser can produce warm air.
Refrigerant tubes are very important, and they are used to connect the evaporator coils to the condenser. In many cases, these tubes will attach the outdoor and indoor HVAC units. These tubes are filled with refrigerant to help cool down the air.
A thermostat is probably the most familiar HVAC component for many homeowners. You can find this appliance on the main level of your home, and it is used to adjust the temperature of the heating and cooling system. Many people turn to “smart thermostats” that can control the temperature when you are not at home. When you use these thermostats, you can save money on your energy bills.
All HVAC systems have ductwork installed throughout the home. These ducts work to move the air, and they can also direct the airflow into certain sections of the building. You need to have sealed ducts for the best energy efficiency in your home. Along with the ductwork, there are vents located throughout the interior. These vents allow the air from the ductwork to reach the rooms. Vents are usually located on the floor or in the ceiling, and they can take in air or direct it into a room.
Finally, many HVAC systems will have a heat pump. During the summer, the heat pump will take heat from the interior and move it to the outside. In the winter, the opposite action will happen in your home. A heat pump is an efficient way to move heat from one area to another, and it doesn’t create additional heat.
Common Seasonal HVAC Issues
With the different seasons, you may experience problems with your cooling and heating system. For that reason, it is essential to schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system. You don’t want to have problems with your system when you need to cool down or warm up the air. If you are in Tucson and experiencing issues with your HVAC unit, schedule a service call with D&H Air Conditioning Company.
In the winter, the most common problem is uneven heating. If some of your rooms are warm and others are cold, there could be a big problem with your unit. In some cases, it might be an issue with cold drafts. You will want to schedule an energy audit to help see where energy is escaping from your home. If there are no issues with home leaks, then the problem could be with your HVAC unit. You should check your vents and air filters to make sure they are clean. An experienced technician can inspect your ductwork or replace those dirty coils.
Carbon monoxide is a significant issue in the winter. This gas is hard to detect, and it is often called the “silent killer.” If you have a furnace that is more than a decade old, you should schedule an annual inspection to make sure that carbon monoxide isn’t escaping from the system.
Sudden heat loss can be a frustrating problem as well. If your heater stops, you might want to check the breaker. In some cases, the switch can cut off power to the unit. If that does not help, there could be electrical issues with your system, and you will want the help of an experienced technician.
During the spring, there can be other problems with your system. Many people choose to have their HVAC systems inspected at this time. If the HVAC unit is not adequately cleaned, it can lead to overheating. You can quickly fix this issue by replacing the filters in your home. When the unit overheats, it can cause damage to your entire system. Springtime is a great time to clean HVAC parts, including the evaporator and condenser coils. Over time, these parts can become clogged with dirt, dust, or other debris. You want to keep them clean to help the HVAC system run efficiently throughout the year.
When summer arrives, you will switch from heating to cooling. Before it gets too warm, you should check that your air conditioner is ready for the season. In many cases, a malfunctioning air conditioner will not cool down your home. The solution to the problem may be as easy as opening up the vents around your interior spaces. However, if you are still experiencing issues, you could have a leak in your refrigerant line. During this time, you want to make sure that the unit is not making strange noises. Any thumping, rattling, or screeching should be checked out by an experienced technician.
Finally, fall is the time to have a technician take another look at your HVAC system. The technician can check out the system to make sure it is ready for the upcoming season. During this time, you should clean out the fallen leaves that might be stuck in the HVAC unit. When there is a clog, you can experience airflow problems throughout your home. Fall is also the time when you can experience a wide range of temperatures. With these changes, there might be extra strain on the system. If you are noticing fluctuating temperatures, it might be time for a technician to check out your system.
We’re Here to Help
With decades of experience, D&H Air Conditioning Company is here to help Tucson residents with their home comfort systems. Our team wants to make sure that you stay comfortable throughout the year. We have a full line of services that can assist with heating, cooling, and air quality issues. Our technicians are ready to answer all your questions about your heating and cooling units, including those related to the basics of an HVAC system. If you need help with your home in Tucson, AZ, make sure to contact D&H Air Conditioning Company today!