HVAC systems are crucial for maintaining your home’s temperature and air quality. However, many people do not pay them the attention they deserve until a problem arises. HVAC systems can be challenging to understand. More so, if you have never worked with one before. Do you want to better grasp how heating, ventilation, and air conditioning function? This article will give you some fundamental knowledge about each system.
What Is an HVAC System?
HVAC is an abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In the winter, HVAC systems warm interior rooms, and in the summer, they cool them. Furthermore, HVAC combines systems like heat pumps with indoor air-quality equipment like air purifiers. That is in addition to air conditioners and furnaces. It includes everything, even the smart thermostats and control systems that make everything function.
HVAC systems also provide ventilation—the process of replacing or exchanging air within a space. It improves indoor air quality by removing moisture, smoke, smells, heat, particles, airborne bacteria, spores, carbon dioxide, and other gasses. It also aids in maintaining temperature and replenishing oxygen.
What Does an HVAC System Include
Air Conditioning Systems
The air conditioner in your house turns on as the temperature outside climbs and helps keep the indoor air cool and comfortable. The fan draws the heated air from within your house and forces it over the refrigerant-filled coils. Then, heat is transferred from the air conditioning unit to the air within your home until it reaches the appropriate interior temperature.
At this stage, the cooled air enters the air handler and the blower circulates it throughout your ductwork. Then, harmful gasses created during the process are ejected through the flue when the cooling air flows through these channels. Finally, the refrigerant enters the compressor again, compressing and condensing back into a liquid state before being forced over the coils again.
Heat Pumps
The same process that drives the air conditioning system also dictates how a heat pump operates. First, the refrigerant collects the heat and releases it outside to chill the air. Next, heat pumps circulate cold outdoor air over cooler refrigerants to produce warm air. Then coils are heated as heat pulls into the refrigerant. Lastly, the heated coils draw the air over them, which warms up to the proper temperature before being blown into the house.
Furnaces
A furnace heats the air that is circulated by your home’s HVAC system. It works by heating the combustion chamber, which, in turn, heats the heat exchanger. Air passes through the exchanger and heats up before being blown back into the house by the motor.
Oil furnaces operate the same way. They transfer oil from a reserve tank, filter it, and then pump the misted oil onto a burner in a chamber. Then, the burner ignites and heats the heat exchanger with the flame. Finally, the air pumps through the exchanger, heats, and blows back into the house, much like it would with a gas furnace.
Types of HVAC Systems
Split System
A split system, often known as a forced-air system, includes one unit inside the house and one outside. In this setup, you may try to use a furnace and air conditioner, an air handler and a heat pump, or a furnace and heat pump. The choice will depend on the availability and your preference.
Hybrid Heat Pump
The central heating system uses a furnace and an electric heat pump. The heat pump heats the house during the gentler seasons of the year, such as spring and fall. The furnace turns on and takes over when the temperature is too low for a heat pump to function efficiently.
Ductless Mini-Split
This system has an exterior unit that houses the compressor and condenser. It also has an indoor air handler positioned in the room that blows the cooled air directly into the room.
Ducted Mini-Split
A ducted mini-split system moves air from an exterior compressor and condenser into a room using tubes rather than bigger ducts. This system is ideal for homes with limited space for conventional ductwork.
HVAC Near Me
The heating and cooling system is one of the essential parts of your home. Are you looking for a reliable HVAC company that can provide quality air conditioning and heating services? The turn to Pioneers Heating and Air. We are a licensed full-service HVAC company based in South Pasadena and serve the entire San Gabriel Valley.
Our wide range of HVAC products include furnaces, air conditioners, and heaters. Our team commits to providing customers with the best possible service. Therefore, you can rely on us for reliable air conditioner repair and heating repair services. Contact us today to learn more about our installations, repairs, and maintenance services.
