HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technology is vital to modern living. Learn more about this dynamic field to better understand your home system or prepare for an advanced career.
An HVAC furnace converts fuel to heat using combustion and convection processes. A blower fan then pushes the warm air into ductwork to distribute it throughout a home or business. Contact TAP Heating and Cooling for professional help.
You can count on a heating system to keep your indoor temperatures comfortable during colder weather. While most people associate air conditioning with HVAC, the term actually refers to a complete home comfort system that includes both heating and cooling products like furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners as well as ductwork and thermostats.
An HVAC system is the cornerstone of modern indoor living, regulating temperature and air quality in homes and buildings. It also regulates humidity and movement of air.
Historically, heating was accomplished by burning wood or coal in fireplaces and then directing the warm air into rooms through vents. The development of forced-air furnaces in 1935 allowed for better control and distribution of heated air. These systems rely on fans to push air through a heat exchanger and convert the fuel into heat, then blow that hot air into rooms through ducts.
The modern alternative to traditional furnaces is the heat pump, which works in a similar fashion but uses an energy-efficient process to transfer heat from the air to the interior of your home or building. Heat pumps are more expensive up front than a traditional furnace, but they will save you money on your heating bills in the long run by using less fuel.
Both types of heating systems utilize a series of fans to move air throughout your home and distribute it evenly at the set thermostat temperature. A specialized system of pipes, called refrigerant lines, carries the refrigerant between the indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coil, then back again to maintain a constant flow of cool air.
Ventilation components of an HVAC system ensure that fresh air is brought in and stale air is vented out, helping to keep the indoor environment healthy and comfortable. These include ductwork, vents and registers.
An HVAC system is complex and has a lot of moving parts, which is why many homeowners and business owners hire qualified professional technicians to perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs. If you’re interested in learning more about HVAC, consider an HVAC training program that offers hands-on experience with real equipment. ATI’s programs range from 6-month certificates to 2-year associate degrees, and you can choose from a variety of flexible schedule options.
Cooling
Unlike heating systems, HVAC air conditioning units are capable of both cooling and ventilation. HVAC units use a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from indoor air and release it outdoors, resulting in cool indoor air. These units feature a blower and duct system that distribute conditioned air throughout the home or building, as well as air filters that filter out contaminants to improve indoor air quality.
HVAC units can be categorized into two types: forced-air and heat pump systems. A forced-air system usually consists of an indoor unit (an air handler or furnace) and an outdoor unit that houses the air conditioner. Heat pumps combine the functions of both a furnace and an air conditioner to create a single, more efficient system.
The function of an HVAC system is based on three core processes: heating, cooling, and ventilation. When the HVAC system is in heating mode, a blower fan draws in outdoor air and forces it over a hot heat exchanger, warming it. The heated air is then pushed through ductwork to various rooms, where it’s distributed via vents or registers.
An HVAC unit that’s in cooling mode will have a refrigerant gas in liquid form. The refrigerant will pass over the evaporator coils, where it draws the heat out of the indoor air. This enables the air to cool down, and the refrigerant will return to its liquid state. The cooled air is then pumped out through the vents and distributed throughout the room or building.
In addition to heating and cooling, HVAC systems can also regulate the humidity level inside a building or home. This helps reduce the risk of mold growth, protects indoor surfaces, and prevents excess moisture from contributing to structural damage or health issues like asthma and allergies. The ventilation function of an HVAC system can also help eliminate unpleasant odors.
Ventilation
Ventilation is one of the most important parts of any HVAC system. It brings fresh air in while pulling stale, polluted air out. This helps keep your space comfortable, and it prevents toxins and other harmful particles from building up inside your home or office.
Traditionally, ventilation systems used natural air flow to move fresh air in and stale air out. However, modern architecture tends to seal spaces tightly, which means that ventilation has to be performed mechanically. Today, we can find central systems that move air through ducts and filters. Some are integrated with the heating and cooling equipment while others operate independently.
The main function of any HVAC system is to keep air at a comfortable temperature. It also works to filter out harmful pollutants and regulate moisture levels. Some types of HVAC systems can even detect and alert homeowners to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks.
When it comes to the ventilation process, ERVs (evaporative residential ventilators) and HRVs (heat recovery ventilators) are the most common types. Both use a heat exchange medium to transfer heat energy between air streams. HRVs also help to lower energy bills by reducing the need for your furnace and air conditioner to run more frequently.
Both ERVs and HRVs have to work together with the rest of your HVAC system to control temperature and humidity. Without ventilation, indoor temperatures will fluctuate too much and you’ll end up with drafts and uncomfortable rooms. The EPA recommends a ventilation rate of 15 cubic feet per minute, or CFM, for most residential buildings.
Depending on how many people live in your home, the amount of outdoor air you need to bring in can vary. However, it is always a good idea to have an adequate amount of fresh air to reduce contaminants and promote healthy living conditions.
If you’re looking for a new HVAC system, Service 1st can provide a reliable furnace and AC for your home. Contact us for an estimate and let our expert technicians find the best solution for your comfort needs. We’re a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer and have earned the Circle of Champions award for quality.
Maintenance
Air filter maintenance: Clean, unobstructed filters allow the HVAC system to achieve maximum efficiency and performance. Clogged filters force the system to work harder and consume more energy. Changing filters regularly can reduce energy consumption and extend the life of the filter.
Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning: Over time the evaporator and condenser coils can accumulate dirt, dust and debris that impacts system efficiency. Regular maintenance removes this buildup to keep the system running smoothly and minimizes risk of ice formation on the coils, which can interrupt functionality.
Humidity control: Maintaining proper humidity levels helps prevent mold, mildew and bacteria growth. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures that the venting and ventilation systems are properly functioning to bring in fresh outdoor air and expel stale indoor air.
Safety checks: During regular maintenance, the professional technician will check that carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly and that the HVAC system has not developed any dangerous leaks. These checks are important to help avoid potential health and safety issues for your property occupants.
When selecting a maintenance provider, look for one that offers a range of service plans and options. These may include fixed yearly or pay-as-you-go pricing structures and different level of service commitments. In addition, make sure they offer a warranty or insurance coverage. This protects you in case of unexpected breakdown and allows you to compare plans based on the extent of services provided. Finally, it is best to find a provider that has a state-of-the-art CMMS (computerised maintenance management system) solution. This can provide a complete history of inspections, work orders completed, repairs and replacements, technician details and costs incurred. This information can be accessed easily, enabling better decision making. This in turn, will lead to improved HVAC Preventive Maintenance and a longer equipment lifespan. It also helps you meet the expectations of your property occupants by providing them with fast, high quality work. This will in turn reduce the number of emergency calls from them and improve your customer satisfaction rating. Ultimately, a reputable and experienced maintenance provider will be able to save you money in the long run.