13.11.2013
ABCs of HVAC
The ABCs of HVAC
We all want a home that’s cool in the summer and warm in the winter. And as long as everything’s working smoothly, it’s easy to forget about the vital equipment that keeps us comfortable. This article will guide you through some important things you should know about your home’s HVAC system:
1. What is HVAC?
The acronym HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. In simple terms, it refers to your home’s heating and cooling system; the fireplace, heaters and air conditioning units. Technically it also pertains to any openings that allow the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, such as windows.
HVAC is also sometimes referred to as “climate control”.
2. What does an HVAC system do?
Your HVAC system comprises the heaters and furnaces that heat the air in your home, and the air conditioning system that cools the air. Both these systems work on the principle that heat moves from a warm object to a cooler one in the same way that water flows from a higher elevation to a lower level.
3. What elements make up the HVAC system?
Your HVAC system is composed of three basic components:
a) A source of air
b) Distribution lines; the vents and ducts
c) Thermostat; the regulator used to control the temperature in your home
A malfunctioning of your HVAC system signifies a problem with one or more of these three components. The solution could be as simple as routine duct and furnace cleaning, or it could be that more extensive service is required.
4. About HVAC Fuel
All HVAC systems burn fuel in order to function. Whether your system uses electricity, gas or oil, regular maintenance will help to ensure that the equipment is burning fuel efficiently, helping you to avoid ballooning fuel bills.
5. How does heating work?
Turning on the heater or furnace burns fuel. The burning fuel in turn produces heat, which is circulated throughout your home through pipes, ducts, wires, heating panels or radiators. Older heating systems use boilers where water is stored and heated up to circulate heat throughout the room.
6. How does cooling work?
Turning on your air conditioning unit causes a gas in the coil to cool down to its liquid state. This in turn cools the adjacent air, which is then circulated throughout the room.
In addition to cooling, the air conditioning system also ventilates and dehumidifies a room. This is made possible by four elements:
(1) Compressor – provides compression for the systems
(2) Condenser – removes heat from the system
(3) Evaporator – responsible for de-humidification
(4) Metering device – provides control to ensure that heat absorption is at the correct level
7. What is ventilation?
Ventilation is the essential exchange of air from outside to avoid stagnation of moisture, dust, odor, smoke and bacteria. Ventilation is achieved through one of two ways:
a) Mechanical or “forced” method
b) Naturally, via windows and other openings in your home.
Mechanical ventilation is most commonly achieved through the use of exhausts. Note that a ceiling fan is not considered ventilation because it does not exchange air, but merely moves it around.
8. Consulting the HVAC experts
No one wants their furnace to cut out right in the middle of a cold snap, and regular maintenance will help keep your equipment functioning efficiently and reliably. A home maintenance professional, such as a duct and furnace cleaning service provider, will inspect all internal parts as well as the ducts and vents to protect you and your family from unexpected breakdowns.
Call Ram Cleaning Services for all of your Chimney cleaning, Duct cleaning, HVAC cleaning and Furnace cleaning needs at 403-291-1051.