Understanding HVAC
HVAC systems are an important part of every home and business in the modern world. While HVAC equipment is present in nearly every new structure that is built, it remains a mystery for a lot of people.
Understanding the HVAC system in a home is essential for its safe and efficient operation. With the right knowledge, homeowners don’t have to be intimidated and can help prevent problems with their air conditioner. This article is a quick primer on the purpose of HVAC and common terminology in the business.
What is the Purpose of HVAC?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. While the field is concerned with everything from air quality to the fresh air intake of ventilation systems, most homeowners are concerned strictly with the heating and air conditioning parts of the acronym.
HVAC systems provide families and workers with clean and conditioned air so that their environment is safe and comfortable. HVAC systems work hard to:
- Filter air
- Remove humidity
- Warm air in the winter
- Cool air in the summer
Common Parts of HVAC Systems
Every HVAC system operates under the same set of principles. Therefore, they have similar parts to accomplish their work. The most important terms to know as relates to HVAC are:
- Ductwork: A network of large pipes that distributes conditioned air around the home. Although newer designs forgo ductwork, conventional systems rely on it for proper operation.
- Thermostat: The most familiar part of the system, thermostats allow homeowners to adjust the temperature no matter the season. These devices govern when the system cycles.
- Condenser Coil: In the first half of the refrigerant process, the condenser coil is where the refrigerant is compressed and cooled so that it can expand inside the evaporator coil.
- Evaporator Coil: The cooling power of the AC comes from the evaporator coil as refrigerant boils inside of it. This removes heat from indoor air that is being blown across it.
- Blower Fan: Powerful fans push air across evaporator coils and through ductwork. Blower fans are the system's heart because they pump the air throughout a home.
Maintenance for HVAC Systems
If homeowners know anything about HVAC, it's probably that the system is expensive to install and run during the summer. But wouldn’t it help reduce costs if homeowners knew how to improve the system's longevity and efficiency? HVAC maintenance is geared towards doing just that.
HVAC maintenance tasks:
- Cleaning air by replacing dirty air filters
- Increasing efficiency by checking refrigerant pressures
- Looking for potential problems
- Lubricating moving parts
- Testing the thermostat
- Verifying delivery temperatures
By paying a little upfront for routine maintenance, homeowners can enjoy the savings that come from not having to get a premature replacement or frequent repairs because technicians can catch issues early on before they worsen. Maintenance also improves the system’s efficiency, leading to lower energy bills. Make it a goal to schedule HVAC maintenance twice yearly and see the savings roll in.
About Tiger Temperature
Tiger Temperature is committed to providing its neighbors in Thibodaux, LA, and the surrounding areas with honest services at honest prices. They offer upfront pricing, free second opinions, 24/7 emergency service, and two maintenance plan options. Call them today for heating or air conditioning services in Thibodaux, LA.
