HVAC Systems are a source of comfort in every household no matter the season. This device is responsible for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Hence it’s named HVAC. This system will keep you warm during winters and cool through the hot summer weather. In this article, you are going to learn about HVAC system components, what are they in charge of, and how do they work.
Thermostat or timer
This is the part you usually see first when looking at an HVAC system. The thermostat’s placing is on a wall most of the times, and it is accessible for everyone. You use this tool to set the ambient atmosphere in your home. You can set the temperature by yourself, but most HVAC systems have pre-set programs. For example, in the summer season, the inside temperature should be seven or eight degrees lower than the temperature outside. This information is not a commonly known fact, so having a programmed thermostat is useful in this situation. Also, it maintains the HVAC system at optimal levels. How does the thermostat work? This device comes with sensors, so when the temperature is too warm or too cold, the thermostat puts the HVAC system in function. The evaporator coil and the condensing unit start working and begin to circulate the cooled or warmed air.
The furnace
It is an essential component of any HVAC system. The furnace looks like a big metallic box with pipes attached to it so it can’t exactly sit in your living room. Most people choose to place the unit in their basements or attics. The furnace heats the air that will later distribute in your entire home via the HVAC system. There are four sources for this heating process: combustion (burning natural gas), electricity, heat pumps or solar energy. Out of the four options, the most used are electricity and natural gas. The most efficient heating source is part of the heat pump category. We are talking about the geothermal system. It is environmentally friendly and safe. Although it is quite expensive to install this kind of HVAC system, it will save you a lot of money in the following years. Geothermal systems can reduce your heating bills by 70% percent. If you are a Phoenix resident and you want to find out more about HVAC system and the best heating source solutions, look for AFR Dynamics. This company leads to professionalism and top quality service.
Heat Exchanger
This part belongs to the furnace unit. The heat exchanger is the one that turns on the furnace. This device transfers heating energy from one medium to another, and it assists both cooling and heating. The exchanger sucks in the fresh air and heats it, and sends it to the air ducts and vents, and it is essential in the HVAC system maintenance as well. This component keeps the engine in good shape.
The Evaporator Coil
It does what the heat exchanger doesn’t. Its function is air cooling, and it matters especially during summer. The evaporator coil usually places on the top or side of the furnace. It is manufactured from copper, steel or aluminum because these metals are heat-conductors. For everyone’s understanding, this HVAC system components acts as a radiator. This part is where the refrigerant absorbs the heat. The evaporator coil reduces the interior humidity by draining out the vapor-condenser water. It needs regular cleaning because it is a sensitive component, and even the finest dust particles can cause damage.
Condensing unit
Condensing unit or compressor, it is the outside part of the HVAC system. Here, inside air is ejected to the exterior, from the refrigerant. The condenser compresses the coolant from low pressure and temperature gas to high values liquid. Further on, the liquid freon removes the heat from your home through the evaporator coil. The compressor is the most expensive part of the HVAC system, and it is also very powerful. Condensing unit failure doesn’t usually occur, but if it does it is because of poor installation, poor air duct flow, or unit overcharging. Call a professional like AFR Dynamics to operate regular checkups on your compressor to prevent this kind of issues.
Air ducts
hvac systems air duct In HVAC systems, the ductwork is in charge of air transportation around the house. The ducts usually consist of aluminum, a heat-conducting metal. There are other materials available on the market, such as steel, fiberglass, or plastic. Air pipes come in various shapes too; you can choose from round, oval or rectangular shapes. Air ducts are essential in an HVAC system. If the ductwork is not efficient, you will surely feel it in your household. Air ducts determine the air intake and output and also the air quality. If you are experiencing problems with these HVAC system components, you will possibly overcome unpleasant odors due to built-up moisture inside the pipes, temperature changes from one room to another, leaks and low airflow. In some cases, when there is a duct leakage, you can hear a whistling sound coming from the HVAC system. In case of any problems, don’t try to solve them by yourself. You are best advised to let an expert fix the air ducts and come up with a maintenance plan.
Vents
hvac systems vent These are the squared shape outlets located on your ceiling. They contain heat-safe metals, and they direct the air to the desired areas. The vents transfer the heated or cooled air from the ducts to the exterior. You can manually control or close them if needed. New HVAC systems come with vent filters as well to ensure that your place is dust and allergen-free. They are less effective than air conditioner filters, but then again, these foam pieces are designed to boost the vent functions.
Freon lines
In the most HVAC system, there are two coolant tubes, and one of them is larger than the other. The more significant line is insulated, and it carries the cold gas. Experts name it suction or vapor line. The second tube is not, and it is called liquid line because it brings the warm liquid back to the outdoor unit. To sum it up, the refrigerant lines carry the coolant to the compressor in a gas form and return it to the evaporator as a liquid substance. It is very easy to overcharge these pipes with refrigerant, so professionals should do the sizing and installation of the refrigerant lines. In conclusion, an HVAC system consists of a thermostat, furnace, heat exchanger, evaporator coil, refrigerant lines, air ducts, vents, and compressor. All of these components work together to keep people comfortable through every season. As we all know, good air-quality is essential for everyone’s health and well-being.
About AFR Dynamics
AFR Dynamics is HVAC systems repair service company based in Phoenix, Arizona. We provide many services like maintenance, repair and air-quality services, and HVAC and AC installation. We put our customer’s needs and comfort first, so visit the AFR Dynamics website for special services and other information or give us a call now.