Main Components of HVAC System- How it Works
Whether you’re a homeowner wanting a better understanding of your property’s heating and air conditioning system or a property manager or business owner needing to reduce energy costs, KJ’s Heating & Air HVAC guide provides practical insights on how your system works.
Introduction to HVAC Systems
As homes and commercial properties constantly change, get remodeled, or need expansion, indoor comfort relies on this prominent feature: your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system. Regardless of the type of HVAC system installed, understanding how they work helps you spot problems and quickly address them.
Heating Process in HVAC Systems
The heating process of your system uses a furnace or heat pump. Depending on the type of HVAC system installed, a furnace typically uses gas, propane, or oil to power it, whereas a heat pump uses electricity.
A furnace raises the indoor air temperature, and the heat gets transferred to the air and then distributed throughout the building using the ductwork and vents. The heat pump withdraws heat from the ground or the outdoor air and moves it indoors to warm the building.
Cooling Mechanisms: Air Conditioning Basics
The primary cooling component is the air conditioner, which operates on the principles of refrigeration. In its cooling mode, the air conditioner circulates a refrigerant through its closed loop of coils.
The refrigerant undergoes a cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation to absorb indoor air heat and then release it outside. As warm indoor air passes over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant extracts the heat from the air, cooling it and distributing it throughout the building.
Related read: How often should HVAC be serviced?
Ventilation and Air Quality Control
Ventilation draws in fresh outdoor air and pushes stale indoor air outside. As it transfers the fresh air, it prevents the buildup of pollutants, odors, and excess moisture. This process uses the fans and ventilation systems installed throughout the building.
Air quality control involves processes to manage and improve indoor air quality. That includes the removal of airborne pollutants, the regulation of humidity levels, and the monitoring of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration levels.
Common HVAC Issues and Troubleshooting
Though Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning provide comfort and efficiency in a home or office, each is prone to disruptions and failures. Below are common HVAC issues and troubleshooting steps to help you identify and address them:
Lack of Heating or Cooling:
Check the thermostat settings when your HVAC system is not providing the expected warmth or coolness. Ensure the temperature setting and mode setting are set correctly. Also, inspect the air filter to see if it is dirty or clogged and needs replacing.
Uneven Heating or Cooling:
If certain areas of your home or office seem warmer or cooler than others, you may have blocked or closed vents and registers. Check that all vents are open and nothing is blocking the airflow, such as boxes, file cabinets, or furniture.
Strange Noises:
Unusual noises such as rattling, hissing, or grinding from your system need inspecting. A rattling noise is loose components, hissing is usually a refrigerant leak, and grinding could be a malfunctioning motor or fan.
Poor Air Quality:
If you notice a decline in indoor air quality, like increased dust, dirt, or unpleasant odors, it is usually a dirty or clogged air filter. Regularly replace or clean your filters to improve air quality.
High Energy Bills:
Constantly getting high energy bills indicates your HVAC system is malfunctioning or is old and needs replacing. To uncover the issue, have a professional HVAC technician inspect the system to locate and address the problem.
Frequent Cycling On and Off:
When your system frequently turns on and off, it is short cycling. Potential system strains and overworking could be a malfunctioning thermostat, dirty air filters, or an oversized HVAC system.
Frozen Evaporator or Condenser Coils:
When you notice ice buildup on the condenser coils or evaporator, you have low refrigerant levels, restricted airflow, or a malfunctioning component. Turn off your HVAC system and contact a professional to investigate.
Choosing the Right HVAC Solution for Your Needs
Annual inspections and maintenance on your HVAC system keep it running smoothly year-round. Turn to KJ’s Heating and Air for heating and cooling solutions, who understand how HVAC systems work and the various types installed on homes, offices, and industrial complexes.
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KJ's Heating and Air has been serving proudly the community since 1981 in installing, repairing and maintaining residential & commercial HVAC Systems.