The Meaning of HVAC
HVAC is the common abbreviation used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The systems in a building that control the main temperatures and also the air flow is what’s referred to as HVAC.
Here is a brief wordlist of some of the terms used in the industry regarding HVAC:
Air handler: A homes indoor HVAC system, which usually stores the circulator fan, condenser coil, and evaporator. If not maintained properly, it affects the overall efficiency of the HVAC system. You can also view this website for more information.
Coils: These systems usually consist of two coils: evaporator and condenser. Using heat transfer, they increase and/or decrease temperatures of any air that passes from outdoor to the indoor. So, from one coil (condenser) to the indoor one (evaporator).
Compressor: This is essentially a pump that, as the name says, compresses refrigerant (liquid) and pushes it through the devices system. It increases the pressure of the liquid or gas, and cools the house as per the settings.
Condenser: The outdoor part of an air conditioner that releases the hot air.
Ductwork: This is what’s also known as a ‘fibreboard’ or tubes, that conveyances air from the houses cooling (and heating) systems all over your home. The well-maintained ones, distribute hot or cold air consistently in the household. But when not maintained or repaired, can lessen the fuel-efficiency. A wise thing to do is to get help from experts. Learn more about these from sites like: https://alternativeaire.com/
Filter: The HVAC systems use filters that are strategically place to trap dirt, debris and contaminants, that would otherwise block the vents from doing their job. So, these also need to be replaced regularly to ensure good circulation.
Heat pump: The heat pump unit, transfers heat either away from or in to the house to aid in the system achieving desired temperatures indoor. Especially during winter months, this guy works hard. It absorbs heat and throws it back into the house through the air ducts. And during summer months it does the opposite.
Humidifier: Similarly, to the conventional humidifiers we use in our homes, this also adds moisture to the house. And removes the dryness from the air.
Refrigerant This is a substance, usually a liquid chemical that runs through air conditioners and helps with the transfer of heat in and out of the house. It produces and absorbs heat because its coiling point is very low. It also goes through transitions of liquid to gas and vice versa. Read more here.
Tonnage: the measurement of a cooling capacity of an air conditioning unit or system is called a ‘ton’.
Ventilator: its purposeful inclusion in an HVAC is to get rid of stale air from inside your house, and in turn replace it with filtered air from outside.
Types of HVAC Systems
There a various different types of HVAC systems, ranging from: furnaces, heat pumps, ventilators air handlers, and air conditioner units. All of these require HVAC repairs and maintenance.
Maintenance of an HVAC system does not need to be a hassle, whether you are doing it yourself (DIY) or hiring a professional to do your HVAC repairs for you. Although, you should certainly consider hiring HVAC restoration experts to ensure that the system is fixed properly and is working as it should. A professional will understand exactly how the system operates and what needs to be done to repair it, and understanding how the air conditioner or furnace in house works can mean the difference between an eco-friendly environment and a wasteful one. Regular maintenance is key to being prepared for any unforeseeable issues.
There are a few things you need to know.
In a nut-shell maintaining your HVAC regularly means checking on a few things like:
- Sealing of your windows and doors help keep the heat in, so make sure this too is done.
- Regularly checking the vents for debris.
- Every three months you should replace components like air filters that get dirty due to dust and grime.
- Condensation tubes also need to be unclogged from time to time.
- It is advisable to get a programmable thermostat that allows for more specific thermos settings and can be set automatically so that you do not waste energy if you forget to switch it off.
- Annual services are a must – find a professional to do a check for you.
- If your unit is noisy, it might be time to replace the fan.
- You can fix the fins using a butter-knife, if they are bent straighten them with a slight gentle nudge.
- Keep tabs on when it is due for a repair, by noting down the last time you did a service or repaired something.
I hope this post helps you keep your HVAC in good working condition!
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