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6 Essential Components of Every HVAC Design
Three-quarters of the homes in America have an air conditioning unit. But that doesn't mean that everyone understands how they work.
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If you own a home with an HVAC system, then you need to understand its different parts and how they work. That way, you can maintain it properly and increase its effectiveness while prolonging its useful life.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about HVAC design.
1. Thermostat
Do you know that unit on the wall of your home that you use to control the temperature? That is the thermostat. It uses temperature sensors in your home to determine when the air and heat conditioner will turn on and off.
It gets wired directly into your system. The best placement for your thermostat is in the center of your home, make sure it is away from any area that is especially stuffy or drafty.
Some high tech thermostats use several thermometers. This way, you can control your home through a series of zones. Everyone in your family can feel completely comfortable in their zone.
Energy efficient models offer temperature scheduling. That way, you can have the temperature automatically change to match your schedule.
You can have the temperature automatically go up and down at a specific time of day each day of the week.
2. Combustion Chamber
The combustion chamber is where fuel and air combine. For a gas furnace, a small amount of air enters the chamber and combines with the gas mixture. You need to make sure oxygen is present for proper combustion to happen.
A pilot light will ignite the mixture to start a controlled burn. A steady and controlled flow of fuel and air mixture will keep the fire burning.
If the unit is electric then instead of a pilot light, it will have a glowstick. The glowstick will automatically light. This is more reliable than a pilot light that will periodically go out. If this happens, you'll have to relight it.
If you have an older unit that uses a pilot light, you should have carbon monoxide sensors in your home. The pilot light can release this harmful gas into your home when it goes out.
Modern systems will have an LED light to help you monitor your furnace. The light will turn on if there is a problem.
3. Heat Exchanger
The heat exchange is a part of the housing for the furnace. When you turn up the heat, the thermostat will activate the furnace. Then the heat exchanger will absorb heat and warm up the cool air.
You will find a heat exchange on all types of units. Even the electric units have one.
It should be made of stainless steel and temperature resistant alloys. This will protect it and prevent cracks or any other damage.
You'll find that some systems have a special duct to channels the cool air into the heat exchanger faster.
4. Blower Motor
As the air travels through the heat exchanger, it gets up to the desired temperature. It then goes by the blower. This forces the air into the ductwork in your home.
The blower motor won't stop until after combustion ends. That way, all of the warm air leaves the heat exchanger and goes into all of the rooms of your home.
If the motor in your system is variable, then it can run at several different speeds to precisely control the flow of air through your home. They are also quieter and can help to lower the humidity in your home.
5. Compressor or Condenser Coil
This part of your HVAC system is usually installed outside of your home. The condenser releases the heat from your home's air into the air outdoors.
It does this by compressing refrigerant into a condensed cold liquid. A fan then moves the warm air from your home to blow over the compressor.
The heat transfers from the air to the refrigerant that is in a copper or aluminum line.
For your condenser to run efficiently, you need to keep the coils free of debris. Clean out dirt, grass clippings, leaves, and any other debris. Do this by turning the power off to your unit and rinsing it with a garden hose.
While you're at it, trim any bushes that are growing around the unit. You want to make sure there is maximum airflow around the unit for efficient cooling.
6. Evaporator Coil
This is one of the most important components of your HVAC system. The part of the system that is inside your home uses fans to move the warm air through the return ducts.
Then the refrigerant will move through a series of expansion valves and small nozzles. The refrigerant will evaporate from liquid to gas faster with this method.
As this action happens, it absorbs the heat from the air and helps to cool your home. The cooler air moves back through your home until your home reaches the perfect temperature.
Once the refrigerant liquifies, the system sends it back through the system to the condenser.
Another benefit to this process is the lowering of the humidity in your home. As the warm air touches the coils, condensation forms. That means the air going back into your home is drier.
If you find that your home isn't cooling correctly, you can call the professionals such as this company to come out and diagnose the problem.
Understand HVAC Design
Now that you have a better understanding of HVAC design, you're ready to take care of yours. When you know the basic components and their functions, you can troubleshoot minor problems.
You can also diagnose when it is time to call in the professionals. Understanding your HVAC system will help you save time, money, and frustration.
About the Author Laura Bennett
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
