What Is HVAC?
When it comes to temperature regulation and comfort, the HVAC system could be considered the heart center of a home. While HVAC is a word used and heard frequently, it’s less likely that every homeowner really understands what it means.
HVAC System Basics
Homeowners across Springdale, AR, and Rogers, AR, depend on HVAC to keep their homes cozy year-round. Whether it’s cooling a residence in the summer or warming things up in the winter, an HVAC system is responsible for a lot.
While HVAC works as an umbrella term, it’s an acronym for every function of the system. The word HVAC breaks down into heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
An HVAC system is as vital to a residential home as it is to a commercial building. The system is responsible for converting fresh outdoor air into quality air to circulate throughout the property efficiently.
While an HVAC system works to move air around inside, it’s also responsible for freeing air of harmful debris. A properly functioning HVAC system will remove:
- Odors
- Smoke
- Dust
- Bacteria
- Moisture
- Carbon Dioxide
Beyond this critical removal function, an HVAC system must also handle internal temperature control.
What Components Are Part of an HVAC System?
An HVAC system is responsible for many functions in a home or commercial building. It stands to reason that the system also includes many parts.
Much as the name indicates, an HVAC system consists of three main system parts. These are heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
The heating element (“H”) of an HVAC system is generally a reference to a boiler or a furnace. Heating a home or building often depends on a complex system of pipes responsible for carrying heat throughout the house. It may also include ductwork if the property is outfitted with a forced-air system instead.
A forced-air system encompasses the ventilation element (“V”) of HVAC. It’s pushing air where it needs to go to maintain air quality and keep a home temperature controlled.
Air conditioning (“AC”) is the final element of an HVAC system, and its responsibilities are in direct contrast to heating elements. A well-functioning air conditioner will remove excess heat from the inside of a property, leaving cool, clean air to circulate when outdoor temperatures rise.
These days, it’s typical to hear the term HVAC and air conditioning used interchangeably. While this has become a standard reference, it’s important to remember that air conditioning is actually a single component within the greater HVAC system.
How do HVAC Components Work Together?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that nine separate parts have to work in tandem for everything to run smoothly across the three primary components of an HVAC system. These include the:
- Filter
- Outlets
- Ducts
- Exhaust
- Air Return
- Compressor
- Coils
- Outdoor unit
- Blower
Each of these nine parts inevitably depends on the others to ensure that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are all available in a home or building.
HVAC Maintenance Standards
With so many parts at play, it makes sense that homeowners would have a professional inspect the HVAC system at least once a year. We recommend that homes and properties that utilize a heat pump system should increase that inspection rate to twice a year.
Parts like coils, blowers, and outdoor units require specialized training to evaluate, repair, or replace. Keeping up with regular maintenance is an essential step in extending the life of an HVAC system.
System maintenance is also an excellent way to cut down on rising energy bills. An inefficient system will have to work hard to keep a home temperature controlled. You’ll see the result in your monthly bills, which are based on energy output.
Professional HVAC maintenance technicians can quickly pinpoint problem areas and recommend necessary repairs or replacements. That tends to be more cost-efficient than holding off and having to replace the entire system earlier than you would generally need to.
Contact SPH Professionals Today
Your HVAC system keeps your home running smoothly. When you’re looking for an HVAC near me professional to handle inspections, repairs, or replacements, Stith Plumbing & HVAC has you covered. Call us to learn more and schedule your appointment!