As many as 90 percent of American households have some air conditioning. These could take the form of window units, portable air conditions, heat and AC, or full HVAC systems.
In a 2015 survey, it was estimated that 12.5 percent of homes had no form of air conditioning. In comparison, 61.6 percent had an HVAC or central air unit.
Years ago, temperatures across the country were moderate enough so that central air wasn’t necessary for many homes. Today, the number of high heat days and swings in temperature have become increasingly common.
Homeowners need to understand how their essential comfort equipment works in their homes. But what is HVAC, and what does it do?
In the following article, we’ll discuss AC and heating, and how it relates to an HVAC system.
What Does HVAC Mean?
HVAC is an acronym that stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These systems moderate these functions in both commercial and residential buildings.
The ventilation in HVAC allows for the exchange of air in an enclosed space. It also incorporates filtering air of spores, dust, pollen, moisture, and other noxious or undesirable smells or gases. This filtration is essential for people with allergies, small children, and the elderly.
The heating part of the system is conducted through a furnace or boiler. Either way, air or hot water is heated and pumped to different zones of your home.
The cooling of the home is often called air conditioning. Consumers often also refer to this function as central air. This zoned system works on a larger scale than the window units you use for individual rooms. You extract the air from outside before it is then cooled and blow into the space.
If you use a boiler in your HVAC system, the hot water won’t use the same ductwork as the cold air. You then pump the hot water through a closed circuit of pipes and to individual radiators.
A furnace and central air system will use the same ductwork to heat and cool. If heat or a desired cold temperature in a specific area of your home isn’t attained, it is not uncommon for people to use portable AC and heater units to augment their systems.
Heat and AC System Break Down
The parts of an HVAC system include:
- Thermostats
- An air return
- Filter
- Exhaust outlets
- Outdoor unit
- Compressor
- Coils
- And the blower
The filters are one of the most important parts of the system, and should you should check, clean, or replace them regularly. The air return sucks in air from home and moves it through the filters. As a result, it often looks like a supersized vent.
The ducts funnel the inside air of the AC and heating unit. These should get a good cleaning every 2 to 5 years.
The outdoor unit includes the compressor and coils for your central air. Homeowners should keep these units free of vegetation and debris and high off the ground if the potential for flooding exists.
Need More Information
If you live in East Texas — Ace, Big Sandy, Blanchard, Camilla, Cape Royale, Cleveland, Coldspring, Corrigan, Goodrich, Indian Reservation, Leggett, Livingston, Midway, Moscow, Onalaska, Point Blank, Romayor, Rye, Schwab City, Segno, Seven Oaks, Shepherd, Votaw, Waterwood, and Woodville — and need to know more about your heat and AC system, don’t hesitate to call an expert today.
Do you need more information about adding or your HVAC system? Contact us today to talk to a heating and cooling professional.