Your HVAC system is vital in your home. It can control the humidity, temperature, and quality of the air to make you feel more comfortable. This system prevents you feeling overly hot in the summer and keeps you warm in the winter. Here is what you need to know about your HVAC system, including how it works and when to call in a professional for a repair.
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How Does the System Work?
The main things that your HVAC system is responsible for are heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, hence the acronym.
Heating Systems
Heating happens through your heat pump, furnace, or boiler. The furnace or boiler burns fuel which emits heat that warms the air.
A heat pump takes heat from a cold area during wintertime, warms it and then releases it in your home. It uses a refrigeration cycle, just like an air conditioner does, but it works in the opposite way. A heat pump moves the air back to your room to give you warm air instead of releasing it outdoors. When it cools, it reverses the flow of the air to push the heat out. Heat pumps are often more efficient than regular heating systems are.
Ventilation Systems
Accumulated dust, heat, and carbon dioxide can cause unwanted odors and stale air. With proper ventilation, these things can be removed from your home. Your ventilation system replaces the stale air with fresh air.
Air Conditioning Systems
With air conditioners, cool air enters your home because of the air conditioner or the heat pumps in cooling mode. There are several types of air conditioners, including window units, which cool just one room, and central systems, which cool the entire house. Either type can use a refrigerant to take the heat out of the house.
Hybrid Systems
A hybrid system needs to have oil, electricity, or gas for cooling and heating the building. It might use the heat from the outdoors for cooling the inside. It is more friendly to the environment than other options and can save energy which in turn can reduce your utility bill.
An HVAC system is controlled using a thermostat that maintains the set temperature for a certain amount of time.
Maintenance on the HVAC System
An easy way to maintain your HVAC system is to replace your air filters. They can be washed and left to dry or completely replaced. You need to clean a washable filter each month or replace a disposable filter either monthly or quarterly depending on the amount of dust and toxins in your home. The more often you use your HVAC system, and the more pets or occupants in the home, the more frequently you need to replace the filters.
If you have a central system, you need to ensure that the compressor does not have any debris near it. A compressor fin has to be clear of blockages that might keep it from working well. The fins should be rinsed, and the duct entrances and registers can also be cleaned to ensure that no debris blocks them. You should also have the water panel replaced.
Calling in an HVAC Professional
Sometimes you might not be able to do your own repair or can’t troubleshoot the system yourself. This is when you might need to have an expert HVAC contractor come in. They can take care of any maintenance and repair or replace any part of your HVAC system.
It is helpful for you to know the make, brand, and model of your system. You can do an internet search based on the sticker on the system. You might have a speed pump, furnace and central AC combination, geothermal cooling and heating, or ductless mini-splits. You should also know the maintenance history and age of the system.
Closing Thoughts
Knowing more about the HVAC system and getting regular maintenance can help you maintain the system properly to ensure it lasts for a long time. It is all too easy to ignore maintenance, but an HVAC service company can do the work for you. They can spot potential issues before they become more serious which can save you money on your utility bill as well as extend the life of the system.
