Knowledge Builders

how does the hvac system work

by Monica O'Kon Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The important thing to know is that HVAC equipment moves air. In general, a system exists to move warm air elsewhere, either into the home or out of it. A home's air conditioner, heat pump, and furnace captures or creates the heat, then the blower and ductwork help to facilitate the movement.

Full Answer

What is a HVAC system and how it works?

HVAC works by utilizing the three core processes of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (cooling). This system comprises individual units dedicated for providing each of these functions. These individual units are all controlled by a centralized electronic control system.

How often should I Check my HVAC system?

You may be wondering how often you should have your HVAC system maintained. Ideally, once a year is the key number, though if you have an older system, you may require service every six months to keep it running up to snuff. If, however, your system is over 10 years old, then it’s not a bad idea to start planning to replace it.

What is the purpose of a HVAC system?

Working of a HVAC System and Its Functions

  1. Controlling micro-organisms, particles in the air and dust. A working HVAC system has to primarily control dust, which is eliminated through filtration. ...
  2. Maintaining the right temperature in the production spaces. Temperature is very key in any pharmaceutical industry. ...
  3. Maintaining the right pressure in the room. ...
  4. Maintaining the right relative humidity. ...

What HVAC system is best for my home?

Top AC Brands

  • American Standard Air Conditioners. American Standard air conditioners are one of the best central air conditioning brands in the business.
  • Carrier Air Conditioners. ...
  • Goodman Central Air Conditioners. ...
  • Trane Central AC Units. ...
  • Rheem Air Conditioners. ...
  • Lennox HVAC Units. ...
  • York AC Units. ...
  • Ruud Central Air Conditioners. ...
  • Amana HVAC Systems. ...
  • HEIL Air Conditioners. ...

More items...

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How does HVAC work step by step?

The steps an air conditioner takes to ensure the completion of the cooling process are as follows:Step 1: The Thermostat Signals The Need For Cooling. ... Step 2: The Refrigerant Absorbs Heat From Indoor Air. ... Step 3: Fans Blow Back Cooler Air To The House. ... Step 4: Heat Within The Refrigerant Is Released Outdoors.

What is HVAC and how it works?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, all three of which can be provided by an HVAC system in a single installation. Air is circulated by bringing in fresh temperature-adjusted air from the outside, and expelling stale air back out, with heating and cooling components to regulate temperatures.

How does HVAC in a house work?

2:204:31What is an HVAC System and How Does It Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEither into the home or out of it a home's air conditioner heat pump and furnace captures or createsMoreEither into the home or out of it a home's air conditioner heat pump and furnace captures or creates the heat. And then the blower. And ductwork help to facilitate the movement. Simply put an hvac.

Where does HVAC pull air from?

Warm air from the inside of your house is pulled into ductwork by a motorized fan. The refrigerant is pumped from the exterior compressor coil to the interior evaporator coil, where it absorbs the heat from the air.

What is difference between AC and HVAC?

To keep things simple: the system designed to cool the air is the AC unit, and the system designed to heat the air and push moisture out through the vents, is the HVAC unit.

How long do HVAC systems last?

Remember, while the average HVAC system lifespan is anywhere between 10–25 years—based on your climate and what type of heating and cooling system you have. But your HVAC system may last less time than that if it has been overworked by insufficient insulation and unwanted airflow (due to unsealed air leaks).

Does HVAC use gas or electricity?

There are many different brands, models, and types of central air conditioning systems. Each model has unique features and energy efficiency ratings. However, all central ACs have one thing in common: They all use electricity, not gas. Of course, your electricity is sourced from your local power company.

Does HVAC include water heater?

Water heaters are actually part of your plumbing system, not your HVAC system, because their purpose begins and ends with the temperature of the water supplying your faucets, showers, dishwasher, and washing machine.

How much is a new HVAC system?

According to HomeAdvisor, full HVAC unit replacement costs range from $5,000 to $10,000, with the national average at $7,000. This comes out to about $25 to $60 per square foot. Prices depend on the size and brand of the HVAC system, the size of the house, ductwork length, and the new unit's efficiency rating.

Does HVAC take air from outside?

In short, no. Though in split system air conditioning design, commonly heat pumps, part of your system is located outside your home, it does not take in outside air. Outside air is brought into the system from an intake which is generally located by your furnace, but is occasionally its own, separate system.

Does HVAC fan use a lot of electricity?

It could cost you hundreds of dollars a year. The average unit has a 500-watt fan, which uses almost as much energy over the course of the year as a refrigerator, resulting in a $50/month bill.

Does HVAC fan bring in fresh air?

In general, the HVAC system does not bring fresh air into a building. A space is heated and cooled using recycled indoor air, with exterior HVAC units serving as a means of air release rather than intake.

Is HVAC electric or gas?

HVAC uses gas or electricity to heat or cool a building. In a gas HVAC, the air conditioner uses electricity to keep your home cool, while the heating unit uses gas to warm a space. The heating unit can comprise a furnace or a boiler that burns gas to generate heat.

Does HVAC include water heater?

Water heaters are actually part of your plumbing system, not your HVAC system, because their purpose begins and ends with the temperature of the water supplying your faucets, showers, dishwasher, and washing machine.

What are the types of HVAC system?

There are four main types of HVAC systems. There are split systems, hybrid systems, duct-free systems, and packaged heating and air systems.

Is HVAC a good career?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the HVAC industry is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016-2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The diversity of job opportunities and advancement in systems makes this industry an attractive and rewarding career.

What is HVAC system?

Your HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is responsible for keeping your home cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. With a quality system, you’ll never feel uncomfortable, regardless of the outdoor temperature. But how do they work?

Why is HVAC important?

Your HVAC system is mainly known for the fact that it keeps your home at the right temperature year-round - but it also helps ventilate.

What is the air conditioner?

The air conditioner is the part of the cooling system that cools the air. It is located outside the home. It uses electricity and liquid refrigerant (or coolant) to cool the temperature of the ce. It sends hot air outside and pushes cool air inside. If you’re interested more specifically in the cooling side of things, take a look at our article on how central AC works.

What is ductwork in HVAC?

The ductwork is a series of ducts throughout the home. Ducts are pipes or tubes that conduct a substance throughout the area where they are installed. In the case of HVAC, the ductwork conveys the air - either hot or cold air based on thermostat settings - into vents throughout your home. The vents or registers in your home's floor or ceiling, are openings into the ducts, and how the air is delivered into each room.

How does forced air work?

In a typical forced air system, a heating element warms the air and the blower blows it into the duct system for distribution throughout the home. If the AC is running, the outdoor unit pulls warm air in, passes it over coils where the refrigerant cools it further, and then blows the cold air into the home.

What is the thermostat in HVAC?

The thermostat, located inside the home serves as the brain of the entire HVAC system. It controls the mode and temperature. When in heating mode, it will heat up the home once it reaches a certain temperature. when the set temperature (what temperature you want in the home) is achieved, the system will turn off. When in cooling mode, it will cool down the home once a certain threshold is reached.

What is the first step in an air conditioning system?

Inside the outdoor air conditioning unit, you’ll find the compressor, which is the first step of the air conditioning system. It compresses the refrigerant gas into a liquid to make it possible to travel through the pipes into your main air conditioning systems.

What is HVAC system?

First and foremost, HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This system provides heating and cooling to residential and commercial buildings. You can find HVAC systems anywhere from single-family homes to submarines where they provide the means for environmental comfort. Becoming more and more popular in new construction, these ...

How many parts are in an HVAC system?

There are nine parts to your HVAC system that you should be familiar with the air return, filter, exhaust outlets, ducts, electrical elements, outdoor unit, compressor, coils and blower.

What is the job of a compressor?

Compressor. As a part of the outdoor unit, the compressor is responsible for converting refrigerant from a gas to liquid and sends it to the coils. Pro tip: If something isn’t working quite right, check your compressor. It is often the cause of many system failures.

What is the outdoor unit of an HVAC system?

This is likely the part of your system you think of when someone mentions an HVAC system. The outdoor unit houses the fan which provides air flow. Pro tip: Keep your unit clear of debris and vegetation as it can cause serious problems if plants are sucked into your fan.

What is the second part of the air return?

Your filter is the second part of the air return in which the air is drawn through. Pro tip: Make sure to change your filters regularly to keep your system in tip-top shape.

What is a V in HVAC?

The V in HVAC, or ventilation, is the process of replacing or exchanging air within a space. This provides a better quality of air indoors and involves the removal of moisture, smoke, odors, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases as well as temperature control and oxygen replenishment.

Is ventilation forced or natural?

The ventilation element is either natural or forced and when it is forced it is more often than not used for air cleaning purposes as well. As many of us know the third and final element of an HVAC system is air conditioning which is the exact opposite of heating. It’s main focus is to remove the existing heat from the interior of the home.

What is the most obvious part of HVAC?

Thermostat: This is the most obvious portion of your HVAC system, and the piece you'll interact with most. Usually installed on an easily accessed walls, it can be set manually and programmed to keep your home at your ideal temperature. When the ambient temperature gets too hot or cold, the thermostat triggers your HVAC system to start circulating ...

What is split system HVAC?

Heating and air conditioning split system: This is the traditional type of HVAC system. It has components both in and outside of the home. Generally, it contains an air conditioner designed to cool refrigerant outside of your house, and a furnace with a fan or coil inside the house. These systems feature ductwork, ...

How to control humidity in HVAC?

Humidity control: Most modern systems offer optional humidity control features. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be added depending on your climate needs. These systems let you automatically control the humidity levels throughout your home when your HVAC system is running. In some parts of the country, humidity can be as much of a problem as high temperatures. Ever heard this weather forecast? "Temperature is 90 degrees, feels like 100 degrees." You can thank humidity for that. It's important that your air conditioning system provides more than cold air; your investment should offer you an overall comfortable environment, which can sometimes only be reached through humidity control.

How does a refrigerant line work?

It's important to ensure these vents don't become blocked. Refrigerant lines: These lines carry refrigerant to the condensing unit in the form of gas. This gas is transformed to liquid form, then transferred back to the evaporator coil. These are the basics behind the ways HVAC works.

What happens when the thermostat is too hot?

When the ambient temperature gets too hot or cold, the thermostat triggers your HVAC system to start circulating air as needed. Furnace: Your furnace is the star of your HVAC system, and it can be huge—it'll require the most space out of all of the different components. The furnace is designed to heat air, which is then distributed ...

What is the purpose of an evaporator coil?

Evaporator coil: The evaporator coil is used to cool down the air when your thermostat is set to a lower temperature. This cold air is then funneled throughout your home.

What is zoned HVAC?

Zoned systems: This type of HVAC system lets you cool or heat different areas of your home by controlling valves or dampers within the ductwork. These dampers are used to selectively block airflow.

How does HVAC work in a big building?

This is done by removing the pollutants directly or by diluting them.

How does HVAC use energy?

When it comes to the energy usage of an HVAC system, there are five factors at play. Energy usage is important as you want to use as little energy as possible but still cool and heat the space. An energy efficient unit will use less energy which will cost less to operate. These factors include: 1 Building design, layout, and operation – This will affect the internal temperature and humidity of the space. 2 Required temperature and air quality – More energy will be used when extreme temperatures are needed along with refined air quality. 3 Lighting, equipment, and people – The lighting used, as well as equipment and people inside, will be a factor contributing to the heat generated within the space. 4 HVAC design and efficiency – This is the area in which heating, cooling and moisture control is needed. 5 HVAC equipment operating time and control ability – This will limit the operation to when it is needed to cut down on energy usage and cost.

What is the cooling equipment used in a cooling system?

Cooling equipment – The cooling equipment of the unit will chill the water within the cooling coils. Air is blown over the chilled water coils and used in the space via a ventilation system. As part of this process, any heat will be removed via a condenser or cooling tower. Pumps – Are used within the system to circulate chilled ...

What is HVAC design and efficiency?

HVAC design and efficiency – This is the area in which heating, cooling and moisture control is needed.

What is an HVAC pump?

Pumps – Are used within the system to circulate chilled and hot water to the specified areas of the building. Fans – Are used within the unit to remove stale air via separate duct work and then placed outside the space. Here is an example of HVAC system components. HVAC systems can vary by individual components and how they are set up in a building.

What is the boiler used for?

However, most units will contain basic components that include the following: Boilers – The boiler is used to produce hot water or steam to distribute the component throughout the building. This hot water or steam will be produced via heating coils or hot water pipes.

What is the primary function of HVAC?

The primary function of an HVAC system is to ensure you’ve got quality indoor air. This means it should help you maintain quality air through ventilation and filtration to give thermal comfort.

What Are the Basics Of HVAC?

The air return is the part that allows air in the system then passes it to the filter, which distributes it to other parts of the unit. The exhaust outlets are where waste heat goes out of the system while the duct allows both heated and cold air in.

What Are the Advantages of a Properly Installed HVAC System?

If you have an HVAC system, you need to ensure it is installed correctly according to the manufacturer’s requirements to make it efficient. This will also help you reduce the electricity bills as not correctly installed units use lots of energy.

How many HVAC systems are there?

There are four types of HVAC: split systems, hybrid, packaged heating, air systems, and duct-free systems. Each system works differently and has both advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before settling for one.

How much does it cost to service HVAC system?

Also, your location might determine the cost you’ll spend. But averagely, you’ll pay between $150 and $450 to repair it.

What is the most common HVAC system?

There are different types of HVAC systems, but then not all are popular. The common types are like the standard split system , which has one component indoors and outdoors. The other type is the ductless split system with an outside conditioner for cooling and doesn’t have furnaces.

What is the biggest part of an HVAC system?

The furnace is the biggest part of an HVAC as it occupies a larger space. It’s a crucial part of the HVAC system, and it’s found in the basement, and it moves air from the heat exchanger to the air ducts. It uses natural gas to heat the air. Inside the furnace , a heat exchanger is responsible for heating the air to the right temperature.

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