HVAC systems heat and cool homes and businesses, as well as clean indoor air. They use a chemical in liquid form called refrigerant to absorb and release heat as needed.

Routine maintenance allows technicians to catch potential problems and fix them before they cause a major breakdown. It also helps you save money by keeping your system running efficiently. Contact Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning for professional help.

HVAC systems work together to regulate air temperature, circulation and overall air quality. The heating component raises indoor temperatures during colder months through furnaces and boilers, while ventilation systems bring in fresh outdoor air and remove stale indoor air. Air filtration systems also help keep contaminants and harmful particles out of the system.

HVAC equipment typically includes a variety of electrical components such as switches, fans, compressors and relays. Because of this, a trained technician is important for proper maintenance and repair. Electrical parts like wiring, fuses and breakers should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working condition.

The most common kind of HVAC system is a split system. This type of system has two units: an outside unit that houses the compressor and condenser coil and an indoor unit that contains the evaporator coil and blower. This system can be used for both heating and cooling, depending on the season.

Another option is a packaged heat pump, which offers both heating and cooling through a single unit. These units are usually kept in a garage or attic and are not as energy efficient as the split system, but they are easy to install and maintain.

Heat pumps have a SEER rating that indicates how well they perform in terms of energy efficiency. This rating is based on a calculation that factors in how well the system works when it is hot and cold. A higher SEER number means a more energy-efficient system.

Other ratings that you may see are MERV and ASHRAE. These are both standards for how effective a filter is. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at removing contaminants from the air.

The ASHRAE standard measures how effectively an HVAC system can distribute heat throughout a building. It also considers the size of the space and how much insulation is in place to determine how much heating or cooling is needed.

Cooling

Besides heating, HVAC systems are also designed to provide cooling. Like heating, the cooling process involves circulating air through vents and air ducts. This helps remove heat and humidity from the space, ensuring that all rooms are cooled to the same temperature.

The most common type of HVAC system is a split system, which features an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. This system is commonly found in homes and small businesses. The outdoor unit contains a compressor and coils that take in refrigerant and circulate it to the indoor unit, where it cools the air. The cool air is then pushed through the ducts and out the vents, making the space comfortable.

To ensure that the cool air is of high quality, many HVAC systems are fitted with filters and other devices that remove particles and other contaminants from the air. This way, the air is healthier for everyone who breathes it.

Another essential function of HVAC systems is to promote energy efficiency. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of energy used for cooling and heating. This lowers energy costs and environmental impact, while also improving occupant comfort.

Keeping your HVAC system running efficiently requires regular maintenance and inspections. This includes yearly inspections of the air handler units, exhaust fans and roof equipment. The HVAC equipment should be located in areas that are easily accessible for maintenance. This means that the air handlers, controls and exhaust fans should not require a ladder or removal of ceiling tiles to reach.

It is also important that the HVAC system components are kept clean. This includes the evaporator coils, which are a vital part of the air conditioning system. These coils are usually made of copper and should be inspected regularly to make sure they are not iced over, which can lead to the system breaking down.

Specialized HVAC systems are also available for use in high rise buildings. These systems are designed to address the unique issues that high rises present, such as temperature and air circulation differences between different floors. These systems are also designed to be more efficient than standard HVAC systems, which can save energy and money.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a key component of HVAC systems and plays an important role in maintaining good indoor air quality. It removes stale air laden with pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture, replacing it with fresh, clean outdoor air to prevent an accumulation of contaminants and a decline in the overall indoor environment.

In addition to supplying a continuous supply of fresh air, ventilation also helps control humidity levels and inhibits the formation of mold and mildew. When properly sized and installed, it can even reduce condensation on windows and walls, which is caused by the contact of warm indoor air with cooler surfaces, such as glass or wood.

According to ASHRAE, the primary task of any HVAC system is “to provide adequate indoor ventilation by exchanging indoor and outdoor air.” The most effective way to do this is through a combination of mechanical and natural processes. The former involves the use of fans to push outdoor air into an occupied space, which then blows through ductwork and into spaces that require heating or cooling.

The latter involves natural infiltration and ventilation, which occurs through adventitious or unintentional gaps and cracks in the building envelope as well as through ventilation openings that are induced by natural driving forces, such as winds and temperature differences between inside and outside. A well-designed HVAC system can minimize infiltration rates by incorporating features such as weather stripping, insulation, tight ductwork, and sealing to the building shell.

Air cleaning and filtration can further enhance the performance of ventilation systems by removing particulates, vapors, and gases from the indoor air. It can be done through a variety of means, including duct cleaning, air purifiers, and filtration units.

The evaporator coil of an HVAC system can also serve as a dehumidifier by condensing water vapor in the air. This water vapor is then transported to a drain and discarded, thereby reducing the amount of moisture in the indoor air. This, in turn, may further improve the comfort and indoor air quality of the building occupants. In addition, it may reduce the amount of water deposited in ductwork and on air handling equipment over time.

Indoor Air Quality

Many of the common HVAC systems are capable of improving indoor air quality (IAQ). This is done by regulating humidity, ventilation, temperature and other factors that impact IAQ. In addition, technological advancements offer new ways to reduce the presence of pollutants and contaminants in a building’s air supply. These include air cleaners and purifiers, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), UV lights and smart thermostats that can provide real-time data on a home’s indoor air quality.

The primary role of a common HVAC system is to maintain optimal indoor temperatures, but it also plays an important role in improving and maintaining IAQ. Poor IAQ can cause a variety of health issues, from mild irritations like headaches and fatigue to more serious problems like respiratory diseases. Fortunately, there are many steps that homeowners can take to improve their IAQ, including regularly replacing or cleaning filters, ensuring proper ventilation and using low-contaminant furnishings, appliances and cleaning products.

The air circulated by a home’s HVAC system is often full of pollutants and allergens, which can trigger symptoms that range from allergies and asthma to more severe conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer. In order to keep these contaminants out of a home’s air, it is important to have a well-maintained HVAC system that is properly sized and insulated.

During normal operation, HVAC systems recirculate air from ductwork throughout the house. This air is often contaminated with allergens and other airborne contaminants, such as dust mites and pollen. If air filters are not changed or cleaned regularly, these contaminants can build up and be redistributed throughout the home. A clogged air filter decreases the efficiency of the system and forces it to work harder, which can result in premature wear and tear on system components.

Humidity is another factor that affects IAQ. When there is too much moisture, it can foster the growth of mold and bacteria, while too little can lead to dry air that can irritate the respiratory tract and contribute to dry skin, eyes and nasal passages. The humidity level in a home is typically controlled by the HVAC system, which can use dehumidifiers and humidifiers to ensure an appropriate indoor environment.