HVAC systems control temperature and humidity within structures. These complex networks of sensors, controls, and equipment function optimally when sizing estimates and system specifications are adhered to.

Regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters and ductwork, can drastically reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality for building occupants. However, neglected maintenance can result in expensive repair issues down the line. Contact Ausco Air Heating & Air Conditioning for professional help.

Whether you live in a small home or an enormous skyscraper, your HVAC system is the backbone of your comfort. It keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, while also filtering your air and reducing humidity. However, most people only understand how these systems work at a superficial level. The more you know about your HVAC, the better it is to protect it from unnecessary wear and tear and maximize its energy efficiency.

Heating HVAC systems use burned fuel or electricity to heat and circulate air in homes and commercial buildings. The process involves a variety of components, including fans, thermostats, and ductwork. Modern systems also employ automated control devices to monitor and optimize performance, which helps reduce costs and environmental impact.

Most residential HVAC systems are gas-powered. These units are fueled by natural gas or propane, and they use a fan to move air over coils that are heated by the combustion of fossil fuels. They can be ducted throughout a house or office building to distribute hot air evenly, and they are often located in the attic to take advantage of the thermal properties of the roof.

The most familiar kind of HVAC is the split system. These are the sizable AC units you see outside of homes and offices, and they operate in a similar manner to central AC. The only difference is that they can be used to provide heating in addition to cooling.

A typical heating system is made up of a compressor, condenser, and evaporator. The compressor compresses refrigerant, which then passes through the condenser and evaporator. The refrigerant changes from a liquid to a gas and then returns to the compressor, repeating the cycle over and over until the temperature of the indoor air reaches your desired level of comfort.

The ductwork that runs through your home is an essential component of a heating system, and it can be especially important if you have multi-level homes. It is common for upper floors to feel warmer than lower ones, which can be a problem in winter. Using a ceiling fan to draw warm air down can help alleviate this issue, and you can further increase your home’s energy efficiency by utilizing ceiling fans set to spin in a clockwise direction.

Cooling

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Especially since HVAC equipment is the backbone of indoor comfort, keeping it running at its best can have a huge impact on your quality of life.

When it comes to cooling, the system relies on a simple but effective process: heat transfer. The key is that unlike heating, which creates thermal energy through the use of electrical power or combustion, cooling relies on a physical property of gases. Simply put, gas absorbs and releases heat depending on its pressures. The refrigerant in your system regulates this process by changing from a liquid to a gas and back again in order to absorb ambient heat. Once absorbed, the gas is blown out of the home through the air conditioner’s ductwork.

In most homes, the cooling mechanism is paired with a furnace to complete the HVAC system. Furnaces heat the home by burning a fuel source, usually natural gas but sometimes propane or oil. The combustion of these fuels generates hot gas that is then forced through the home’s ductwork by the blower to warm up the house (Carrier).

Another type of heating, called a heat pump, works differently than furnaces. A heat pump takes advantage of the ideal gas law by transferring heat rather than creating it. It takes the heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to your home, using electricity to help with this process.

Adding to this mix are air cleaners, which help filter out contaminants such as dust and allergens. Also included are climate zones and thermostat controls, which enable homeowners to customize their heating and cooling based on their own unique schedules and preferences.

If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, it’s important to choose one with high efficiency ratings and a good MERV rating. Choosing an efficient system can save you money on your energy bills and help reduce your carbon footprint. Lastly, be sure to look for technicians who are NATE certified. This is an industry standard that ensures your technician has been trained properly and is qualified to handle any issues with your equipment.

Ductwork

Ductwork is the hidden network of pipes that distributes conditioned air from your heating and cooling system to every room in your home or business. It’s crucial to your HVAC system, but problems within your ductwork can cause health issues, increase energy bills, and create an uncomfortable indoor environment. Regular inspections, cleanings, and repairs will ensure your ductwork functions properly, keeping indoor air clean and healthy.

Leaky ducts cause heat loss, forcing your system to work harder and increasing your energy costs. If your home has ducts that are made of sheet metal or other rigid materials, it’s important to insulate them to prevent leaks and keep the temperature consistent throughout your home. In addition, ducts that run through unconditioned spaces like attics and basements should be insulated to prevent moisture and other factors from impacting your heating performance.

Choosing the right duct material depends on your budget and needs. Rigid sheet metal is durable and resists mold, while flexible ductwork is affordable and easy to maneuver but may not provide as much insulation or noise reduction. Both types of ducts have their pros and cons, so it’s important to consult with a professional to determine what type is best for your home.

Airflow problems are common in duct systems. Depending on the type of problem, you may hear rattling, whistling, or banging sounds from your vents, or feel drafts in certain rooms. These problems are caused by holes, loose connections, and faulty seals. These problems can be easily fixed with repair or replacement services from a licensed HVAC professional.

A plenum is the air distribution box that controls your ductwork’s flow and pressure. It carries conditioned air to rooms with air vents and returns expended air back to the HVAC system to be refiltered and heated or cooled for recirculation.

The supply ducts deliver conditioned air from the plenum to each room with air vents. The return ducts carry the used air to the return stacks, which lead to your HVAC system. The stacks connect to the standard ductwork with a duct boot or stack head, which provides an open outlet for the return ducts.

Ductless

If you live in an older home that lacks ductwork or you’re building a new house that doesn’t include ducts, you can still enjoy the comfortable temperatures you desire with a ductless system. These HVAC systems provide targeted cooling and heating for individual rooms or zones with a single outdoor unit and one indoor air handler per room. They offer several advantages over traditional ducted systems, including independent temperature settings and enhanced efficiency.

Ductless systems do not use a network of ducts, so they’re easy to install and require less maintenance than ducted systems. They’re also quieter and more energy efficient, making them ideal for homes in need of a comfort upgrade or a retrofit. They are a great solution for sunrooms, home additions and other areas of the home that may be challenging to cool using your central air system.

Since they don’t rely on ductwork, ductless systems are less likely to suffer from a loss of airflow or clogs. Additionally, the system’s air compressor is located outside of the home rather than in an attic, which means it’s less noisy. Most ductless systems are equipped with remote controls, so you can conveniently adjust the temperature, fan speed and timer from anywhere in the home. Some models also feature Wi-Fi and voice control capabilities.

Choosing the right size for your ductless system is crucial to ensuring the best performance and efficiency. An experienced professional will help you determine the proper BTU capacity for your space by evaluating the size of your living area, flooring and insulation, ceiling height, windows, doors, and other variables that affect airflow in the room.

Once the system has been installed, it’s important to maintain the ductless system. Regular air filter changes and routine cleanings will keep the system in good condition and ensure optimal performance.