Modern commercial, residential and office buildings are normally made up of many sophisticated systems. These systems include foundation and support systems, electrical and lighting systems and even plumbing systems. Another part of a building that is normally not given much attention is the HVAC system. In this post, you'll get the ultimate guide to HVAC systems in residential places. Let’s dive into the residential HVAC basics.
What is an HVAC system?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. A HVAC system's role is to give you comfort at home by heating and cooling your indoor space.
To get a good grasp of what a HVAC system is, it’s important to know what the system consists of. A HVAC system comprises of the following:
- A source. What’s the source of heat? (heat pump, furnace or boiler)
- Distribution channel. How’s the source of heat distributed (forced air system or radiator)
- Control. What’s controlling the amount of heat and time for heat distribution? (Thermostat)
Understanding HVAC systems means you have to know the fuel used to run the system. For example, furnaces use oil, gas or electricity. Boilers on the other hand rely on size. For warm climates, the ideal boiler size is around 20BTU per square foot, while for colder climates, the ideal size is 50BTU per square foot.
Heat pumps also have their own special considerations. Heat pumps normally use the outdoor air to provide ideal indoor temperatures.
Air conditioners or ACs cool the indoor space by removing present indoor heat and replacing it with cool air. ACs are of different types and they include window ACs central air conditioners , mini split systems etc. If you’d like help with your HVAC system installation, contact Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning to install your HVAC Unit in Atlanta.
Understanding HVAC controls/components
- Air filters – They prevent debris and dust from getting into your system and damaging it.
- Blower – It’s a motor driven component that ensures air is transported through the HVAC system.
- Burner – This is where air combines with fuel, then burned so as to create heat for distribution around the house.
- Compressor – It compresses refrigerant in its vapor form as it travels to the condenser.
- Condenser – It’s located outside the house and it converts pressurized gas from the compressor into liquid.
- Ducts – These are conduits or passages used to deliver air to every room around the home, from an air handling unit.
- Thermostat – This is a programmable device that interacts with your HVAC system, and enables you to control the HVAC remotely.
Are you considering looking for or installing an HVAC system for your home? If you’re around Atlanta get in touch with Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning for HVAC Service Atlanta Also check: Why Is Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning The Best HVAC Company In Atlanta.