Basic HVAC System Concepts

First, HVAC is an acronym for Heating Ventilation, and air conditioning. This is a system which is used to provide heating and cooling to commercial and residential buildings. HVAC systems can be found in different places like commercial buildings, single family homes, cars and even submarines. These systems are designed to provide environmental comfort by controlling temperature. The systems are becoming popular in modern buildings. The systems circulate fresh air from outdoors inside the house, providing high indoor air quality. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality (IAQ) is the air quality within and around buildings and structures as it relates to health and comfort of building occupants. A good understanding and control of common air pollutants indoors can be useful in reducing your risk of indoor health concerns.

The process of filtering and purifying indoor air involves ventilation, which is a process of exchanging air within a room or a space. This improves the quality of air indoors by removing moisture, smoke, heat, dust, odors, carbon dioxide, airborne bacteria and other harmful gases. The process also involves temperature control and replenishing oxygen within spaces in the building:

HVAC System

With the understanding that HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, we can talk about these three components and what they are comprised of.

• Heating Element: In any building, the heating component is either a boiler or a furnace. This component has a pipe system for the fluid carrying the heat. In other buildings, the ductwork is used in place of the pipe system especially with a forced air system.
• Ventilation element: This is either natural or forced. This is used for air cleaning.
• Air Conditioning: this is the final element of the HVAC system and its operation helps in cooling building spaces by removal of existing heat from the indoor spaces.

How do HVAC Systems work?: Working/operation principle of HVAC Systems.

The working or operating principle of HVAC system is fairly simple, although the system is one of the most complex systems in your building. To achieve all the three functions; Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, the HVAC system has various components which work together to make sure that the quality of indoor air and temperature control is achieved. In the section below, we are going to discuss all the major HVAC system parts or components and how they play a role in making your home comfortable. The nine main components are air return, filter, exhaust outlet, ducts, electrical elements, outdoor unit, compressor, coil, and blower.

Air Return

The ventilation cycle in your home begins at the air return. This components sucks air in through the filter and passes it to the main system. For efficient air flow into the system, frequent dusting of the air return is important to make sure that dust does not build up on the filters.

Filter

The purpose of the filter is to help in trapping dust and other air contaminants before it enters the main system. Regular filter replacement of the filter would be essential as it helps improve efficiency of air flow.

Exhaust Outlet

The exhaust outlet in a HVAC system is important in ensuring that the exhaust from the system is expelled out. Frequently checking the chimney flue or vent and carrying out maintenance on an annual basis is recommended to make sure that debris do not block the system.

Ducts

In the HVAC system, ducts are the channels responsible for the transmission of the heated or cooled air into the living spaces. Always make sure that your ducts are cleaned regularly to improve the quality of air supply in your home.

Electrical Elements

The electrical elements are mainly the controls of the system. Whenever a system is not working as expected, this should be the first place to troubleshoot as most of the HVAC system problems begin here. Whenever your system is not working as expected, remember not to try fixing it yourself. Seek professional help as the electrical components are not that straight forward. Always ensure that the people working on your system are trained and licensed professionals as this will improve the durability of your system.

Outdoor Unit

In most cases whenever someone mentions HVAC system, this is the part which you think of. This component of the system has a fan which is essential in the provision of air flow. Always clear vegetation and debris near the system to maintain its efficient operation.

Coils

The coils are responsible for cooling the air as it passes through. The coils work hand-in-hand with the refrigerant. Coils should be checked at least annually. Checking the refrigerant pressure is also critical as this determines the efficiency at which your system operates.

Blower

The blower is useful in drawing warm air through the main section of the unit. The blower is configured to run either at high, medium or low speed. If your system is not working efficiently, having a technician check the system is always useful.

• Maintenance