Hansen Super Techs | HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing Mobile AL

How Does A Home HVAC System Work?

Aug 22, 2023 | Air Conditioning, General

There is nothing more important on a hot summer day or a frigid winter afternoon than a properly working HVAC system. 

Whether you need that cool air to provide you with much-needed relief from the scorching temperatures outside or warm air to get you all cozy and comfy inside, your heating and cooling system will be instrumental in your comfort throughout all the seasons.

We want to honor the importance of your air conditioning unit by discussing the unique intricacies of the heating and cooling equipment and how they come together to enhance the comfort of your home.

How Does an HVAC System Work?

There are several types of HVAC systems including central air conditioning, split systems, and window units. Regardless of the type of air conditioning you use, they have a similar goal of extracting hot air from the house during those hot days cooling it, and heating the air through the winter months.

All HVAC systems are also equipped with ventilation systems that maintain fresh air inside the home, ensuring optimal indoor air quality throughout the house. Most HVAC systems are made with the following vital components:

  • Heating systems
  • Ventilation unit
  • Air conditioning
  • Thermostat
  • Control Panel
  • Dampers and Valves
  • Air Handler
  • Condensate Drain and Pain

We will discuss the role of each of these components in the article below to help you understand the science behind an air conditioning unit.

Air Conditioning Systems

If you live in an area like Biloxi, Mobile, or Daphne, AL, then you are probably aware of the hot and humid summers you frequently have to live through. The air conditioning is often that saving grace that provides the cool air you need.

Parts of the Air Conditioning Portion of the Unit

The cooling system is made of the following parts:

  • Compressor
  • Condenser Coil and Fan
  • Expansion Valve
  • Evaporator Coils
  • Blower Fan
  • Refrigerant fluid
  • Thermostat
  • Air Filter
  • Duct system (for central air conditioning systems)
  • Drain Pain and Drain Line
  • Sensors and Control System
  • Indoor and outdoor units

The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant fluid and converts it into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas. This gas then flows into the condenser coil, where heat is released to the surrounding air, causing the refrigerant to condense into a liquid.

The liquid refrigerant moves to the expansion valve, which controls its flow and pressure allowing it to expand as it enters the evaporator coils. In the evaporator coils, the refrigerant will absorb heat from the indoor air and cool it down. Then the blower fan pushes the cool air through the duct system and releases it into the home.

Thanks to this wonderful function of the air conditioner, your Alabama & Mississippi summers are far more manageable when the home receives that much-needed cooled air.

The Role of Heating Systems

As the hot summers fade away, the fall and winters of the south bring along cold air and chilly temperatures that will have you running for shelter. 

To ensure that your heating system is energy efficient and does what it needs to deliver the warm air your home requires.

Parts of the Heating Systems

The heating system of your home consists of several parts that come together to produce your desired temperature to keep you warm:

  • A furnace, heat pump, or boiler
  • Fans, air ducts, and air filters
  • Compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator coils
  • Thermostat with sensors and controls
  • Refrigerant fluid
  • Indoor air handlers

As you can see, the heating systems use much of the same HVAC equipment as an air conditioning unit. Using the main component like the furnace or heat pump, will absorb heat from the home and heat it either by a heat exchanger using gas, air, or water depending on the type of heating system. Then the blower fan circulates the warm air through the air ducts and releases it into the home. A ductless system works similarly but would heat just the room where the HVAC system is placed.

Ventilation and Air Conditioning

The ventilation and air conditioning systems work together in an HVAC system to maintain the indoor air quality of a home. The ventilation component is responsible for the following functions:

  • Air circulation
  • Air exchange
  • Moisture control
  • Temperature regulation
  • Contaminant removal
  • Odor dilution and removal
  • Carbon dioxide dilution
  • Health and safety compliance

Key Ventilation and Air Conditioning Components

The above functions of a ventilation system are crucial to the health and safety of the HVAC system and the whole house in general. Below are the key parts of the ventilation system that make optimal indoor air quality possible:

  • Fans
  • Air filters
  • Air ducts
  • Ventilation fans
  • Controls and dampers
  • Heat recovery ventilator or energy recovery ventilator
  • Air intakes
  • Exhaust vents
  • Air circulators
  • Sensors and controls

Maintenance Tips for the Complete HVAC System

Thanks to all the electric and mechanical components of a central heating system, central air conditioner, or ductless system, your home is able to remain comfortable all year long. However, to keep your air conditioner in its prime condition, it is important to keep up with some key maintenance steps such as the ones below:

  • Clear your air filters regularly
  • Give the air conditioning system a break after 8-10 hours of continuous use
  • Keep the area around the outdoor unit clean and free of any debris, plants, and items
  • Keep outdoor air from flowing into the home while the HVAC systems are working
  • Keep the vents, registers, and the indoor air handler clean and free of obstructions
  • Schedule regular maintenance checks with an HVAC system technician

Not all HVAC systems work forever. In fact, an average ductless system or central air conditioner will last 10-15 years, depending on the make, model, and condition of the unit. To get the most out of your AC unit, be sure to follow these suggestions as often as possible.

Call Us for HVAC Systems Repair, Installation, and Maintenance Services

Clearly, the heating and cooling systems in our homes perform a vital function that makes life in Biloxi and Gulfport all that more pleasant. If you’re worried that perhaps the energy efficiency of your HVAC unit isn’t at its best, or you’re suspecting other repair issues, call us today for repair, maintenance, or installation service. With our central air conditioner and heating techs, you will experience a quick resolution to all of your air conditioner concerns.

 

Contact Hansen Super Techs now for an efficient and quality service for your HVAC system!