An HVAC unit and their systems are comprised of many different parts or components. Each component has its own operation and how it connects together. New Start Heating & Air will break down the major components of the HVAC operating system and how it functions. With this knowledge we can help the homeowner determine any future problems or failures with these components in hopes you can maintain a well functioning heating and air conditioning system.

Thermostat Function

The thermostat is the device located within the home and is usually in an easily accessed area. This device provides control of the indoor air temperature. Most modern thermostats have programmable settings to provide a weekly programmed air control setting. Out of all the components of the HVAC system, the thermostat is the most well known part.

How Does a Furnace Work with AC?

Another major component is the furnace. The furnace is the part that is responsible for heating the air within the home. The furnace is a large piece of equipment and requires a lot of space. The furnace is usually located in the attic or basement of a home or sometimes within a specially designed closet. Most furnaces use natural gas, propane, coal, or electricity to create the heat.

Applications of Heat Exchangers

The heat exchangers are within the furnace and reacts when the thermostat registers a drop in temperature. Not only does the heat exchanger activate when the thermostat reads a drop in temperature, the heat exchangers will also pull the cooler air from inside the home to reheat and circulate the heated air.

What is an Evaporator Coil?

The opposite of the heat exchangers is the evaporator coils. Again the evaporator coils are connected to the thermostat but it activates when the air becomes hotter than the thermostat setting. The evaporator coils help to pull in the warmer air from outside and cools it down as it passes through the evaporator coils. The evaporator coils are found within the casing of the furnace inside the attic, basement or closet.

Purpose of Condensing Unit & Refrigerant Lines

The condensing unit is a component connected to the evaporator’s coils. However it is usually located on the outside wall of the home in the air conditioning unit. The condensing unit houses the refrigerant which is essential to turn the warmer air in the evaporator coils, pulls it in and cools it down. The refrigerant lines are either copper or aluminum piping that supplies the refrigerant to the evaporator coils.

Meaning of Air Ductwork & Vents

The ductwork or better known as the air ducts are a tunnel like system that send the conditioned air to the various rooms of the home. The ductwork can be made with aluminum, polyurethane, fiberglass, fabric or flexible plastic tubing. The vent is the outside connectors of the air duct system and are on the inside of the home. The vents are usually found on the ceilings, walls, or sometimes the floor. The vents can be adjusted to help direct the flow of air.

AC Repair, Maintenance & More in Douglasville, Newnan, Dallas, Atlanta & Carrollton GA

New Start Heating & Air hopes we were able to break down the major components of an HVAC system and give homeowners a better knowledge of how their HVAC system works. It is important to maintain your HVAC unit and all its components to improve its integrity and efficiency. For all of your HVAC needs, New Start Heating & Air can help. Contact us today.