Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems keep homes and commercial spaces comfortable throughout the day. Depending on weather conditions, they help regulate indoor humidity, filter out particles, and heat or cool spaces as needed.

In this short guide, we will cover what an HVAC system is, its basic functions, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What Does HVAC Stand For?

The term HVAC may sound technical, but it stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. These three components work together to keep indoor spaces comfortable throughout the year.

It features three essential functions that help regulate indoor environments:

• Heating Systems: An HVAC keeps spaces warm during cold weather
• Ventilation: It ensures fresh air circulation indoors.
• Air Conditioning: This system cools the air during warmer months.

These functions help keep homes and commercial spaces comfortable at different times of the year.

What Does an HVAC System Do?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an HVAC system controls the climate inside a building, providing warmth in winter, cooling in summer, and maintaining air quality year-round. These systems create a comfortable living or working environment by adjusting temperature, humidity, and air cleanliness.

How Does an HVAC System Work?

These systems use a combination of components such as the furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, ductwork, and thermostat.

• Furnace: The furnace is the primary heating component of an HVAC system, typically located in the basement or attic. It heats air and distributes it throughout the home via ductwork.

• Air Conditioner: The air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air inside your home during hot weather.

• Heat Pump: A heat pump is a versatile component that provides heating and cooling. It transfers heat between your home and the outside environment, offering an energy-efficient solution for year-round climate control. According to the Energy Department, installing heat pumps can heat your home using only 50% less electricity.

• Ductwork: Ductwork is the system of insulated tubes that distribute heated or cooled air from your HVAC system throughout your home.

• Thermostat: The thermostat is the control center of your HVAC system, allowing you to set and maintain your desired indoor temperature.

• Air Handler: The air handler circulates the air within your HVAC system. It houses components such as the blower, filter, and sometimes heating or cooling elements, ensuring the efficient distribution of conditioned air.

• Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil is located inside the air handler and plays a critical role in the cooling process. It absorbs heat from the indoor air as it passes over the coil, cooling the air before circulating back into the living space.

• Condenser Unit: The condenser unit is the outdoor component of an air conditioner or heat pump. It releases the heat the evaporator coil absorbs to the outside environment, facilitating the cooling process.

• Air Purifier: An air purifier improves indoor air quality by removing contaminants like dust, pollen, and bacteria. It works with your HVAC system to provide cleaner, healthier air.

The system works by drawing in air, conditioning it through heating or cooling, and distributing it throughout the building via ducts. Ventilation systems ensure fresh air replaces stale indoor air, maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

What are the HVAC System Types?

Several types of HVAC systems exist, including split systems, ductless systems, and packaged systems.

• Split Systems: A split system consists of an outdoor unit (condenser) and an indoor unit (evaporator) connected by refrigerant lines.

• Ductless Systems: Also known as mini-splits, ductless systems provide heating and cooling without requiring ductwork.

• Central Air Conditioning: Central air conditioning systems cool the entire home using a single outdoor unit connected to indoor ductwork.

• Mini-Splits: Mini-split systems are ductless HVAC systems featuring an outdoor compressor and indoor air-handling units.

• Boilers: Boilers heat water and distribute steam or hot water through pipes to radiators or underfloor heating systems.

• Furnaces: Furnaces are the primary heating source in many homes, using natural gas, oil, or electricity to generate heat.

• Heat Pumps: Heat pumps provide heating and cooling by transferring heat indoors and outdoors.

• Radiant Heating: Radiant heating systems use hot water pipes or electric mats installed beneath floors or within walls to provide consistent warmth with even heat distribution.

• Packaged Systems: Packaged HVAC systems contain all heating and cooling components in a single outdoor unit, making them ideal for homes with limited indoor space.

Residential systems are typically smaller and designed for homes, while commercial systems are larger and more complex to meet the needs of businesses and large facilities.

Select the HVAC System That is Right for You

Selecting the right HVAC system involves evaluating your specific needs and preferences. Specialists from Value Controls can help you evaluate factors such as the size of your home, the local climate, energy efficiency goals, and budget. 

We offer many reliable HVAC parts and components for homeowners and professionals alike. If you need replacement parts for your HVAC system, shop Value Controls today.

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