Just about everyone who has owned a house has found themselves asking at some point or another “How does the HVAC system work?” Thankfully, the basics of HVAC system function are not too complicated. With a little bit of research and the help of your HVAC service team, you can stop asking “Exactly how does HVAC system work?” and instead troubleshoot your air conditioner with confidence and ease.
To learn more and to schedule professional HVAC system maintenance in the greater St. Louis area, contact that expert heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons today at (314) 993-1110 to learn more.
An Answer to How Does Your HVAC System Work: Understanding the Parts
To start answering the question “How does my HVAC system work?”, we should start with the most important HVAC system parts. Understanding how these parts work and work together will help you understand your heating and cooling system and troubleshoot potential problems.
- Coils: The Evaporator and Condenser Coil – This is where the cooling happens in a central air conditioner. So, the answer to the question “How does an HVAC system work” starts with the coils. The refrigerant that powers your AC runs through these coils. The evaporator coil is inside and absorbs heat from the air in your home. Once outside, the heat is dissipated through the condenser coil, and the cycle starts again.
- Air Blower & Fan Motor -The other main moving part is the air! Proper airflow is central to good HVAC function. If you are having issues with your AC, checking for obstructions to airflow or changing air filters is a great idea. The blower, or fan, in your HVAC system, is run by a fan motor. Failures in either of these components can cause a breakdown of your HVAC system. These breakdowns can sound scary but are easier to fix than compressor failures.
- Air Returns & Ducts -Air returns are the vents that suck warm air back into your air conditioner. Keeping these clean and clear of blockages is crucial to good HVAC function. Similarly, the ductwork that carries air to and from the various rooms in your home should be cleaned regularly. A lot of people know they should change their air filters frequently, but regular duct cleaning can make a big difference as well.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of the Compressor
At the center of the question “How does an HVAC system work?” is the compressor. The compressor is in the outdoor unit, and it converts the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid so that it can move through the coils and cool the air in your home.
Learn More About How Your HVAC System Works
So, by now, you should have some answer to the question “How does an HVAC system work?” but there is always more to know! Learning how to troubleshoot your air conditioner can save you time, keep AC bills low, and keep you comfortable all summer. The important takeaways are to pay attention to airflow in the system and to make sure your AC is clean and well maintained to avoid problems in the ductwork or with buildup on your AC coils.
If you do run into problems or you are still wondering how your HVAC system works, our heating & air conditioning technicians can help. In the greater St. Louis area, give us a call at (314) 993-1110 to schedule maintenance or repair today.
