We realize that a lot of technical jargon and acronyms get thrown around in this industry, so we wanted to take the time to cover some HVAC basics that all homeowners should be familiar with. Whether you are looking to purchase or upgrade your HVAC system, or you just want a refresher, these HVAC basics will make sure you feel comfortable reading and talking about your system. There can be a lot to take in when you are just getting started as a homeowner, so we hope to take some of the mystery out of heating and cooling with our list of HVAC basics.
If you have questions about these HVAC basics or any other query about heating & air conditioning, give us a call 314-993-1110 today and speak with a team member.
Understanding the HVAC Basics
Let’s start with the obvious one, HVAC, which stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. This term essentially covers all the aspects of a system and its component parts that regulate the temperature inside your home.
The following list is made up of the most essential HVAC basics you should know as a homeowner:
- Filters – Any forced air HVAC system will have air filters. These trap dust and particles in the air as it passes through your system and keeps them from getting into your home. Filters can easily be, and should be, changed regularly.
- Ducts – The ductwork of your system is comprised of the metal tubes, vents, and grilles that the warm or cool air travels through. In a residence, these are mostly hidden away in the ceiling, walls, and flooring.
- Furnaces and Heat Pumps – The heating of most modern St. Louis homes is done by either furnaces or heat pumps. Both systems used forced air to heat your home.
- Regular Maintenance – Maintenance can take a few shapes with HVAC systems, either way, regular maintenance is important for the health and life of your system. Sometimes it is simply changing filters or making sure your outdoor unit is not being encroached by trees or shrubs. The other kind of maintenance is done by an HVAC technician and should be scheduled twice a year.
- Thermostat – Another one of the vital HVAC basics, a thermostat is a tool that always you to customize and control the indoor temperature of your home. There are several types of thermostats: manual, programmable, and smart. They all tell your HVAC system when to turn on and off and for how long.
Indoor Air Quality Makes the List of HVAC Basics
IAQ, or indoor air quality, is often talked about when discussing heating and cooling. It is an important aspect to understand as it can directly affect your health. IAQ refers to the level of pollutants, toxins, and allergens present in the air in your home. The higher the presence of these, the lower your indoor air quality is. Home air filtration and purification devices that can be added on to your HVAC system, can drastically lower these elements.
We’ve Got Your HVAC Basics Covered!
At Galmiche & Sons, we have years of experience in the heating & air conditioning business. We are happy to share our expertise and keep our customers informed. Give us a call at 314-993-1110 for any of your HVAC needs or with any questions on the HVAC basics you need to know.
