5 Most Critical Parts of HVAC System

You can better maintain an HVAC unit if you understand the various parts. You can prevent expensive and inconvenient breakdowns by learning more about how your HVAC system works. This will help you keep the system at peak efficiency. These are a few basic components in an HVAC system in your Bay Area home or business.

1. Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger absorbs heat to warm cool air when the furnace is activated by the thermostat. Heat exchangers are present in all types of furnaces, even the electric ones. This component is made of stainless steel. It contains temperature-resistant alloys for preventing cracks. Problem with heat exchangers can cause carbon monoxide leaks, which can result in nausea, headache, and death. It’s fundamental to have detectors installed in the bedrooms and kitchen since carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas.

2. Blower Motor

Electric blower motor is responsible for powering a fan to blow warm air inside the ductwork once the heat exchanger attains a preset temperature. The ductwork spreads warm air to all areas of the house through air registers. The blower motor works long after combustion ends to ensure that all the warm air is circulated through the ductwork. Variable speed blower motors are less noisy and can run at different speeds. It can compensate for many problems by monitoring the HVAC unit.

3. Combustion Chamber

Proper combustion cannot take place without oxygen. Furnace adds air within the combustion chamber or burner. In gas furnaces, the heating cycle begins once gas mixture and a small amount of air enters the combustion chamber. A pilot light or glow stick ignites the mixture and burns the controlled fire. There is a second combustion chamber in certain high-efficiency gas furnaces to capture any unburned fuel and carbon monoxide for reigniting purposes. This allows for saving electricity in the long run.

4. Condenser Coil or Compressor

The compressor or condenser coil is a major part of an air conditioning unit. It is usually installed right outside a house. The condenser is responsible for releasing heat outdoors to keep the home cool. The refrigerant circulating within the system is compressed and condenser to a cold liquid from a warm gas. The blower fan blows air over the condenser coil at the same time to disperse air and cool the refrigerant quickly. The liquid refrigerant is sent by the HVAC system to the evaporator coil through a copper line or aluminum tube.

5. Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil is a vital component of an air conditioning unit. It brings refrigerant to a series of expansion valves. The valves help in converting the liquid refrigerant to gas faster by spraying them through small nozzles. This helps in lowering the temperature of a home quickly. The HVAC system pulls in warm air through return ducts to cool it. It is then distributed through the ductwork. Refrigerant gas is then sent to the condenser coil where the cooling cycle commences.

Heat pumps work similarly to air conditioners and possess the same components. They bring heat from outdoor air and get rid of cold air during winters. However, using a heat pump can make indoor air dry and irritate your skin, nose, and eyes. You should use a humidifier for making the indoor air more comfortable.