You've likely heard a home HVAC system referred to as central air conditioning. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Many people are able to control both the heating and cooling of their homes or offices via thermostats. By understanding the basics of HVAC, you can better work your existing system or invest in a new one.

The Furnace

One of the biggest components of an HVAC system is the furnace. This is the system that sits in the basement of the building and heats the air. The air is then transferred via a heat exchanger into the ductwork throughout your home or office. Furnaces tend to be the most commonly found in homes. Boilers, on the other hand, are more common in the commercial sector.

The Evaporator Coil

The most essential part of your air conditioning system is the evaporator coil. This is where the refrigerant is housed. The coil, itself, works to absorb heat from the air then passes over it and blows that cooled air throughout the ductwork of your system. The refrigerant tubes run from the inside unit to the outside condensing unit.

The Ductwork

Most HVAC systems will have a ductwork component that runs throughout the walls of a home or office. These are the large metal piping runs that connect with the furnace and air conditioning part of your HVAC system. They run throughout the walls and, in industrial settings, throughout the ceilings. This piping is connected with registers or vents that allow the air to pass in and out of them. You can locate these vents as rectangular covers located on the walls and the floors.

The Thermostat

The thermostat is the control for the entire HVAC system in your home or office. Most people are familiar with this part of their HVAC system as they've used it before. This small appliance is situated on a wall at the most used level of your home or office. You can use it to set the desired temperature for the room. Many people have upgraded to what are known as smart thermostats. These allow you to control the thermostat from anywhere you have an internet connection and they're fully programmable.

Call Us Today

At first glance, you may think that your HVAC system is overly complicated. However, when you discover the basics, you can easily understand how it works. If you have any further questions regarding your HVAC system or are interested in having one installed at your home or office, give the experts at Master Mechanical a call today. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer all of your questions and make recommendations about how a new HVAC system can best benefit you.