Hvac Lexington is a broad field with many components and systems. Learn the basics, like costs, key terms, products, and maintenance schedules.
Ductless systems like mini-splits use different methods to distribute air, but they all provide ventilation and help improve indoor air quality. Modern systems can sense the environment, clinicians, and patients to control temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and humidity based on occupancy.
Air conditioning is a big part of the home HVAC system that keeps your house cool in summer. A complete heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes an air conditioner along with a furnace, air handler, ductwork, and thermostat.
An air conditioner cools your home by removing heat and humidity from the indoor air and transferring it outside. Air conditioners use refrigerant to perform this task, and it is usually stored in an outdoor unit called a condenser. A fan in the outdoor unit blows outside air over the condenser to keep it cool.
Other components of an HVAC system include ductwork, the thermostat and vents. A thermostat is a “brain” that tells the other units in the system when to turn on and off based on the temperature setting you choose. There are several types of thermostats, including manual, programmable and smart ones that can be controlled with your smartphone or other device.
Ductwork is a network of pipes that carry and distribute air from the various units in an HVAC system. Air ducts may be made of fiberglass or metal, and they can either be rigid or flexible. Flexible ducts are often used in newer homes, and they’re easier to install. Rigid ducts are usually found in older homes and have more rigid fittings and connections.
Another component of an HVAC system is an air exchanger. This unit removes stale indoor air and replaces it with fresh outside air. It also helps to improve air quality by filtering out allergens like dust, pollen, spores and bacteria.
While the specialized terminology of HVAC can seem intimidating, it’s important to understand how your home’s system works to ensure proper operation and avoid costly repairs. If you have questions, talk to a local technician.
A trade school associate degree in refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning can give you the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to become a full-time HVAC service technician. Some states or employers require that HVAC technicians be licensed, and certifications such as the North American Technical Excellence (NATE) exam can help you stand out from other service professionals.
Thermostat
Your thermostat is one of the most important parts of your home’s heating and cooling system. In fact, heating and air conditioning make up 48% of a typical homeowner’s energy costs, so it’s essential that your home’s thermostat be in good working condition to help you save money on your monthly energy bills.
You can usually tell if your thermostat isn’t performing well when you notice your home’s temperature reading isn’t matching the temperature setting. It might also be a sign that your system is cycling on and off more frequently than usual, which causes your heater to work harder and puts unnecessary strain on the unit.
Thermostats work on a simple principle: heat makes things expand, and cold makes them contract. The heat in your room sends power to a thermostat, which uses the current to switch on relays back at the HVAC unit. The relays then activate the fan and heater to keep the room at your desired temperature.
A traditional thermostat has two different pieces of metal bolted together to create a strip that works as a bridge in an electrical circuit connected to your heating system. When the “bridge is down” (the heat is on), the strip bends slightly as it carries electricity through the circuit. When the “bridge is up” (the heat is off), the strip snaps back into place, stopping the flow of electricity and the heating switches off.
In many cases, a faulty thermostat is due to an easy-to-fix problem, such as an old battery or dirty sensor. It’s a good idea to replace the batteries in your thermostat at least twice a year to ensure they are fresh, and to wipe down the unit regularly to remove dust buildup that can cause inaccurate readings.
The location of your thermostat can also play a role in its performance. You should avoid placing furniture or other items directly over your thermostat, since this can interfere with the unit’s ability to accurately read temperatures. You should also keep it away from drafty, sunny, or obstructed areas of your home.
Ductwork
Ductwork might seem like a minor component in an HVAC system, but it plays a significant role in how well the system performs. Its design, material, and installation affect how effectively it delivers conditioned air to different areas of the home. It also impacts the efficiency of your home and its ability to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
When the heating or cooling system is running, the ducts carry conditioned air from the HVAC unit through return and supply vents in ceilings and walls. The ducts then move the air through living spaces to reach all areas of the house. When ducts leak or are obstructed, they can lose a large percentage of conditioned air. The HVAC system will have to work harder to keep the living space at a consistent temperature, and it may overwork or wear out more quickly.
Common signs that the ductwork needs repair or cleaning include a buildup of dust in living spaces, an unexplained increase in energy costs, and musty odors. These problems can be caused by dirty ductwork or blocked ducts.
Leaking ducts allow heated or cooled air to escape into non-conditioned spaces such as attics, basements, and garages. The leaking ducts also suck hot or cold unconditioned air into the conditioned spaces, which overloads the HVAC system. It’s important to have the ductwork properly sealed and insulated to reduce this problem.
Ducts are available in a variety of materials, styles, and sizes. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, ducts made from metal have better durability than flexible plastic ones. However, they require a professional installation to prevent leaks.
The length and diameter of ducts also influence how efficiently they work. Long duct runs require more static pressure from the HVAC fan to overcome friction, which wastes energy. Short duct runs and straight ducts minimize resistance, and they are easier to clean than meandering ducts. It’s also important that ductwork meet local building codes and are well-insulated to prevent air loss.
When ducts are not well-maintained, they can become a breeding ground for mold, vermin, and unhealthy allergens. The spores can be spread throughout the house and make people sick. In addition, the ducts can leak and disperse dirt, which decreases efficiency and increases wear on the system.
Maintenance
A home’s HVAC system is more than just a way to keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter; it also regulates indoor air quality by circulating fresh, clean air. It’s an integral part of a healthy living environment, and keeping it functioning properly is crucial.
HVAC systems are complex pieces of machinery, so it’s important to have a plan for preventative maintenance and repairs. Developing a timeline for the tasks that need to be done will help you avoid costly repairs in the future. Some tasks may need to be done immediately, while others can be done monthly, seasonally or once a year.
Changing your filters is one of the most important things that you can do for your HVAC system. Dirty filters can cause your system to overwork, which decreases its lifespan and affects air quality. A new high-efficiency pleated filter will have an electrostatic charge that helps it trap bacteria, spores, viruses and other tiny particles.
Your thermostat isn’t working correctly: A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to your system misinterpreting the temperature in your living space and sending out incorrect air temperatures. Checking and calibrating your thermostat is an important task to do before the start of each cooling and heating season.
Ductwork leaks: Leaks in your ductwork will force your system to work harder to deliver air to your living space, which increases its energy consumption and decreases its lifespan. Inspecting and repairing your ductwork is another task that should be completed before each cooling and heating season begins.
If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it’s time to think about replacing it with a more efficient model. Older systems consume more energy to operate, and they aren’t as reliable as more modern models. A new, high-efficiency system will save you money and help you stay comfortable in your home. A professional can assess your home’s needs and recommend a replacement option that works for you.