Is your HVAC system just not cutting it on the long, hot summer nights? It is very easy for your HVAC system to suddenly create a problem, stop working, or even begin to smell bad. Unfortunately, most people do not know enough about these systems to conduct their own repairs.
If you are having problems, knowing your HVAC system can help with maintenance and when explaining your problems to an engineer. Read on for our guide on the system, how it works, and common problems that may affect it.
What Does the HVAC System Do?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can be found everywhere, from small homes to large commercial buildings. They keep your property temperate, cooling it on hot sticky days, and heating it up on winter nights.
In addition, they provide fresh air to spaces by taking air from outside and filtering it. This is then released into the building by a series of vents. This helps remove smoke, moisture, dust, allergens, heat, and dust from the property.
How Does an HVAC System Work?
Your HVAC systems will have a number of smaller parts, with three main sections being the essential elements. These are the heating, air conditioning, and ventilation sections.
The heating section will include a system of pipes that carry heated fluid to warm the building. A boiler or furnace will provide this.
The air ventilation system provides the property with clean, breathable air. This is often filtered, cleaning the air as well.
Thirdly, the air conditioner cools your property. It does this by removing heat from the interior of the building. People often get the difference between AC and HVAC confused, with AC just being a smaller element of the larger system.
What Are The Main Parts?
The HVAC system is a very complicated piece of equipment comprising multiple parts. As such, when something goes wrong it can take some time to locate a problem and fix it. Knowing the parts may help you isolate sections of the system and determine a problem.
The process begins at the outdoor unit. Here you will find the fan the brings air into the building. Keep it clean, as you may find plants and garden matter get sucked in as well.
This section will also house the compressor, which turns refrigerant into a liquid and directs it to the coils. The coils will use this refrigerant to cool the incoming air. Refrigerant can leak, so it is advisable to get it topped up once in a while.
Air also comes through the air return. This is the section that sucks in air and brings it through the filter. It can often get clogged with dirt because of this, so it helps to give it a clean and remove debris once in a while.
After the return, air moves down a series of ducts to reach your rooms. Ducts have a number of parts, such as the blower, which draws in warm air through the main section of the unit. It also has exhaust outlets, where heat created by the system is pushed out.
Finally, the whole system is controlled by a number of electrical components and elements. This can include the thermostat, which controls the heat and temperature.
How Do I Know When Something Is Wrong?
If you keep your HVAC system maintained and clean, you should not have any problems. Luckily, if something does go wrong, problems are usually easy to spot and identify.
Odd Noises
If you hear odd noises, like grinding, banging, or screeching, it will be a sign that a part needs repairing or replacing. It is usually quite easy to locate the area where this is happening in. HVAC systems have a lot of moving parts across a large area, so even one small fault can prevent the larger system from working.
Part repairs are often quite minor, like worn-down bearings or motors. However, they can be quite hard to reach and may require the removal of HVAC sections or access panels. Usually, it is not something you can fix yourself so call in a professional.
Uneven Temperatures
If you find that some spots in your house are warmer or cooler than others, this may be to do with your HVAC system. You must first check any outside factors, such as sufficient insulation and the effect of the sun warming your room through windows. If they are all fine, it may be an HVAC problem.
Uneven heating could be a sign with the blower or source of your heat. It could also be a sign of a damaged duct, in which hot and cool air is leaking into undesirable areas.
Unpleasant Odor
If you find that your AC is letting out bad smells, then it is probably a sign that your air filters need replacing. In fact, you should get your filters changed every six months if you are using the HVAC system regularly. Filters clog with dirt and grime, impeding the airflow, which causes extra strain on your system and a lack of efficiency.
If the filters are replaced and you still have an odor, then another part of your system will need cleaning. Call a professional service to assist you with this.
Water Leakage
Water leakage can cause a lot of problems, including mold and staining on walls and fittings. This is usually the sign of a broken condenser unit or evaporator coils. You should check that the condensation pipes and outlet are clean before consulting a specialist.
Understanding the System
Once this guide has helped you understand your HVAC system, you should be able to instigate regular maintenance and cleaning. If you are having recurring problems, contact a professional to assist.
If you found our handy guide useful, then we have a host of regularly updated articles you would enjoy. We can give help and advice on a range of topics from DIY to Gardening, so let us help maintain your home starting today!
Read also: How to Reduce Energy Use at Home
