Whether you’re a new renter, a recent homeowner, or someone looking to improve their home comfort, it’s important to understand how your HVAC system works. Here’s the breakdown of the parts, how they work, and how to maintain or upgrade your system.
What is an HVAC system?
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes the processes, technology, and equipment that heat, cool, and ventilate your home. Many elements could go into this process, including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ducts, air handlers, filters, ventilation lines, and other equipment that facilitates home comfort.
These systems can be controlled via a traditional thermostat, a smart thermostat, or a mobile app. Your HVAC can be programmed automatically based on occupancy, schedule, or you could opt to manually adjust your HVAC settings as you see fit.
Heating (H)
Most homes use a furnace for heating. Your furnace, a part of your HVAC system, could use fuel sources like electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, or even geothermal energy. Natural gas furnaces are most commonly used these days, although electric furnaces are popular where winters are mild or gas is too expensive. A furnace usually works with a forced air system. It generates heat via its fuel source, which is then blown and distributed by ductwork in the home.
Your HVAC may instead use a heat pump. A head pump absorbs heat from an outdoor unit and transfers that heat indoors. It does not generate heat itself but rather carries the heat from one place to the other.
Ventilation (V)
Ventilation refers to any equipment used to attach systems and transfer warm or cool air throughout the home. This usually means ceiling, floor, or wall vents and ductwork. Your home might also use other ventilation shafts, like PVC ventilation or chimney flutes.
Depending on the equipment used, ventilation may need to be incorporated into the side of the home instead of above it. This is to prevent moisture condensation within your HVAC system, which can cause damage in the long term.
The efficiency of your furnace or air conditioning unit will dictate how much energy goes toward heating and cooling your home. Even with the most efficient HVAC systems, which are 96-97% efficient, the remainder is always vented.
Air Conditioning (AC)
To cool your home, an HVAC system will either include an air conditioner or a heat pump, which can heat or cool a home. Heat pumps are typically paired with electric furnaces, whereas air conditioners are paired with gas furnaces.
Many assume that air conditioners create the cold air themselves. But that’s a common myth. In actuality, they absorb heat from within the home and move it to the outdoor equipment, which is vented into the atmosphere. The key here is the refrigerant in the cooling system.
From there, by repeatedly passing from inside and outside, the heat is systematically removed from the home, keeping it comfortable all summer long.
Looking to maintain or upgrade your HVAC system? Call the professionals
Are you looking to maintain or upgrade your current HVAC system? Contact us at Allard & Émond. Our certified technicians are well-versed in the latest in HVAC equipment, smart technology, and installation techniques.
Plus, we’ve been trusted by the greater Montreal area for more than 40 years. We understand how to provide a system suited for the harsh winters and the humid summers.