Depending on which central heating system you own, your HVAC device might actually be producing its own heat. There are two main options for central heating systems: heat pumps and furnaces.
All central heating processes start the same way central cooling processes do: a thermostat registers the temperature and kicks off the HVAC system. When the temperature drops and a heat pump needs to provide heat, the process essentially reverses itself. Once a heat pump registers the function shift, a reversing valve in the outdoor unit kicks on. This allows the heat pump to absorb heat energy from the outside air and transfer it into the home to warm it up, instead of taking heat from the home and putting it outside to cool it down.
The reversing valve is never something that the homeowner needs to touch; the heat pump knows to switch functions on its own! Furnaces, on the other hand, function in a totally different way than other HVAC products. While the thermostat still kicks off the heating process, all furnaces produce heat from a gas source, like propane. Depending on the type of unit you own, the gas source could be located in an outdoor unit or underground, but both will be connected to your home via a pipe.
Once your gas source is connected, the furnace follows these steps to raise the temperature:. Today, most homes are equipped with an electronic thermostat. These are electronic devices attached to your wall with sensors that determine if your home is at the correct temperature, then communicate that message through wires to your HVAC device.
Electronic thermostats are also referred to as smart thermostats , because they can allow you to program different functions and temperatures. Homes with older HVAC systems might have non-programmable thermostats.
Refrigerant lines : These lines carry refrigerant to the condensing unit in the form of gas. This gas is transformed to liquid form, then transferred back to the evaporator coil. It has components both in and outside of the home. Generally, it contains an air conditioner designed to cool refrigerant outside of your house, and a furnace with a fan or coil inside the house.
These systems feature ductwork, which carries air throughout the various rooms of your home. Newer, energy-efficient split systems offer special accessories including air purifiers, cleaners, and humidifiers. Duct-free split system : This system, as its name implies, is designed to function without ductwork.
Also known as a ductless mini-split, this can be a good option for retrofitting homes with non-ducted heating systems. Zoned systems : This type of HVAC system lets you cool or heat different areas of your home by controlling valves or dampers within the ductwork. These dampers are used to selectively block airflow. Zoned air systems can save you a great deal of money, as they allow you to control which areas are heated or cooled at specific times.
Humidity control : Most modern systems offer optional humidity control features. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be added depending on your climate needs. These systems let you automatically control the humidity levels throughout your home when your HVAC system is running. Furnaces come in different types and can use different fuel sources, including the following:.
Natural gas furnaces are the most common these days, although electric is more popular in some parts of the country where there are mild winters, the cost of gas is higher, or both. Heating equipment generally includes a blower motor as well, which moves air throughout the home.
Most homes have what is known as a forced-air system. This is where the heat is distributed throughout the home through its ductwork by a blower. Ventilation includes any of the attached systems that help to process and move air throughout your home and HVAC system. This typically includes ductwork, floor, wall, and ceiling vents, and other ventilation shafts including chimney flues or PVC ventilation for indoor HVAC equipment.
Vents also exist on the outdoor air conditioning unit, and throughout the home to distribute air. Ductless HVAC systems will not include many of these more advanced forms of ventilation. However, these are generally for an individual room or area, such as a finished basement or attic. The ability to create cross-flow from windows and doors can be an important factor in keeping your home comfortable. An HVAC system will traditionally include an air conditioner or several of them for commercial properties.
Additionally, heat pumps also work similarly to air conditioners. A heat pump can cool but can also heat a home. Air conditioners are traditionally paired with gas furnaces. The important thing to know is that HVAC equipment moves air. In general, a system exists to move warm air elsewhere, either into the home or out of it.
Below we look at each sub-system and talk about specific equipment and processes. A furnace generates heat either through electrical energy or through burning its fuel source. This fuel source is most typically gas, but can be propane or oil as well.
A heat pump works somewhat differently when heating. The set point is the temperature you set manually as your preferred temperature.
If the thermostat notices it is above or below the set point, it will act accordingly, by turning the furnace on or off. The key component is the bimetallic element that contracts or expands when the temperature changes within your home. If you have an older thermostat, it will have two exposed contacts. When the room cools, the bimetallic element bends. It contacts electronically, before making a second contact.
The system activates when the second contact bends, which launches the heating system. The contacts uncoil when the temperature drops. Using a series of magnets and a steel bar, the contacts close to complete the electrical circuit when the temperature drops too low. It works in the exact opposite way when the furnace needs to be switched off.
Modern thermostats are far more accurate than their older counterparts. Your thermostat is the brain that controls the way it works. Get quotes from multiple companies and make sure an expert visits your home to inspect the premises.
The type of home and the layout of it will influence how much you pay for it. Every Service Champions team member in your home will be equipped with the following: Shoe covers Disposable latex gloves Face masks Disinfecting wipes Antibacterial soap We will remain open full-time to service and maintain our clients heating, air conditioning and indoor air quality needs 7 days a week.
0コメント