What Does HVAC Do?
The term HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The primary function of HVAC is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality. Thermal comfort can be defined as the condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment and is comfortable with it. Acceptable indoor air quality refers to the air within a building that does not contain excessive contaminants and is comfortable to breathe.
HVAC systems are specifically designed to maintain indoor air quality and thermal comfort by controlling three main factors: temperature, humidity, and air movement. Temperature is usually controlled by regulating the amount of heat added or removed from the space. Humidity is controlled by removing excess moisture from the air. Air movement is controlled by introducing fresh air into the space and removing stale air.
HVAC systems are used in various settings, including homes, office buildings, schools, hospitals, and automobiles. In each of these settings, HVAC systems work to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
The main components of an HVAC system have a furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, evaporator coil, air handler, and ductwork. The furnace heats the air while the air conditioner cools the air. The heat pump helps to regulate the temperature by moving heat from one place to another. The evaporator coils remove all moisture from the air while the air handler circulates the air throughout the space. The ductwork distributes the conditioned air to each room of the building.
What Are the Most Common HVAC Heating and Cooling System Issues?
The most common HVAC heating and cooling system issues are:
- Lack of maintenance or poor maintenance – is the number one cause of HVAC problems. Without regular maintenance, your system will become less efficient and eventually break down. Poorly maintained systems also put extra strain on components, leading to early failure.
- Dirty filters – dirty or clogged filters are a major cause of HVAC problems. They restrict airflow and make the system work harder, leading to overloading and failure.
- Refrigerant leaks – refrigerant is what makes your air conditioner cool. If there’s a leak, the system won’t be able to cool properly and will eventually break down.
- Electrical problems – wiring issues, faulty switches or relays, and bad capacitors are all electrical problems that can cause HVAC problems. If not addressed, they can lead to complete system failure.
- Wear and tear – over time, components in your HVAC system will wear out and need to be replaced. This is normal wear and tear and is not usually cause for alarm. However, if you neglect to replace worn parts, it can lead to more significant problems down the road.
If you suspect your HVAC system is having problems, it’s essential to call professional Jack Rabbit Air Conditioning for help. Trying to fix the issue on your own can often make things worse, so it’s best to leave it to the experts. They will be able to quickly find out the problem and get your system up and running again.
