On the Inner Workings of an HVAC System

Many of us like to have a basic understanding of how various appliances and components we utilize regularly work, and your heating and air setup is no exception. What is an HVAC system exactly, and which key parts of its inner workings are worth knowing about as someone who utilizes these products on a daily basis?

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to not only offer a huge range of furnace and air conditioning installations, repairs and more, but also to provide clients around Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights and nearby areas with expertise on the various components involved in their HVAC setup. Here are the most important parts of the inner workings of your HVAC setup, plus the roles these components play and how they should be considered.

Primary Unit

Within any HVAC system, there’s a single primary unit that acts as its core. For many homes and buildings, this unit will change between hot and cold temperatures – an air conditioner unit will be used for cooling during summers, while a furnace or boiler will be utilized for heating through the winter months.

There are other options within this realm as well, such as heat pumps and other hybrid units. Regardless of the specific unit you use for your home heating or cooling needs, however, it will be accompanied by several key components that help dictate its operations.

Thermostat

One of the major control devices in any HVAC system is the thermostat, which has been around in various advanced forms for over a century. This device is connected to the primary unit and allows you to set your desired temperature, which will then trigger the corresponding heating or cooling actions within the HVAC system.

Today, many thermostats come with advanced features like programmable settings, Wi-Fi connectivity and more. Rather than prior manual versions that required constant tweaks to keep temperature levels in check, these modern thermostats allow you to fully customize and automate your heating and cooling needs.

Air Handler

Another vital component in your HVAC system is the air handler, which is responsible for moving air throughout the home and into various rooms. This motorized device pulls in air at specific locations from around the home or building, then filters it and sends it back out to ensure all areas are properly heated or cooled.

Within this component are several sub-components like the blower, blower motor, fan, and other important parts that work together to facilitate the movement of air. There are also various types of air handlers depending on your specific HVAC setup – for instance, there are different models for use with a furnace as opposed to an air conditioner.

Evaporator Coil

For any AC or heat pump setup, the evaporator coil is a vital component that helps transfer heat between indoor and outdoor units. This piece of equipment absorbs heat from inside your home, which then gets transferred to the outdoor unit where it is released into the air.

Without an evaporator coil, your AC system will not be able to cool your home efficiently. These coils require regular maintenance and cleaning in order to avoid buildup and ensure proper functioning.

Condenser Coil

Similar to the evaporator coil, the condenser coil is a crucial component in your HVAC system’s cooling process. This coil is located within the outdoor unit, where it works to release excess heat absorbed from inside your home into the outdoor air.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of this coil are also important to ensure maximum efficiency and longevity of your system.

Heat Exchanger

For gas furnaces, the heat exchanger is an essential part that helps transfer heat between the combustion chamber and the air being circulated throughout your home. As gas burns in the combustion chamber, it heats up metal plates within the heat exchanger, which then transfers this heat to the surrounding air.

Ensuring your heat exchanger is functioning properly and free of any cracks or wear and tear is crucial for the safety and efficiency of your furnace.

Ductwork

Finally, the air that’s being managed by your HVAC system needs to reach different parts of your home or building, and this is where the ductwork comes in. This network of pipes and vents helps distribute air throughout the space, ensuring that all areas are adequately heated or cooled.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your ductwork is essential for good indoor air quality and efficient functioning of your HVAC system.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we understand the importance of all these components in your HVAC setup. Our team of experts is here to help you not only with installation, repairs or maintenance, but also to provide valuable information and advice on how to best take care of your heating and cooling system. Contact us today for all your AC and furnace installation, repair and maintenance in Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights and nearby areas!