What Is an HVAC Unit?

Everyone knows how refreshing it feels to breathe in fresh air. With the use of an HVAC unit, you do not have to travel to the beach or climb high mountains because you can experience fresh air in your own home. However, many purchase an HVAC without knowing how it works. It is important to study the basics of HVAC units so you can choose the most suitable model for you.

What does HVAC mean?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Knowing those words, you probably have a better idea of what it does. It is an appliance that can perform multiple tasks: heating or cooling a room, providing great ventilation, and filtering the air that circulates indoors. It can make any public or private space more comfortable.

An HVAC unit uses fresh air from the outdoors to provide better indoor air quality in a home or establishment. Through its ventilation abilities, it can replace the air in your space with cleaner air that has passed through its system. It can get rid of moisture, smoke, scents, heat, dust, bacteria, carbon dioxide, and many other gasses that can be unhealthy when inhaled. It also serves as temperature control, especially with different seasons, and replenishes oxygen inside the building.

How does it work?

The three main functions of an HVAC interact with each other to provide people indoors with high-quality air and thermal comfort. There are nine main components inside your HVAC that work together tirelessly, which is why maintenance is important to keep it running for a long time. Here is what each part does:

• Air Return – This is the starting point of ventilation wherein air from the outside is sucked through a filter to the main system.

• Filter – This clears out dust and pathogens from the air.

• Exhaust Outlets – The outlets where heat escapes the system.

• Ducts – These are the passages through which heated or cooled air leaves the system.

• Electrical Elements – These parts supply the whole system with the proper amount of energy.

• Outdoor Unit – The fan that provides airflow is encased in the outdoor unit.

• Compressor – Refrigerant is converted from a gas to a liquid by the compressor.

• Coils – After the refrigerant is liquefied, the coils cool the air that passes through them.

• Blower – This part draws in warm air through the system’s body.

How do I take care of it?

HVAC units are not too high-maintenance, but if you forget to do these tasks, then it may cause damage to your HVAC system.

Your HVAC filters should always be kept clean and should be replaced at least once a month. Not only will this ensure that you are breathing fresh air, but it will also keep your main system free from dust and dirt that may have been carried in the air.

An annual maintenance check and cleanup by professional technicians should also be done, just to make sure that all the parts of the unit are working perfectly. If one part gets jammed or broken, the whole system may fail. It is better to practice good maintenance than to replace your expensive unit often.

A good HVAC system may be expensive, but it will surely make your living space a lot more comfortable. It will ensure that you are surrounded by the freshest and cleanest air that will keep you healthy and protect you from airborne diseases. Just make sure to take care of it well, and it will take care of the air you breathe in return.