Revised:
September 9th, 2020
So maybe you're a first-time homebuyer or someone who has little to no experience with the industry. What is an HVAC system and how does it work? In this video? We'll break down the components, equipment and processes of HVAC systems and give you everything that you need to start the conversation to replacement of your current heating and cooling system.
Hi, I'm Luke from Fire & Ice. And most homeowners know what he stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. But very few people understand everything that goes into a full HVAC system. In this video, we will cover what is an HVAC system? How does an HVAC system work? How does the system heat your home? How does the system cool your home? And finally, how does an HVAC system move the air in your home? We hope by the end of this video you'll have a solid understanding of the equipment and processes. So that you have a well-informed conversation with an HVAC contractor.
What is an HVAC System?
So let's jump in and see what an HVAC system is. An HVAC system is the equipment, technology and processes that go into heating, cooling and ventilating a commercial or residential property. In terms of heating, most homes will have a furnace heating their home. Furnaces come in different types and can use different fuel sources like natural gas, electricity, propane and etc. Heating equipment generally includes a blower motor as well, which moves the air throughout the home.
In terms of cooling, an HVAC system will traditionally include an air conditioner or heat pump. An air conditioner only cools where a heat pump can cool but can also provide heat for a home.
So how does the air actually move throughout your house? Ductwork. A home's ductwork is designed to house the air that is conditioned by the air conditioner or heated by the furnace. There are situations where you only need to heat or cool one part of your home, and ductless HVAC systems will not include many of the more advanced forms of ventilation.
How Does an HVAC System Work?
So how does an HVAC system work? The important thing to know is that the HVAC equipment moves air. In general, a system exists to move warm air elsewhere, either into the home or out of it.
A home's air conditioner, heat pump and furnace captures or creates the heat, and then the blower and ductwork help to facilitate the movement. Simply put, an HVAC system is designed to heat or cool. Their living space the most efficiently and comfortable way possible.
How Does an HVAC System Heat Your Home?
How does an HVAC system heat your home? A furnace generates heat either through electrical energy or burning its fuel source. This fuel source is most typically natural gas, but can be propane or oil as well. Pump works somewhat differently when heating. It absorbs heat from the outdoor unit and transfers it to the inside. It's not generating heat so much as actually transferring it from one place to another.
How Does an HVAC System Cool Your Home?
So now let's talk about how an HVAC system cools your home? Instead of creating cold air, which is a common myth, air conditioners and heat pumps absorbs heat from within a home and move it to the outdoor unit where it is vented outside. The refrigerant and a cooling system is key to this.
The HVAC system changes the pressures of the refrigerant depending on where it is. It is then able to absorb ambient heat and remove it once it's at a different pressure.
How Does an HVAC System Move the Air in Your Home?
How does an HVAC system move the air in your home? Ductwork is the most obvious here, as it is directly connected to your heating and cooling system. Depending on the equipment, ventilation may need to be changed. So that it goes out the side of the home instead of through the roof.
What should you do next?
So, what should you do next? So now that you know what an HVAC system is and how it works. Visit our products page to see comfort and efficiency ratings for each type of equipment that we offer. Thank you for watching and we look forward to making your day better
