If you’re confused about the HVAC parts which make up your heating and cooling system, don’t worry – you’re not the only Atlanta homeowner who feels this way! These complex systems use numerous components to keep your home comfortable year-round. If you’re not in the HVAC industry, you probably aren’t familiar with them all.
Luckily, you have Estes Services! Below, we share the details of the HVAC parts every Atlanta homeowner should know. Knowing your HVAC parts helps you operate your system better, as well as gain the comfort you want.
HVAC Parts You Need to Know
First, let’s start with the basic system components:
- Furnace: The gas or electric system responsible for heating your home. It uses combustion to create heat. Air passing through it absorbs the heat and then it travels to the rooms of your home.
- Air conditioner: It conditions air when it removes heat and moisture, plus it delivers cooler air inside a space.
- Heat pump: A device which heats and cools your home through the transfer of heat between the air outdoors and indoors.
- Ductless mini split: A type of heating and cooling system which uses an indoor air handler connected to an outdoor heat pump or air conditioner for heating and cooling.
- Air handler: The indoor component of an HVAC system which contains the blower, evaporator coil, and filter. It is responsible for moving conditioned air throughout the home.
- Thermostat: The control used to communicate with the HVAC system. Types available include manual, programmable, Wi-Fi and smart thermostats.
Additional HVAC Parts Inside Major Components and Terms
- Condenser coil: The outdoor coil removes heat from circulating refrigerant in the summer. Also, in winter it absorbs heat in a heat pump system. Within this coil, refrigerant converts from vapor to liquid.
- Compressor: The air conditioner component within the condenser circulates and then raises refrigerant pressure to facilitate cooling.
- Evaporator coil: The indoor coil absorbs heat within the air before it changes liquid refrigerant to vapor to initiate cooling.
- Blower motor: The blower motor moves hot or cold air through the HVAC system. Afterward, it pushes it throughout your home.
- Ductwork: The network of metal pathways throughout your home. It, therefore, delivers air from your heating and cooling system into your living areas.
- Zoning: A type of system installed within an HVAC system and divides the home into different zones for individualized heating and cooling control.
More Good to Know HVAC Vocabulary Terms for Homeowners
HVAC efficiency terms include:
- SEER: Stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a measure of air conditioner efficiency. SEER is calculated by dividing the BTU/hour cooling output by the number of watts consumed over the cooling season.
- AFUE: Stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It is a measure of a furnace’s efficiency. AFUE shows how much heat a furnace produces per the amount of energy it consumes.
- HSPF: Stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. It is a measure of heat pump heating efficiency. It is figured by dividing the BTU heat output over a season by the watt-hours of electricity consumed.
- MERV: Stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It is a measure of a furnace filter efficiency. 1 is the lowest rating and 16 is the highest for residential use.
HVAC Parts and How They Work Best is Our Business
Finally, if you have questions or don’t understand terms your technician uses, please don’t hesitate to ask! Our technicians are here to help you understand your HVAC parts and equipment.
We want you to feel comfortable and informed about the decisions you make for your home’s comfort. So for HVAC parts and installation, repair, or maintenance of your comfort systems, contact us today!
