Modern homes rely on HVAC systems to maintain comfort and indoor air quality throughout the changing seasons. Exactly what is HVAC though? The acronym stands for “heating, ventilation and air conditioning.” Understanding more about these three HVAC system components can help you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable living environment.
Heating
A reliable heating system is essential to keep a home cozy and warm during the cold winter months. Forced air systems are the most popular form of home heating in Alberta. With this type of system, a centrally-located furnace equipped with a gas burner is used to create heat. The system’s air handler unit has a blower fan that distributes the warm air through a network of supply ducts to individual rooms in the home. At the same time, the blower unit is pulling cool air back to the furnace for reheating through a system of return ducts.
Ventilation
Adequate air exchange or ventilation is vital to maintain a healthy living environment. In the past, ventilation was often achieved naturally via open windows and fans. Homes today are tightly sealed and well insulated to improve energy efficiency, but this can keep stale, pollutant-laden air inside. If you already have a forced air system in place, it’s relatively easy to have an air purification device added to remove allergens, particles, bacteria, mold, chemical vapors and bad odors.
Air Conditioning
This HVAC system component uses refrigerant to draw heat from the indoor air and disperse it outdoors. A central split air conditioner is most often paired with a forced air heating system to share the air handler unit and ductwork. An evaporator coil is installed on the air handler, and refrigerant lines run to an outdoor condenser/compressor unit. The blower fan pulls warm air in through return ducts and sends it across the evaporator coil for cooling. Newly cooled air gets distributed via the supply ducts, while the refrigerant travels to the outdoor unit where captured heat is expelled through the condenser coil.
Answer the “what is HVAC?” question with the help of the pros at Arpi’s Industries, or contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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