The diverse and seasonal weather we enjoy in Glastonbury and throughout Connecticut requires high-efficiency HVAC systems to provide indoor home comfort around the year.
If you have asked yourself, “What are the components of an HVAC system?” our professionals at SM Mechanical Services LLC would like to share some basic information to help explain the industry’s sometimes confusing terminology.
As the leading provider of HVAC solutions in Glastonbury, CT, our team enjoys the opportunity to help our clients learn more about our work.
What Does “HVAC” Stand For?
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Each system is essential for controlling indoor air quality and temperature in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in different ways.
Core Components of an HVAC System
HVAC systems have separate components to manage heating, cooling, and ventilation operations.
Central Heating Unit
The heating unit usually produces warm air through a furnace or a boiler.
A furnace produces heat and transfers it to the air recirculated throughout the living space through ductwork. The furnace uses a heat exchanger to transfer the heat it generates into the air running through the HVAC system. The blower motor and fan force the air through the ductwork to provide evenly distributed warm indoor air.
Furnaces can operate on natural gas, electricity, or oil, depending on the fuel sources available and the system’s design.
A boiler differs from a furnace in that it heats water to produce steam for heating. The steam distributes heat through radiators, radiant floor systems, or other methods that allow the heat to warm indoor air as it exits the system.
Cooling Unit
What are the components of an HVAC system? Cooling systems are essential to indoor comfort, and those we typically use in Connecticut consist of either an air conditioner or a heat pump.
Air conditioners do not actually produce cool air. Instead, they work by removing heat and excess moisture from indoor air and recycling it back through interior living spaces. Air conditioners use chemical refrigerants to absorb heat and humidity.
The refrigerant runs through a closed system and then activates when the air conditioner’s compressor places it under pressure. The inside evaporator coil then absorbs heat. Finally, the unit cycles the refrigerant to the outside condenser coil, which releases heat and moisture into the outdoor air.
Heat pumps operate differently than air conditioners in that they can provide heating and cooling. A heat pump works by transferring heat from one location to another.
In warm weather, it moves heat from indoor air and releases it outside. In cold weather, the process reverses, and the heat pump absorbs outside heat and circulates it to indoor spaces.
Ventilation Components
Regardless of how it produces or removes heat, every HVAC system relies on vigorous and adequate airflow to operate correctly. Therefore, any discussion of “What are the components of an HVAC system?” must consider how to maintain the “V” part — ventilation.
Ductwork makes up the distribution system for cooled or warmed air. A carefully designed system of passageways moves air from the HVAC system to different parts of a building to distribute it evenly.
An air handler includes components like a blower motor and sometimes the evaporator coil. It generates the force that pushes air through the ductwork and the HVAC system.
Vents and registers are the ports where air enters and exits different rooms inside buildings. They are essential for proper airflow and even distribution throughout living spaces.
Additional Components
When analyzing the question “What are the components of an HVAC system?” we must also look at the additional components that serve as master control and safety devices and those that work to ensure optimal indoor air quality.
Key additional components include:
- Thermostat: This is the central control device of the HVAC system that allows users to set and adjust the indoor temperature. Modern programmable and smart thermostats provide advanced features, including energy-saving settings and remote control.
- Air filters: These trap dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants to prevent them from recirculating through indoor airspace. Homes with people sensitive to allergens or compromised respiratory systems should use high-quality filters.
- Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers: These either add or remove moisture from indoor air to help the HVAC system regulate the relative humidity for maximum comfort. Some advanced HVAC systems include integrated humidity control and UV light air purification systems.
Maintaining Your HVAC System in Glastonbury, CT
Regular maintenance is essential to peak HVAC function, energy efficiency, and longevity.
Regular professional inspections, cleaning, and tune-ups help keep an HVAC system operating at peak efficiency. Professional maintenance can detect and prevent electrical faults, refrigerant leaks, mechanical damage, and improperly operating components like coils and compressors.
You should schedule professional HVAC maintenance twice each year—once before the cooling season and once before the heating season. You’ll be well-prepared to avoid unnecessary outages and repairs.
Between professional maintenance visits, you should change HVAC air filters regularly every 30 to 90 days. You should also keep the area around the outside unit clear of excess vegetation, dirt, and debris to promote optimal efficiency and performance.
Rely on SM Mechanical Services LLC for Comprehensive HVAC Services in Glastonbury, CT
SM Mechanical Services LLC is a family-owned, local business with many years of experience serving the Glastonbury community and the surrounding areas. Our fully licensed and insured team of expert technicians uses the highest-grade supplies and tools to provide safe, effective, and precise home comfort services.
What are the components of an HVAC system? We hope that this discussion will assist you in making informed decisions about your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation needs in Glastonbury or around our region in Connecticut.
Whether you have other questions about HVAC systems, the elements of an AC system, or any other home maintenance services, you can contact our team of knowledgeable and courteous experts for more information.
Contact us online or call 860-296-5100 to discuss your HVAC needs and to schedule service.