HVAC Basics You Need to Know

How much do you know about your HVAC system? Could you troubleshoot basic cooling and heating problems, or do you rely on your HVAC technician to do everything short of monthly filter changes and daily thermostat settings? There’s nothing wrong with that, but a little HVAC basic training can help you keep your HVAC units in better condition, keep a tight lid on energy bills and boost your comfort.

HVAC Basic Operation

The term “HVAC” is an acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It generally refers to any of the systems, equipment and parts that control indoor environmental temperature, humidity, air quality and comfort. Following are the basic HVAC systems and devices.

• Thermostat: You use the thermostat to put your HVAC system in HEAT, COOL and FAN modes, in addition to adjusting the temperature and blower function. More sophisticated thermostats — Wi-Fi thermostats — may control compatible add-on equipment, such as whole-home ventilators, dehumidifiers, air cleaners and zoning systems.
• Furnace, heat pump and A/C units: Furnaces and heat pumps are forced-air heating systems. Heat pumps are exceptionally efficient in South Texas. Moreover, like a central A/C system, heat pumps can cool your home.
• Ductwork: Forced-air HVAC systems need ductwork to convey cooled and heated airflow to the rooms of your home. Ductwork components and parts generally include metal tubes (ducts), boots, vents, grilles and sealing components.
• Filter: All forced-air HVAC systems use an air filter. The filter is perhaps the simplest device of all HVAC parts. Yet, your filter is indispensable for driving HVAC efficiency and clean indoor air.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ): IAQ is a term used to describe indoor temperature, humidity and airborne contaminants in regards to occupant comfort and health.
• Maintenance: Talk to your HVAC contractor about maintenance service agreements that can help your South Texas home stay more efficient, comfortable and more healthful season after season.

Feel free to read through our blogs for more HVAC basic information on comfort systems, maintenance, IAQ and a number of HVAC issues and solutions. Or, better yet, contact CCAC today for HVAC service, repairs and all of your HVAC needs!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

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