HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems meet cooling and heating requirements for indoor spaces. They include a furnace or air handler, ducts and fans.
Professionals design HVAC systems that best serve building occupants. They assess space size, orientation, insulation and occupancy levels to determine a system’s optimal power output. Visit https://www.taphvac.com/ to learn more.
Air filters are your first line of defense against indoor allergens, pollutants and contaminants. They filter out microscopic particles that can be harmful to your health, including dust, pet dander and smoke. Clogged air filters recirculate these particles and can trigger asthma, allergies or other respiratory problems. Regularly changing or cleaning your filters can significantly improve indoor air quality.
A dirty, clogged filter will force your HVAC system to work harder, which can shorten its lifespan and lead to higher utility bills. Additionally, dirt and grime can irritate the evaporator coil, which may cause it to freeze and then overheat. When the evaporator coil freezes, it cannot absorb heat and your home will feel colder than normal.
When choosing an air filter, consider its MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating, the more microscopic particles it can capture. Additionally, consider your household’s air quality needs and maintenance preferences when deciding which filter to choose.
Ideally, your filter should be replaced every month to ensure that your HVAC system is working efficiently and your indoor air is clean and healthy. If you are unsure which filter to purchase, ask a knowledgeable associate at a home improvement store or HVAC company for assistance.
You should also avoid buying a filter that is too thick. Thicker filters can reduce airflow through the HVAC system, which can affect its performance and cause damage to your equipment. If you decide to purchase a thicker filter, make sure that it is compatible with your unit’s size and manufacturer specifications.
If you’re looking for an air filter that meets your lifestyle and maintenance preferences, Filterbuy has a wide selection of filters in different sizes, shapes and MERV ratings. Whether you’re looking for a single filter or a subscription, they offer competitive pricing and free shipping on all standard filters. In addition, they have a team of experts on hand to answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect fit for your home. In fact, they even offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied with your new filter!
Ductwork
Ductwork is a system of pipes or channels that carry heated or cooled air through your home. It’s important to have your ductwork properly installed for optimal comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
A ducted HVAC system delivers conditioned air to rooms via supply vents and returns it back to the AC unit via return air ducts. The system also includes an air handler which houses the blower or fan and, in homes with central AC, the evaporator coil.
Your ducts may be insulated, which helps keep conditioned air in the ducts longer and reduces the amount of energy your system uses to cool or heat your home. There are several different types of insulation materials that can be used in ducts, including fiberglass blankets and rolls, rigid foam, and reflective insulation. The type of insulating material you choose depends on your budget and the temperature conditions in your home.
Uninsulated ducts are a common source of air leakage, which can lead to poor indoor air quality and higher energy bills. You can check for a duct leak by looking for visible holes in exposed ducts, or by feeling around for hot or cold air at duct connection points. If you find leaks in your ductwork, contact a qualified HVAC professional to recommend repairs or a long-term solution.
In addition to reducing energy consumption, having your ductwork insulated also helps protect against harmful particulates that can circulate throughout your home. These particulates include dust, mold and other allergens that can trigger respiratory issues in children and adults. Regular cleaning and inspection of your ductwork can help keep these particulates to a minimum.
When you’re having a new hvac system installed, a qualified HVAC professional can ensure that your home has the right amount of ductwork for the size and power of your system. Then, your HVAC partner will calculate the duct size and shape needed to transport enough conditioned air to your home’s rooms. Adding or subtracting a room from your home can significantly affect a ductwork system’s design. In fact, 9 out of 10 new HVAC systems require duct modifications to accommodate the new equipment because old ducts were improperly sized for the system.
Electrical Parts
The electric panel and electrical wiring are critical to HVAC systems. They control power distribution and deliver energy to the system components necessary for heating and cooling operations. They must be inspected regularly by trained professionals to avoid failure or hazards. A poorly maintained electrical panel and wiring may lead to overheating, causing a potential fire.
Other electrical components of your hvac include relays, which are electromagnetic switches that manage high-voltage circuits. These are used to control the flow of electricity to different parts of the system, including fan motors and the compressor. The thermostat is also an important electrical component, sending signals to the HVAC system to heat or cool. The evaporator coils in your air conditioner absorb the heat in the room and the refrigerant lines transfer it to the condenser coil in the outdoor unit where the heat is released. Fans move the warm and cooled air throughout your home, keeping it at the set thermostat temperature.
When a relay in your HVAC system fails, it can cause problems with the entire unit. The relay is turned on by voltage from the control board. Then, it switches to an open state where it allows current to pass through the relay to larger electrical components such as a capacitor, which stores energy for fan motors and the compressor.
A failing relay can affect the operation of other electrical parts of your hvac, such as the compressor or blower fan. Depending on the issue, the relay can be replaced or repaired by a technician.
During a power outage, the lack of power to your heating and cooling system can result in discomfort for your family. Additionally, extended outages can cause a rise in indoor humidity and promote the growth of mold and mildew.
Preventative maintenance and regular repairs help your hvac to perform better for longer. Routine inspections and cleaning by trained professionals can identify early signs of wear, preventing costly repairs and extending the life of your system. Moreover, the selection of competent technicians who adhere to industry standards ensures your system’s operational integrity.
NATE Certification
NATE, which stands for North American Technician Excellence, is an organization that provides certification to professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians. These technicians must pass rigorous tests that demonstrate their knowledge of industry best practices, systems, and equipment. A NATE-certified technician will have the answers to your most pressing HVAC questions, including choosing a system that fits your home and evaluating indoor air quality.
NATE-certified technicians are experts who have invested the time and effort to learn their craft. Their dedication and expertise will shine through in their work, and you can feel confident that your heating or cooling system will be serviced according to the industry standard.
Trade schools offer comprehensive preparation for the NATE certification exams, and most employ instructors who have real-world experience as HVAC professionals. They can provide insights into the industry’s best practices and prepare students to answer the question-based exam format that is a critical component of the test. However, it’s important to supplement school-provided resources with additional study materials and practice tests to maximize your chances of passing the NATE certification exams.
Before a technician can become NATE certified, they must first pass two separate exams: the Ready-to-Work and HVAC Support Technician exams. These exams are recommended to be completed within the first six months to a year of a technician’s career in the field. After passing these exams, a technician can choose one of two paths to becoming NATE-certified: the Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5) pathway or the traditional Core and Specialty exam pathway.
The Core and Specialty exams cover topics that are fundamental to the roles of a technician in all specializations, such as safety, tools, and basic heat transfer and energy science. Then, the specialty exam will focus on specific areas of the field that a technician wishes to pursue, such as light commercial refrigeration, heating and cooling, or gas heating. Once a technician becomes NATE-certified, they must complete 16 hours of continuing education or retake their specialty exam every two years in order to maintain their certification.
NATE-certified technicians have the background math and science knowledge to recommend systems that are sized appropriately for your home. This is important in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, where the size of each room and your duct work influence which system will deliver the most comfort and efficiency.