HVAC Round Rock stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These systems regulate temperature, humidity and air circulation to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Choosing an energy-efficient HVAC system is the best way to maximize your energy savings. Look for ENERGY STAR certification and consider features like smart thermostats for greater control.
The air conditioning system in an HVAC system removes heat and humidity from indoor spaces to keep indoor temperatures cool and comfortable. It does this by transferring the heat from inside to outside where it can escape through vents and ductwork. Air conditioners use a lot of energy to operate and can significantly increase your energy bill. However, you can minimize its effects by upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified equipment and by making sure your home is properly insulated.
The components in an air conditioner consist of a compressor and two heat exchangers—one called the condenser and one called the evaporator. The compressor raises the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant liquid by running it through a coil. The hot liquid then enters the evaporator, where it evaporates, cooling the air inside a house. The cooled air is then pushed through the house by a fan and circulated in ducts. The refrigerant then returns to the compressor, where it goes through the heat exchanger again and repeats the cycle.
A common type of air conditioner is a split system, with separate indoor and outdoor units. However, you can also find packaged systems that combine the indoor and outdoor air conditioning parts into one unit.
In the past, most air conditioners contained CFCs and HFCs, which are harmful to the environment. These chemicals deplete the ozone layer and are believed to cause climate change. The ozone layer protects the Earth from ultraviolet radiation, which can damage living cells and lead to cancer. We have since replaced these chemicals with safer alternatives, but older air conditioners may still leak them. Fortunately, we are slowly eliminating the problem of air conditioners leaking these chemicals by repairing them and replacing them with newer models that have no such gases in them.
An air conditioning system that is properly sized for a home will save money on both heating and cooling. However, many existing air conditioning systems are too large for their homes. A simple upgrade to a smaller, ENERGY STAR certified system can cut energy consumption by up to 20 percent.
Furnace
A furnace works by burning fuel to heat your home and often comes paired with an air conditioner as part of a complete HVAC system. Depending on the type of furnace, your system could use natural gas, propane or oil. You can determine the fuel source by looking at your furnace and checking for a data sticker located on or near the front panel, which should also contain a model number.
With a natural gas forced-air furnace, a blower pulls air into the heating system from your home’s rooms through ductwork. The air passes over a heat exchanger, which is usually made from hollow metal tubing or thin aluminum sheets pressed together. The heat from the fuel reacts with the air to generate heat that warms your home, while flue gases are vented through a stack that extends through your roof or side wall.
The fossil fuels used by traditional furnaces produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) during combustion. These gases are a major contributor to climate change by trapping radiation in the atmosphere, raising Earth’s temperature. The extraction and transportation of fuels for furnaces can also have negative environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and water pollution.
High-efficiency furnaces offer the potential to cut back on energy waste and reduce your home’s emissions of GHGs. This technology helps ensure that the same amount of heat is generated with less fuel, which can lead to lower heating bills over time.
In addition, high-efficiency furnaces may be eligible for energy efficiency rebates that offset some of their upfront cost. You can minimize your HVAC’s impact on the environment by choosing an efficient furnace and ensuring that it is properly maintained.
Another alternative to traditional furnaces is a heat pump. Heat pumps operate much like air conditioners, but they use refrigerant rather than gas to control both heating and cooling. Like furnaces, heat pumps are boxy units that can be found outside your home. The cooling mechanism works the same way as air conditioners, but they are capable of both heating and cooling your home by using different mechanisms.
Ductwork
The HVAC system uses ductwork to circulate clean air around homes, commercial buildings and other indoor spaces. It’s a vital part of the system, but over time, it can become clogged with dust and pollutants, negatively affecting indoor air quality. Regular duct cleaning is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality.
An air duct has two major sections: the return and supply. The return ducts bring unconditioned air into the furnace to be conditioned, while the supply vents send conditioned air throughout the home. Ideally, these ducts will be properly insulated to maintain the right temperature. However, improper installation or lack of maintenance can lead to leaks and poor air flow efficiency.
Typical ductwork is made of galvanized steel or aluminum and can be round, oval or rectangular. They’re designed for durability and can withstand the elements. However, they can rust or develop cracks over time. Sheet metal ducts are easy to clean, durable and rustproof, but they can be more expensive than other options. They also require routine cleaning and maintenance to prevent the buildup of dirt, mold and other debris.
Other ducting options include fiberglass ducts, which are less expensive than sheet metal and come pre-insulated. They can be damaged by heat and moisture, but they’re easier to maintain than other duct types. Moreover, they’re more resistant to fungi, bacteria and mold growth. Polyester fabric duct hoses are another option, which are durable and customizable to meet specific needs.
Dirty ductwork can cause serious health problems for homeowners. Inhaling pollutants trapped within the ducts can trigger respiratory problems and exacerbate existing ones. They can also make people feel dizzy, nauseous and fatigued. In extreme cases, contaminated ducts can even lead to serious illnesses and death.
One of the best indicators of a bad air duct is musty odors, which indicate mold or mildew growth. If you notice musty odors in your house, it’s important to call an HVAC professional immediately. Otherwise, the mold will spread throughout your entire house and affect your health. In addition to mold, musty odors can also signal a leak or damaged duct.
Filters
Filters help your HVAC system work as designed by trapping dust, dirt and other contaminants. They also improve indoor air quality by keeping particulates like dander and pollen from circulating in your home’s ventilation. But when filters become dirty and clogged, they can restrict the flow of conditioned air, making your home uncomfortable and reducing your system’s efficiency and lifespan. Dirty filters also lead to costly repairs and may even cause damage to your blower fan or ductwork.
There are many different types of filters on the market, with different levels of filtration suited to various household needs. For example, allergy sufferers should choose a filter with a high MERV rating to reduce allergens like pet dander. Families with young children should opt for a filter that’s good at removing airborne bacteria and viruses.
Basic fiberglass filters are affordable and easy to install. They usually have a low MERV rating of 1 through 4, meaning that they only catch larger particles and allow smaller particles to pass through, but they’re adequate for most homes and offices. More expensive, pleated filters are more effective at catching smaller particles. However, they aren’t compatible with all systems and create more resistance to airflow, which can strain some units.
Regardless of the type of filter you choose, it’s important to keep track of when to change them. Ideally, you should replace your filter monthly during summer and winter (during peak demand periods). You’ll find the filter located next to or inside your system’s blower fan, or in a return vent in the ceiling or wall.
If you have a hard time remembering when to change your filter, ask your technician for advice. A professional with the right tools can take a measurement in just a few minutes, and they’ll advise you on how often to replace your filter based on your equipment and environmental factors. For instance, if your home is close to construction sites or you have a lot of pets, it’s a good idea to change your filter more frequently than usual. This is because all that dust and debris will be sucked into your system, taxing it and causing it to run less efficiently.