Welcome to the ABC's of HVAC
A is for Air Conditioning
Your Air Conditioning System works with your Furnace to cool your home, office or business. It is the cooling part of your split system and consists of a condenser and evaporator coil, which is installed in your furnace. Invented in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier, Air Conditioning Systems have come a long way while utilizing the same fundamental principles to keep us cool and comfortable. Check out https://www.energy.gov/articles/history-air-conditioning to learn more about the history of Air Conditioning.
B is for Boilers
Many homes in our area have Boiler systems that provide heat to you homes, garages, warehouses, even driveways. What is a boiler system? I'm glad you asked. In short, a boiler system operates by heating water in a combustion chamber or tank, using a heat exchanger. The heated water is then circulated through a system of pipes or tubes throughout the space to be heated. The heat is distributed by radiators, baseboards or even through the tubing run through the floors or concrete. Then the now cooled water returns to the combustion chamber to be heated nd circulated again. There are gas-fired, electric-fired and oil-fired boilers. The most used boilers in this area are gas fired and electric. To learn more about how boiler work check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC3sbirGGAI
C is for Condensate Drain
What is a condensate drain and why is it important? The condensate drain is what the drain pan under the evaporator coil in your furnace drains into. This allows the condensation dripping off the evaporator coil down the drain and into a pipe away from your furnace. These usually, run to the nearest unobstructed floor drain or outdoors. Some condensate drains make use of gravity and that is enough to pull the condensation away from your furnace and out of your home. If gravity is not on your side, there are condensate pumps that can be utilized to pull the condensation away from the system and pump it out of your home. In the event your condensate drain becomes clogged due to debris, dust or other particulates, it stops the condensate drain from doing it's job and results in your evaporator overflowing and flooding your furnace or floor. It is important to ask your technician to check the condensate drain on your maintenance visits. The extra few minutes can save you money and headaches later.
D is for Ductwork
Ductwork refers to the system of ducts connected throughout your home or business that carry the air to and from your HVAC System. Properly sized ductwork and HVAC equipment are integral components to ensure your equipment is working properly and efficiently. It will also increase the longevity of your equipment. This is why it is important to hire an HVAC provider that knows how calculate what your home business needs. Most HVAC technicians suggest having your ductwork cleaned once every 7-10 years, depending on environmental factors. Climate Control Systems highly recommends Lintfighters for quality duct cleaning.
E is For Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil in one of the main components in your Air Conditioning System or Heat Pump System. Installed inside the furnace, air handler or plenum, it works with the outside unit (condenser or heat pump) to cool your home or business. The evaporator coil contains chilled refrigerant from the condenser or heat pump carried to the evaporator coil through the line set. The blower motor then pushes the air over the evaporator coil where the heat from the air is absorbed and the remaining air is cooled and pushed into your home or business. Its an incredibly important component that is hidden in plain sight. If your evaporator coil is damaged or leaking your Air Conditioner will not function properly. Learn more on how your air conditioner works here.
F is for Furnace
The furnace is one of the most common ways to heat your home, especially in the Midwest. It also works with your Air Conditioning System or Heat Pump to push the cold air into your home. There are different types of furnaces, electric, natural gas or propane just to name a few. They come in different sizes and different efficiencies. It is important to hire an insured, trained professional to install, maintain and service your furnace. A skilled technician can help determine the correct size and efficiency for your need and keep your system running efficiently. Here at Climate Control Systems all of our technicians are trained to install the best furnace for you needs, maintain that system so it runs properly and service the HVAC system in your home or business, in the event that it is needed. See why Climate Control Systems just fits right for you.
G is for Gauges
Any HVAC technician will tell you that a good set of gauges is a necessity, especially during cooling season. Gauges are used to measure the pressures of the refrigerant levels for your Air Conditioner or Heat Pump. When refrigerant pressures are off, Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps will not work properly and can cause lasting damage to your HVAC system. If your HVAC technician comes to service or install your Air Conditioner or Heat Pump without gauges, they may not be the right person for the job. Call today to have Climate Control Systems check out your Cooling and Heating Systems.
H is for Heat Pumps
Heat Pumps are newer to the Midwest region. They have been utilized for decades across the globe. Until recently the technology was no match our winter climate. Heat pumps offer a more energy efficient way to cool and heat your home by transferring heat in and out of your home. During colder temperatures the heat pump pulls heat from the cooler air outside and transfers that heat inside, heating your home as a result. During the warmer temperatures the heat pump pulls the heat from the air inside your home and transfer it outside, cooling and dehumidifying your home as a result. is outside, cooling and dehumidifying your home as a result. Check out the below link for more information on heat pumps. Call Climate Control Systems today to find out if a heat pump is the right fit for your needs.
I is for Insulation
Most of us are familiar with insulation. Whether it be rolls of the pink fuzzy stuff with pink panther on it, blown in by a machine, duct wrap or spray insulation out of the can. All of these types of insulation serve the same purpose. To help keep the spaces insulated and resistant to heat flow, maintaining a comfortable temperature for your home or business. Insulation, when done correctly can lower utility bills. Insulation, when done improperly can result in mold, mildew and allergens released into your home or workspace. When removing insulation to wear gloves and a mask or respirator. When installing new insulation make sure to have a trained professional's opinion and to follow the guidelines.
J is for J Hook.
Most new high efficiency furnaces utilize PVC pipes for intakes and exhausts. The pipes are usually run through the roof or out the side of the house. In an installation that requires the exhaust and intakes run out the side of the house, the PVC pipe is run along the rafters and supported by J hooks or J hangers. Not a very exciting item, but a necessity when properly installing high efficiency HVAC equipment. Call if you would like some information on installing how high efficiency HVAC equipment can benefit you. Climate Control Systems from your community for your community.
K is for Kilowatt.
Kilowatt is a measure of how much energy an appliance uses to operate. The average Air Conditioner uses between 3000 to 5000 Kilowatts for 9 hours a day during warmer temperatures. Depending on where you live this can range from 3 months to year round usage. If you would like some information on reducing your utility bills call us today. Check out this link to calculate how much electricity your Air Conditioner is using.
https://energyusecalculator.com/electricity_centralac.htm
L is for Louver
A louver has a number of fixed or operable blades mounted in a frame to provide air flow to a space while preventing particulates or debris from entering the space. They can be made to close like a damper or to be stationary and part of a door to allow air flow to a closet or mechanical room providing return air to your HVAC system. They can be installed in walls or in attics to open and close to provide fresh air intake in areas that need it. Check out this industrial warehouse louver installed by our technicians here in your community, by Climate Control Systems.
M is for Mini Spilt
What is a Mini Split System? Its just that. A smaller heat pump system that is ductless. Since these systems are smaller and ductless they are utilized in many applications that a normal furnace and air conditioner don't make sense or won't fit. That spare bedroom over the garage that is always too warm. That garage that doubles as a social space 3 seasons a year but is too cold in the winter. The corner of the basement that never gets warm but is the perfect space to watch a movie Mini Split Systems are an ideal option to Climate Control these spaces at home. They are also used in server rooms and IT closets in offices. Any materials that required a Climate Controlled space can utilize these systems. They are more energy efficient than a traditional split system and have a variety of configurations. To learn more about whether a Mini-Split system is the right fit for your needs, call Climate Control Systems today.
N is for Nitrogen
Nitrogen, the 7th element on the periodic table. In its gas state it is used to remove moisture and any other contaminates from the line sets after they are chemically purged of all old refrigerant oils. When replacing and Air Conditioning System or Heat Pump System, it is ideal to replace the refrigerant line set. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. If the line set cannot be replaced, then the existing refrigerant oils must be chemically purged from the line set. Nitrogen gas is then released into the line set (new or existing) . It is left flowing through the line set while brazing occurs. It removes moisture and any other contaminates, such as scale or copper flakes, from the line set, ensuring that the systems function optimally without any debris clogging up your TXV valve.
https://www.hvactrainingsolutions.net/nitrogen-purging-brazing/
O is for Outdoor temperature
The outdoor temperature is important when it comes to our HVAC systems. After all, if it was 72 degrees outdoors, all the time, we wouldn't need furnaces and air conditioners. We live in the Midwest, where we can hit 3 out of 4 seasonal temperatures in a 24 hour time frame. 43 degrees in the morning, 80 degrees in the afternoon and 64 in the evening. Let's face it, the outdoor temperature influences whether we are turning up the heat or turning down the AC. Making the Outdoor temperature an important factor in HVAC.
P is for Plenum
The plenum is an air distribution box used in Split System installations. Part of the ductwork, the plenum varies from an air duct. Most split systems are installed with a supply plenum and a return plenum or air box. The supply plenum, made of sheet metal is installed between your furnace and the start of the ductwork for your home. it helps to supply the air to the ductwork, to be pushed through your home. The return plenum is attached in between the ductwork and where it returns to the furnace, helping to recirculate the air into your ductwork. It is also the air filters are installed. A properly installed plenum is key to ensuring your HVAC system is working optimally.
Q is for Quality
As with most things in life, quality matters just as much in HVAC. Selecting a qualified HVAC contractor who installs quality equipment is incredibly important. It may seem that its better to save a few dollars by hiring the cheapest contractor to install your equipment. More often than not, this will cost you more in the long run. Not every HVAC contractor is licensed, trained or insured. Check out our blog post about choosing the right HVAC contractor for you.
R is for Refrigerant
Air Conditioning Systems use refrigerant to cool the air cycling into your home or business. There are two refrigerants on the market, currently in use. R22 refrigerant or Freon has been obsolete for almost 20 years now. They no longer make equipment that uses this refrigeant, they haven't in years. It was replaced by R410A or Puron. In January 2023 the phase down of R410A began. Air Conditioning Systems will no longer utilize R410A by 2025. New, more environmentally friendly, refrigerants are being introduced to the market. By January 2025, equipment utilizing R410A refrigerant will not be available. There are two new types of refrigerant set to replace Puron, R32 and R454B. For more information about the new refrigerants check out this article.
S is for Snow Melt
Snow Melt? A snow melt system is just what it sounds like, a system to melt snow and ice. An intricate grid of tubes laid out, then covered with concrete or underneath brick pavers. The tube system is connected to a hydronic or electrical pump that circulates a glycol solution through the tubing, warming the concrete or pavers and melting the snow and ice. Making snow removal as easy as flipping a switch. Check out this snow melt project we did in New Lenox.
T is for Thermostat
Your thermostat is the control for your heating and cooling system. It communicates your setting preferences to the equipment to keep you comfortable. While most thermostats are hard wired to the HVAC system, they do have battery backups that need to be changed occasionally. A pretty good rule of thumb is to change the thermostat batteries when you change your smoke detector batteries. #Ecobee #ecobee #thermostat #smartthermostats
U is for UV Bulbs for Air Purification
During the pandemic the demand for affordable home air purification systems increased exponentially. The different types of air purification range from air scrubbers to bipolar ionization to UV lamps. There are several UV purification systems on the market that can be mounted in the HVAC system to clean your air as it passes through the duct work. As a company we recommend the Respicaire OXY 4 to most our customers looking for a UV Lamp Air Purification System. Call today if you would like more information.
V is for Ventilation
Ventilation is a key component to your HVAC system. Afterall it's Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Ventilation is the movement of air into and out of a space. All enclosed spaces need ventilation. Ventilation not keeps us comfortable, but it helps to keep us healthy by circulating new air into different spaces. If a space is not properly ventilated it can hasten mold and mildew growth. A properly ventilated home or business promotes good health and comfort. Ceiling fans, exhaust fans, open windows and a properly sized and install HVAC system all aid in providing ventilation to your living spaces and family members.
W is for Wet Switch
A wet switch is a disc shaped sensor that sits in the drain pan under your coil (installed in the furnace). Utilized mainly in ceiling or attic installations, it is wired into the furnace to shut the unit off if there is standing water in the drain pan. This stops the unit from running until the drain pan is empty, preventing flooding and ceiling damage. Almost all attic and ceiling installations include the nifty device. It’s a small sensor that saves you lots of money in the event there is a clog and excess water. Make sure you ask your HVAC provider if your attic or ceiling installation includes a wet switch.
X is for EXpertise
X was a hard one folks. Expertise in the HVAC industry is a must from your HVAC provider. You wouldn't have your plumber work on your car or your doctor check out you electric. Make sure your HVAC providers are educated and trained. Expertise taking care of residential and commercial HVAC systems is key to having your needs met. Please check your HVAC companies reviews before granting them access to your systems. One of the best ways to ensure you get the best service possible is to hire the best providers you can. Call today to set up an appointment with our trained and skilled HVAC technicians. Let us show you that Climate Control Systems is the right fit for your home or business.
Y is for Your Comfort
One of the most important factors in your HVAC system is your comfort. We have our HVAC systems to keep us comfortable. if your comfort level is not being met, contact Climate Control Systems to see what we can do to correct it. Our skilled technicians are trained to make sure that your HVAC system is functioning optimally and if, not to make recommendations on how to change that. Let us keep you comfortable. Climate Control Systems, the fight fit for you.
Z is for Zoning Systems
Zoning is dividing a home, office or space into different sections or zones, with their own controls or thermostats in order to serve each zone with the desired temperature. While a less expensive alternative to multiple systems, a zone system does come with its own set of costs. If you are thinking about installing a zone system in your home, discuss it with a qualified HVAC professional. They should be able to help you decide if a zone system is the right choice for you. Check out this link for more information. https://www.trane.com/residential/en/resources/blog/zoned-hvac-system/