A functioning HVAC system is the key to a comfortable, livable home environment. It is constantly pumping warmth or coolness into every room; yet, we hardly think about it until it falters. Whether you're sweltering in the summer or freezing in winter, understanding what’s happening under the hood can help save you time, money, and stress. Read on as our team at AmeriWest Home Services explains everything you need to know.
When temperatures plummet, your furnace becomes one of the most important parts of your HVAC system. It’s the engine that fuels your home’s warmth, converting energy into that cozy heat we all crave during the colder months. Furnaces may be powered by natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity; regardless, your furnace is working hard to make sure your home stays warm.
One crucial part of any furnace is the heat exchanger—this is where the actual heating happens. The exchanger absorbs the furnace’s generated heat and warms the air before it’s sent into your living space.
Switching gears to the warmer seasons, the evaporator coil is the key player when you’re trying to stay cool. Like the heat exchanger, the evaporator coil works its magic by transforming warm air into a refreshing breeze. This transformation happens by pumping refrigerant through the coil so that heat gets absorbed as warm air passes over it. This process works by changing liquid to gas, promoting a high level of heat absorption.
You’ve probably noticed that noisy box sitting outside your house. That’s the condenser unit and its job is crucial—it gets rid of all the heat your evaporator coil collects. Once the evaporator coil has cooled your home, the leftover heat needs to go somewhere, and that “somewhere” is outside. The condenser compresses the refrigerant from gas back into liquid form, pushing the heat out and recycling the cool air inside.
We all know that the thermostat is a control center that tells a furnace or air conditioner when to kick into gear and allows homeowners to fine-tune the temperature of their space. Some modern thermostats learn your preferences, and adjust automatically, while others let you control the temperature from your smartphone. Without the thermostat, your HVAC would be constantly running or not running at all, which is why it’s essential to keep it in top shape.
Imagine the air ducts as highways for hot and cool air. These ducts snake through your home, ensuring that every room gets its share of conditioned air. If the ducts are clean and unobstructed, air flows freely, keeping temperatures consistent throughout your house. However, blockages or leaks can mess with your comfort levels, not to mention cause a spike in your energy bills.
The air filter may not get much attention, but it plays a critical role. Acting as a defender of your indoor air quality, it traps dust, allergens, and other debris before they can circulate through your home. If you let the filter get dirty or clogged, your HVAC system has to work overtime, reducing efficiency and potentially shortening its lifespan.
Last but certainly not least is the blower motor. This is the muscle that pushes heated or cooled air through your ducts and into your living space. The furnace is like the heart, but the blower motor is the pump, making sure that conditioned air reaches every corner of your home. If you notice uneven heating or cooling or hear weird sounds, the blower motor might be having a tough time doing its job.
Have you noticed a problem within one or more parts of your HVAC system? Contact our team today to get a quote on our services.
