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What Is an HVAC System?

Dec 03, 2019

Your HVAC system plays a vital role in your home, ensuring your indoor spaces remain comfortable as temperatures fluctuate. Unfortunately, this system is often taken for granted until it begins to malfunction or decline in performance. Luckily, with a basic understanding of your HVAC equipment, you can help ensure it remains in good condition all year long.

 

Let’s take a closer look at HVAC systems, their primary components, and their essential functions.


What Does HVAC Stand for?


HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.” As the name implies, this system includes a variety of equipment that heats, ventilates, and cools your home. Residential HVAC systems typically consist of:

 

  • A Furnace – This appliance generates warmth by burning fuel or consuming electricity. Most residential furnaces run on gas or heating oil.
  • A Duct System – Duct systems consist of metal tubes and vents that are built into the structure of the home. They allow hot or cold air to travel throughout the residence.
  • An Air Conditioning Unit – This device includes a condenser that runs refrigerant vapor into liquid, a compressor that increases the pressure of the liquid to move it through the system, and a fan to blow the compressed fluid through the heat exchanger. This process cools warm air and pushes it throughout the home.
  • Filtration Systems – Modern HVAC systems also include purification filters that remove potentially harmful particles from the air, such as mold spores and allergens.

 

HVAC systems for commercial buildings also include these components, but usually on a larger scale.


HVAC System Essential Functions


HVAC home systems exist to keep residences comfortable during different types of weather. During the warmer summer months, the HVAC system will use its air conditioner to pump cool air through the duct system, lowering the temperature of the home. Meanwhile, during the winter, the HVAC system’s heater will engage, generating warm air, and pushing it throughout the house.

 

While heating and cooling systems have become more reliable over the years, HVAC maintenance is still a major concern for most home and commercial property owners. Luckily, Smith HVAC in Pasadena, MD offers a full range of services for residential and commercial HVAC systems, including installations, repairs, and more.


How Can Smith & Company HVAC Help?


HVAC maintenance issues rarely choose convenient times to appear. And when something goes wrong with your heating or air conditioning, you tend to notice it very quickly and want it fixed as soon as possible.

 

Many HVAC companies in Maryland, Crownsville, and Annapolis only operate during regular business hours. However, the team at Smith & Company HVAC understands that problems can appear at any time. That’s why we offer 24-hour emergency services for residential and commercial properties in Pasadena, MD and Crownsville, MD. Simply give us a call, and a highly-trained HVAC technician will arrive at your property to handle all of your needs.

 

If you’re experiencing issues with your HVAC system, building a new property, or want to upgrade an existing heater or air conditioner, we can help. Call Smith & Company HVAC for trusted professional HVAC repair services at (410) 874-0766.



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10 Oct, 2023
Air conditioning systems are intricate machines that require routine maintenance to keep them running smoothly. A common issue homeowners face is a leaky air conditioner, which occurs for a variety of reasons. Some are easily fixable, but others require an AC repair company. Regardless of the reason for the leakage, it is important to address the issue sooner rather than later to avoid more irreparable damage. The first thing to look out for is frozen evaporator coils. The evaporator coil is a long-finned coil that links the unit to the output point. If the coil is frozen, turn off the unit immediately to avoid system failure. The ice covering the coil will cause the system to work overtime and possibly bottom out. The water leaking is caused by the ice melting after freezing on the coil. The next step will be to call an air conditioning repair company and contract an HVAC professional who can diagnose the cause of the frozen coil and replace it if needed. A clogged air filter likely caused the coil to freeze over. If the coil is not frozen, it is still good practice to turn off the unit to prevent any further water damage caused by the leak. Other reasons for a leaking AC system include: Dirty Coils The coils inside of the air conditioner unit can become dirty without proper cleaning. This layer of grime and dust can cause the normally occurring condensation on the evaporator coil to not flow down the coils and into the drip pan. Since that dirt is impeding the flow of moisture, it is forced to drip on the floor. This is an easy fix and does not require air conditioning services from an HVAC professional. Simply clean the coils on the inside of the unit. Damaged Insulation The insulation around the coils in the interior of the unit might be damaged, resulting in a leak. If the insulation is damaged, the condensation will drip from the coil instead of flowing down the coil as it should. If this is the case, you will need HVAC repair services to fix the damaged insulation or install new insulation. Clogged Trap or Drain Line A clogged drain line or trap is caused by dirt build-up and the lack of routine maintenance of your air conditioning unit. The condensation carried down the coils can bring dirt and debris that then clog the drain line or trap. When the drain line clogs, it doesn't allow for normal draining and creates a drip. This requires a thorough cleaning of the drain line or trap and shouldn’t require an HVAC professional. Detached Drain Line  This issue usually occurs from poor AC unit installation practices. If the drain line that drains the condensation created is not properly connected, it will leak. Although the mess may be big, the fix is easy. You’ll need to call an air conditioning service company to reinstall the drain line. Searching for the “Best HVAC Company Near Me?” Smith & Co Is Here to Answer the Call! Routine maintenance of your air conditioner system is vital to keeping the system running smoothly without leaks. Failure to keep the unit clean will cause dirt build-up, requiring the system to work overtime to keep the air cool. This creates wear and tear on the unit, and you might have to repair the system more often or even replace the system altogether. At Smith & Company HVAC, we understand that AC unit leaks can be frustrating. Don’t hesitate to reach out and have an experienced HVAC professional fix any leak issues.
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