A Beginner’s Guide to HVAC Systems

It’s exciting to be a new homeowner because it marks a new chapter in your life! But, of course, this also comes with a set of responsibilities, such as familiarizing yourself with the HVAC system in your house. You shouldn’t neglect this because it heats and cools your home in times of need.

Discover the basics of an HVAC system with our helpful guide and learn how to make a maintenance checklist to keep your appliances in tip-top shape.

What Are the Basics of HVAC Systems?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems—all of which allow you to control the temperature in your home. Learning everything about HVAC systems can be overwhelming since there’s a lot to consider, but we’ll cover what you need to know right here:

Different Types of HVAC Systems

The first thing in HVAC basics is to determine your HVAC system. Below is a list of the different kinds for your reference:

1. Standard Split Systems

Standard split systems come in two components: indoor and outdoor. During installation, you can choose combinations that best suit your home setup:

• Furnace and air conditioner : The former is for heating, and the latter is for cooling.
• Heat pump split system : This includes a condenser or compressor component placed outside while an air handler is inside. 
• Furnace and a heat pump : This is a hybrid system with two heat sources. A heat pump operates during moderate weather conditions, but a furnace takes its place when the temperature drops below zero.

2. Ductless Split Systems

Ductless split systems are like the standard version because it also has indoor and outdoor units. However, ductless split systems don’t require passages, which makes it a good choice for homes without ductwork.

3. Packaged Systems

If your house doesn’t have a basement, a packaged HVAC system is a common choice. This type has one big metal cabinet that contains all parts of an HVAC system and is usually found outside your home. 

7 Tips for Maintaining Your HVAC System

Our next tip is to make sure you maintain your HVAC systems. You need to care for your unit to prolong its lifespan and functionality regardless of the climate. Here are our HVAC basics guide for effective maintenance:

1. Schedule Regular Maintenance Checks

Maintenance checks are part of the heating and cooling solutions of HVAC systems. Professional technicians conduct this process to identify problems that need to be addressed. Inspecting your furnace and air conditioner can extend their lifespans and have them ready when you need them.

Regularly performing maintenance checks allows you to save more money. This is because a technician can detect an issue before it gets worse and from there, you can make necessary repairs to fix the problem.

2. Replace the Filters Regularly

Remember to change the air filters every three months to maintain good air quality. When your HVAC system is constantly used, it’s easy to collect dust and dander, which causes hay fever.

3. Always Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clean

The condensing unit is placed outside your house and quickly collects dirt over time. But you can always get rid of the dust with water to remove the grime build up. Don’t forget to pick up debris to prevent them from entering your unit. 

At the same time, ensure that the surroundings of your outdoor HVAC unit are clean. Sweep fallen leaves and remove weeds that form at the base of your unit. 

4. Be Alert for Signs of Problems

You need to familiarize yourself with the various problems your HVAC unit can encounter. These include a burning smell from the furnace or water leaking from your air conditioner. 

Learning what these signs mean can help you prevent further damage. 

5. Keep an Eye Out on Your Air Conditioning Drain Line

Part of learning HVAC basics is ensuring that the drain line of your air conditioner is free flowing. Take out any blockage to prevent clogging, breakdowns and interior leaks. Doing this can deliver cool and better air quality in your rooms. 

6. Never Block the Airflow to Your HVAC System

Make your house energy efficient by keeping the airflow to your HVAC system free flowing. Avoid placing any object in front of it since it restricts the unit and causes your furnace and air conditioner to work harder. 

In turn, you can end up with an overheated unit and increased energy consumption.

7. Inspect the Ductwork of Your Home

Dirty or damaged ductwork can contaminate the home’s air quality and create a humid environment in your home. Prevent this by cleaning and inspecting your ductwork for any problems. Doing so allows you to spot if there are leaks.

Let LG Home Comfort Guide You With Your HVAC Systems

It might seem intimidating at first, but learning HVAC basics is easy.

LG Home Comfort is dedicated to providing extensive and easy-to-understand knowledge to its customers. Our industry-trained technicians are also here to guide you with HVAC systems and how to keep them in the best condition.

Get a quote for our services now and also receive 24/7 assistance from us!