Imagine it's 90 plus degrees outside with high humidity. You've been working in your vegetable garden all day, and you're hot, sticky, and sweaty. The one thing you crave is hitting that wall of cold air when you walk into your house and relaxing with a tall glass of ice water. But when you open the door, you're greeted by hot, humid air instead. You have just experienced a failure of your HVAC system.
Do you check things out and handle it yourself or should you call a professional? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about HVAC systems and how to maintain them.
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is your home's temperature control system that keeps your home cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC systems account for about 48% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes1.
The concept of heating and cooling has been around for centuries. Ancient Greeks and Romans created fire channels under marble flooring for radiant heat, similar to modern radiant flooring. The Romans also had the hypocaust, a central heating system using radiant heat2. The Egyptians used man-powered fans for cooling.
In the 1400s, Leonardo Da Vinci designed a water-powered fan for cooling. Chimneys were introduced in the 1500s to provide ventilation and remove smoke from homes. Fans were also used to remove toxic gas in mines, improving worker safety.
Major HVAC advancements occurred in the 1700s. Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit invented the mercury thermometer in 17143. The first centrifugal fan ventilator was introduced. Benjamin Franklin invented the first steam heating system, and direct-fired heat exchangers were used in England. Boiler systems and hot water heating systems also emerged during this time.
In 1861, William Siemens invented the electric furnace with heated coils and fans. The first blast furnace was invented by Fayette Brown in 1885.
The 1900s saw a boom in HVAC advancements. Willis Carrier created air conditioning in 1902, and Stuart Cramer coined the term "air conditioning" in 19064. By the 1920s, air conditioning was available in homes but was still cost-prohibitive for many. Movie theaters began installing AC to attract patrons during the summer, leading to the creation of summer blockbusters.
Other notable 1900s milestones include:
In the 2000s, renewable energy remains popular with the introduction of geothermal energy systems. Zoned HVAC systems allow temperature control in each area of the home. Many systems are now Wi-Fi enabled for remote control via smartphone.
While HVAC systems can be complex, they all have four main components:
Here's a brief overview of how each component works:
Furnaces are forced-air systems that blow heated air through vents using a fan. Boilers provide radiant heating through a radiator delivery system. Heat pumps work with a furnace to heat or cool air from the ground, air, or water.
Air conditioners use a condenser and evaporator system to cool and remove moisture from the air, which is then delivered to the home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home feels cooler with lower humidity levels, which is another way AC makes your home comfortable5.
Ventilation is usually built into the heating or cooling source to remove air from the home, remove byproducts of the heating and cooling process, and filter incoming air.
The control panel, usually a thermostat, allows you to set the desired temperature for heating and cooling. It may also provide fan control.
Regular HVAC maintenance is crucial for ensuring your system runs efficiently and safely. From our research, proper maintenance can help prevent up to 35% loss of heat6. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
Have your HVAC system professionally maintained twice a year, ideally in late winter and late summer. A technician will typically:
Some HVAC maintenance tasks you can do yourself include:
However, any tasks involving electrical components, refrigerants, or fuel lines should be left to licensed professionals to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.
If your HVAC system is experiencing issues, you may wonder whether to repair or replace it. Consider replacement if:
If you're selling your home soon, opt for repairs to ensure the system is safe and functional without investing in a full replacement.
To keep your HVAC system running safely and efficiently, follow these tips:
A properly functioning HVAC system is essential for maintaining a comfortable, safe home environment. By understanding the basics of how HVAC systems work and following recommended maintenance practices, you can ensure your system operates efficiently for years to come. If you encounter issues beyond your DIY skills, don't hesitate to call a licensed professional for assistance.