Lexington Heating And Air is a common acronym that you’ve probably seen, heard, or used before in regard to residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Whether in homes or large office buildings, HVAC plays an important role in keeping the temperature of the building comfortable and regulating excess moisture. HVAC also removes pollutants and odors from the Air.
HVAC is an abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s an umbrella term for all the various cooling and heating systems homeowners use to change the temperature and humidity of indoor Air. It also encompasses large-scale refrigeration in commercial structures and vehicles.
Despite being an umbrella term, each system still functions differently. For instance, a forced-air system that includes an air conditioner and a furnace uses a blower to circulate treated Air through ducts or a home’s living spaces. However, not all air conditioners have a furnace; they can be standalone units. Some are even able to monitor and control the humidity of a home’s Air.
A typical HVAC system has nine parts: the air return, filter, air ducts, vents, electrical components, outdoor unit, compressor, coils and blower. It’s important to have these parts working well together for optimum performance.
For most homeowners, choosing the right system depends on a number of factors. Some of these include location, size of the house and price range. Other factors may include a homeowner’s comfort preferences such as energy efficiency or quietness. While DIY installation can be a good option for some, most installations should be left to professionals to ensure safety and code compliance.
HVAC technicians need a high level of technical knowledge to repair and service systems. They are also exposed to electrical shock and toxic chemicals while working on a job site. For this reason, an apprenticeship or full-time postsecondary program is essential for those interested in pursuing an HVAC career.
An associate’s degree in Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning is a great place to start, as it provides the fundamentals of the field as well as hands-on experience. The next step is to complete a state-approved journeyman apprenticeship to learn the ins and outs of the profession.
With an estimated shortage of 400,000 HVAC technicians in the United States, it’s more important than ever to encourage young adults to pursue careers in the industry. With lucrative salaries and plenty of room for advancement, it’s an ideal career choice for those who want a steady income and work with cutting-edge technology.
What Is the Difference Between Heating and Cooling Systems?
Choosing a heating and cooling system that suits your climate and the thermal performance of your home is essential. The type of system you choose will also depend on how much heating and cooling you need, and whether you wish to have central systems that heat or cool most or all rooms of the house or space heaters and air conditioners for smaller areas. If you are considering a central system, make sure that the appliance is correctly sized to suit your needs and that it includes zoning settings that shut off heating in areas of the home that are not being used.
The majority of heating systems use a furnace, which consumes gas, oil, or electricity to generate the heat that is channelled to living areas via ductwork. This traditional combination of heating and cooling is referred to as forced-air. The thermostat, a heat-sensitive switch, is the basic control that recognizes when the air temperature falls below your set point and turns on the system to warm the room.
Other types of heating systems include radiant and electric heating. Radiant systems work by warming the walls, floors, or ceilings of rooms or by heating radiators in the floor or wall. These systems can be efficient in warm climates, but they cannot be used to distribute the conditioned Air generated by an air conditioning system.
Many central systems have a combined cooling and heating option, such as reverse cycle air conditioning or hydronic systems. If you are thinking of installing a central system, make sure it is properly sized for your home and that the ducts have been designed and installed by accredited experts. Ducts that are too small can waste energy by forcing the system to run harder, and those that are too large will waste money on installation and electricity costs by conditioning unused spaces.
How Does a HVAC System Work?
Your home’s HVAC system is a sophisticated machine that keeps the Air in your house comfortable during what we call heating and cooling seasons. It is one of the most important systems in your home, and it can be very expensive to replace should something go wrong. Knowing a little bit about how your HVAC system works can help you understand the choices that are available to you when you need to make a purchase.
The first thing that is important to remember about your HVAC system is that it contains a large number of electrical components. It is not a simple machine like your refrigerator, but a complex system that requires regular maintenance and inspections to keep it running properly.
It is also important to remember that your HVAC system contains potentially dangerous chemicals. You should never tinker with the system yourself unless you have specific training and are qualified to do so. If you suspect that there is a problem with your unit, you should contact a professional right away.
The most common HVAC system is a forced air system that uses a blower motor to move the heat or coolness through your house’s ductwork. The blower is powered by electricity, and the Air that it moves is heated or cooled by gas or electric heating elements.
A typical home system has a thermostat as its control system. It can be an old-fashioned analog thermostat or a digital, smart thermostat that allows you to control your HVAC system from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access.
Your system may have other parts that make it unique. For example, some older systems use boilers to warm water and then distribute it through radiators. A more recent option is a heat pump, which has many of the same functions as a traditional furnace but is much more energy efficient.
Most residential HVAC systems are split systems, which have a separate outdoor unit for cooling and heating. These units contain a compressor and condenser coil, and they connect to an indoor unit with an evaporator coil. The copper tubing that runs between the two units contains refrigerant, which is chemically engineered to vaporize at moderate temperatures.
Why Should I Call a HVAC Contractor?
Whenever you notice a problem with your home’s heating or cooling system, it is important to call a professional right away. These professionals are skilled, licensed technicians who work on air conditioning, ventilation, and heating systems and know how to diagnose and fix any issues with them. They can also help you choose a new HVAC system that fits your needs and budget.
When choosing an HVAC contractor, be sure to find one who has a good reputation in the community. You can do this by checking online reviews or calling their customer service line. A company with a great reputation will always go above and beyond to ensure their customers are happy.
Additionally, you should find out if the contractor is insured and bonded. This is essential for any business, but especially so for an HVAC contractor, as the industry can be risky and costly. Look for an insurance policy with general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
You should also check whether the HVAC contractor is NATE-certified. This is a national certification program for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians that offers professional-level testing for the field. It isn’t required, but many contractors pursue it as a way to demonstrate their knowledge and skills and separate themselves from the competition.
It’s also important to hire a contractor who is experienced with the type of system you have in your home. For example, some HVAC contractors specialize in hydronic systems, while others work on forced air systems. Choosing an experienced technician will save you time and money in the long run, as they won’t have to spend as much time learning about your specific equipment.
Lastly, be sure to request estimates from several contractors before hiring one. This will give you an idea of how much each is charging and allow you to compare prices. It’s also a good idea to look for a company that offers financing options or coupons, as this can make the difference when it comes to affording maintenance, repair, or replacement costs. The bottom line is that the more you take care of your HVAC system, the longer it will last and the less likely it is to need repairs or replacements.