How Are Your Heating And Air Conditioning Systems Related?
Posted on: 2 June 2021
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Modern residential HVAC systems are relatively sophisticated, and they come in many shapes and sizes. Depending on where you live, your home may feature some combination of radiant heat, central air, forced air heating, or even a heat pump. While many configurations are possible, central air conditioning with a furnace for forced air heat is one of the most common approaches for US homes.
This system offers several advantages, including affordability and ease of installation during home construction. If your home uses these methods for heating and cooling, then both systems share various components. Understanding how your heating and cooling systems relate to each other can help you to handle maintenance more efficiently and avoid potential issues with both.
The Critical Factor: Airflow
Unsurprisingly, radiant heat relies on radiation as its primary method of heat transfer. Heat travels from a heated floor, floorboard heater, or radiator until it hits a solid surface, directly warming that object. On the other hand, forced-air heating uses convection. Heating your home through convection involves moving warm air from your furnace to each room in your house.
Air conditioners rely on a similar method for cooling. Your air conditioner's evaporator absorbs heat in your air handler unit, and the newly cooled air travels through your ductwork to cool your home's rooms. Since both systems need a method to provide airflow, this is where you can find the majority of their shared components.
Keeping the Air Moving
Your home's HVAC system relies on a blower to distribute air through your ductwork. Your blower unit is a fan, typically located in the air handler housing, that moves air over the furnace's heat exchanger or the air conditioner's evaporator. The blower pulls air from your home's return air vents and through a filter to remove contaminants and other particulate matter before redistributing it to each room.
Any problems with airflow can have significant negative impacts on both systems. If warm air does not move away from the heat exchanger, it can overheat and crack. This situation can lead to dangerous exhaust gases entering your home. Likewise, your air conditioner's evaporator may freeze, which can overwork your compress and cause costly damage.
Most blowers can last the lifetime of an HVAC system, but the best way to extend the life of yours is with routine filter changes. Any airflow restriction can place extra strain on the blower, which may cause premature wear. If you do notice your blower unit making unit sounds (typically grinding or squealing), contact an HVAC professional immediately to avoid damaging other critical HVAC components.
For more information, contact a local HVAC service.