Traditional central HVAC systems are composed of multiple units which are in turn compose of multiple moving parts. We’re going to break down your typical central AC unit in order to help you better understand HVAC systems and how to troubleshoot them, we’re going to list out each major component and what it does.
1. Thermostat: People often forget that the thermostat is a part of the HVAC system. In fact, this is such an important part of your system that without it, you can’t even turn your system on! Your thermostat plays a major role in your home’s heating and cooling because it monitors your homes temperature and adjusts your HVAC system accordingly.
2. Furnace: Your furnace is the largest component of your HVAC system and can usually be found in a utility closet, your garage, or sometimes your laundry room/ basement. Your furnace heats your home and is composed of many small parts that play a role in not only heating but air flow.
3. Evaporator coil: The evaporator coils is what cools down outside air before it is distributed throughout your home.
4. Condensing unit: This is the outdoor unit that you usually find in your side yard. This unit consists of a large fan that blows out the hot air that used to be in your home. It also pumps refrigerant to your indoor air handling unit to cool outside air.
5. Refrigerant lines: These lines carry refrigerant to the condensing unit in the form of gas. This gas is transformed to liquid form, then transferred back to the evaporator coil.
