The right HVAC system for your home depends on your energy needs and budget. Choose a brand with a strong reputation and reliable warranty offerings.
Look for a system with modern features, such as a programmable thermostat and remote control. Also, check if the unit is designed to operate quietly. For professional help, you can contact HVAC Lexington KY.
The thermostat is what connects the HVAC system to you, giving you control over when the system turns on and off. It is also what determines the temperature you want in your home at different times of day. Depending on the condition of your thermostat, it may be costing you money in energy bills or making you uncomfortable in your home.
A bad thermostat can cause you to think your HVAC system is malfunctioning when it is actually the thermostat itself that’s not working properly. The most common reason for a non-responsive thermostat is that the batteries have gone low or dead, and replacing them is a simple task. If the problem persists, it is best to call a professional to inspect and possibly replace your thermostat.
Before replacing your thermostat, it is a good idea to shut off the power to the unit at the breaker box in order to prevent any accidents from happening. You should then remove the old unit from the wall and keep all of the screws together to save time when you are mounting the new one. You should also note or take pictures of the internal wiring if you want to ensure you are connecting the new thermostat to the correct wires for quicker installation.
Inside a typical thermostat, there is a strip of two different metals bolted together to form what’s called a bimetallic strip. When the bimetallic strip gets hot, one of the metals expands at a faster rate than the other, and this causes the strip to bend, which activates a switch that connects to an electrical circuit connected to your heating system.
This switch is controlled by the set point lever, which is moved to the right for a higher temperature setting. This in turn sets the temperature reading that is transmitted to your heater control valve. The moving contact in the thermostat is attached to the bimetallic strip via a wire of the pair, and it is connected to the heater’s electric gas valve via another wire of the pair.
Combustion Chamber
A combustion chamber is a space inside your furnace that is designed to hold the combustion of fuel and air to heat your home. This process also releases carbon monoxide, which is why it is so important to have a functioning HVAC system that regularly performs heating cycles and checks for any cracks in the combustion chamber that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
The primary combustion chamber, also referred to as the combustor, is a box-like vessel lined with refractory material inside. It is positioned in the middle of the power turbine between the compressor and the power turbine and used to provide mechanical energy to turn the compressor and produce thrust from high-temperature exhaust gas.
A combustible fuel is mixed with the compressed air coming out of the compressor and burns in a gas-fired burner to produce mechanical energy to drive the turbine that produces electricity. The combustion gases are then exhausted through the nozzle.
During the compression stroke, the piston is near TDC (top dead center). The clearance volume consists of the piston bowl, the piston-cylinder head gap, and the valve recess. Less than 15% of the total clearance volume is utilized during the combustion phase. This is primarily due to the piston-cylinder head gap and the valve recess being partially closed at this time.
When the combustion cycle is complete, the piston is at TDC again and the intake valves are opened and the oxidizer is injected through an injection nozzle into the low oxygen region of the combustion chamber. This reduces the combustion temperature and lowers the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
The combustor is designed to mix the oxidizer and fuel spray with the combustion air. This is a difficult task, as the combustion process creates a large volume of heated air and a pressure drop that could lead to leakage of combustion gasses from the vent connector. This is why spill switches are installed on these devices.
In addition to this, the combustor is designed with a minimum of surface area to minimize turbulence and flame instability, which wastes energy. The shape is normally circular to avoid bending stresses that might deform the metal. Metal expands when hot and contracts when cool, which can cause cracks in the combustion chamber. If the cracked metal is exposed to carbon monoxide from your furnace, it can cause poisoning if not properly repaired.
Ductwork
The ductwork system is responsible for transferring heated or cooled air from the furnace, air handler and compressor to the air vents in your home. It also plays a critical role in your HVAC system’s energy efficiency, indoor air quality and comfort.
If your ducts aren’t properly sealed, insulated or sized, you may experience a number of problems with your HVAC equipment and the living spaces that it serves. Some of the most common issues include:
Dirty living areas: If your ducts are dirty, they could start blowing dust and allergens around the house, negatively affecting the quality of life in that space. Additionally, dirt clogged ducts can cause your forced-air system’s filters to get dirty much quicker than they should, resulting in the need for more frequent filter changes. Lastly, dirty ducts can also increase the amount of mold spores that circulate throughout your living spaces.
Energy waste: Leaky ducts can cause your system to work harder to compensate for the air that is escaping through duct leaks. This extra workload can shorten your equipment’s lifespan.
Poorly located vents: When a vent is positioned too high or too low on the wall, it can limit the flow of air. This causes the system to overheat and overcool a room, creating uncomfortable temperatures and excessive wear and tear on the equipment.
Poor ductwork insulation: Ducts require proper installation and insulation in order to operate efficiently. If the ducts aren’t properly insulated or the insulation isn’t of adequate R-value, it can lead to leaking and reduced energy efficiency. Another way that ducts can reduce your HVAC’s energy efficiency is when they are blocked by furniture, boxes and other items placed in front of or on top of the vent openings. This will force your HVAC unit to overwork and cost you more money to maintain your desired temperature. A professional can properly insulate your ductwork to prevent these blockages from occurring. A professional can also help you choose the best type of ductwork for your home based on your needs and budget.
Filters
Filters are essential to the operation of your HVAC system. They prevent contaminants from entering your system and causing damage. They also help to improve air quality by trapping pollutants in the filter itself. There are many different types of filters available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. It is important to choose a filter that fits your system and meets your needs.
The most common type of filter is a fiberglass filter. This is made from layered fiberglass and is designed to catch larger particles such as dust and dirt. However, these filters have a low MERV rating and do not effectively capture smaller particles such as pollen or pet dander. As such, they are not recommended for households with allergies or respiratory problems. Fiberglass filters are inexpensive and disposable, making them an ideal option for homeowners on a budget.
Other types of filters include pleated and electronic filters. These are typically a little more expensive than traditional filters but they offer better filtration. The pleating of the filter increases its surface area which allows it to trap more particulates. Additionally, electronic filters may create ozone which can be a health concern for individuals with respiratory issues.
In addition to reducing the amount of airborne pollution in your home, filters can also reduce energy costs. Dirty filters cause the system to work harder to distribute heat or air, which can lead to higher utility bills. By changing the filters on a regular basis, you can ensure that your system is working as efficiently as possible.
Changing your filters is one of the most affordable ways to maintain your HVAC system. Regularly checking and replacing your filters will not only help to keep your home healthy but it will also prolong the life of your equipment. If you are noticing a spike in your utility bills, be sure to check your filters and replace them as needed.