There are several ways to heat and cool a home, but the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Cooling) system is one of the most common. This is partly because the HVAC heats and cools the whole building at one time while most other methods heat or cool only specific areas. For instance, the portable window air conditioner is great for cooling small areas, but it only works for a single room and is blocked by any obstructing walls. These limiting features make it an expensive method of cooling a large home or homes with multiple stories because it takes so may units to do the job properly.
The HVAC typically comes in two separate pieces. The outside component is the condensing system which provides the cooling force of the air conditioner. The condenser pumps a compressed refrigerant into the evaporator coil housed inside the rest of the HVAC. This coil is located inside the home where it can collect heat from the building. As this heat is collected through the coil it chills the coil and this chill is spread through the home by a blower system.
The inner portion of the HVAC also holds the furnace. There are two basic types. One is an electric model that uses electrical resistance to generate heat. The other burns natural gas or propane to create heat. Once the heat is created in the air exchange system it is transferred through the air ducts into the various rooms of your home. However, it is important to realize that your HVAC equipment needs regular maintenance to operate properly. This generally means service at least once a year to ensure everything is operating properly and that any coils are properly cleaned. Above all, you should never operate the appliances until they quit unless you are planning to replace them anyhow. It can be a very expensive proposition.
One other thing to consider with your HVAC system is air duct cleaning. Keeping the ducts clean can improve the quality of the air in your home and lower the level of dust that gets distributed. Visit the website for more information.