The Essential Guide to HVAC Systems: Everything You Need to Know About Keeping Your Home Comfortable


Introduction: What is an HVAC System, and How Does it Work?

Have you ever wondered how your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer? The answer lies in an HVAC system. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and it is a system that regulates the temperature of your home. It works by combining heating and cooling systems to keep your home comfortable all year round. An air conditioning unit is responsible for cooling down the air while a furnace heats it up. The air is then circulated through ducts throughout your house so that every room can be kept at a comfortable temperature.


So next time you walk into a room and feel just the right amount of warmth or coolness, remember that it’s thanks to an HVAC system!


Types of HVAC Systems & Their Benefits

HVAC systems are essential for providing comfortable temperatures in homes and businesses; with so many different types of HVAC systems available, it can be hard to know which one is the best choice. Fortunately, understanding the different types of HVAC systems and their benefits can help you make an informed decision. From split system HVAC to heat pump systems, each type of system has its own advantages that you should consider before making a purchase.


Split systems are like the air conditioner superheroes of the installation world: they save you from the heat (or cold!) with their superpower! Typical air conditioners are paired with an evaporator coil and furnace indoors, but there are also split systems with a single indoor and outside unit, these are called heat pumps. Heat pumps do not use gas to warm your home, but instead use electricity to pump heat from the outside into the inside of your home. Once it's in, it can be used to warm your home or cool your home. When you install a heat pump, the outdoor unit pulls heat from the outside environment and then distributes it through your home on its own. The indoor unit's job is to distribute that hot air around, according to your heating needs. That way, both units share the load of keeping your home warm at night or cool during the day.


Split systems are available in different sizes for all kinds of climates and residences. So no matter what you have going on in your life and family needs, there's a size to fit it! Give us a call to see what type of system is right for you.


Maintenance Tips for Your HVAC System - How to Keep it Running Smoothly

Keeping your HVAC system running smoothly is essential for a comfortable home. But, with so many different components of the system, it can be hard to know where to start. Fortunately, there are some simple maintenance tips that you can follow to help keep your HVAC system in top shape. From cleaning the coils to creating an AC maintenance checklist, these tips will help you ensure that your HVAC system is running at its best!


1. Cleaning the coils

Regularly cleaning your coils prevents dust from building up and creates a healthy environment for your HVAC system. Many people start cleaning their coils the moment they purchase a new heating or cooling system to get it ready for use, but you can also schedule routine cleanings to ensure that your system is working at its best.


2. Changing the filter

When it comes to your HVAC system, changing the filter is one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy home. Many people forget about changing their filters regularly, but this can cause any number of problems for your system, from poor air flow to dirty breathing. Before long, you will find yourself struggling with performance issues!


3. Making an AC maintenance checklist

Taking an inventory of what needs regular attention on your HVAC system will help you stay ahead of any problems or issues that may arise in the future. This includes checking up on things like filters and air flow, and keeping tabs on any damage that may have occurred.




Common Issues With HVAC Systems & How to Troubleshoot Them

It's no secret that HVAC systems can be a bit temperamental. With the cost of repairs and maintenance, it's important to know how to troubleshoot common issues with them before calling in a professional.


Check the breaker

The south is a hotbed for electricity surges, thanks to the thunderstorms, never-ending rain & pine trees galore. It's a wonder we even get power during the majority of our days! As a southern girl, I'm thrilled to keep you in the loop… CHECK YOUR BREAKER… especially if there was a storm recently. Your HVAC system has multiple breakers and disconnects to make sure you're safe, but they are not always as powerful as you may think. If your HVAC system is running during an electrical surge and the electricity overloads your breaker, it will shut off the power to the unit to protect it!


Change the filter

A neglected filter can cause tons of issues in your humble abode; don't let that happen to you! A dirty air filter can cause your air to smell bad, your HVAC system to work harder to keep you comfortable, and in some circumstances your HVAC system can overheat and stop working all together.


Check your thermostat

Before you shiver your way through the winter, or break a sweat this summer, make sure you check your thermostat. It's important to keep track of its power source and if the batteries need to be changed. You'll also want to be sure it's set correctly for heating or cooling, so you don't end up with an uncomfortable temperature in your home!


We are here to help

H&H Mechanical is always here to help. If you have questions about how your system operates or are looking to replace your dinosaur in the attic, give us a call or send us a message, and we will gladly answer any questions you have.

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By Loren Crabtree • March 25, 2025
Why You Might Not Change the Ductwork When Replacing Your HVAC System When it comes time to replace your HVAC system, a question that frequently arises is whether the existing ductwork also needs to be replaced. Surprisingly, the answer isn't always a resounding yes. While it might seem logical to overhaul everything at once for efficiency's sake, several compelling reasons might sway your decision to retain the existing ductwork. Here's why: 1. Condition of Existing Ductwork The primary consideration is the condition of your current ductwork. If it's in good shape, free from leaks, and not showing signs of significant wear like corrosion or damage, it can often remain in place. Quality ductwork can last decades if properly installed and maintained, meaning it might outlast an HVAC unit itself. 2. Cost Efficiency Replacing ductwork is an extensive and sometimes invasive process that can significantly add to the overall cost of HVAC system replacement. If the current ductwork is still functional and efficient, keeping it can save you a substantial amount of money and time. It's all about balancing the cost versus benefits, and if the ductwork isn't contributing to energy loss or performance issues, the expenditure might not be justified. 3. Compatibility and Sizing In many cases, the existing ductwork is perfectly compatible with the new HVAC unit. Proper sizing is critical for the efficiency of the HVAC system — if the ducts were correctly sized for the old unit, and the new unit is of a similar size and capacity, there's often no need for adjustment. However, significant changes in the size or type of HVAC system could warrant a reassessment and potential replacement of the ductwork. 4. Minimal Performance Gains The performance boost from replacing ductwork might not be as significant as expected, particularly if your existing ducts are in good condition. The efficiency and functionality of your HVAC system depend largely on the unit itself, proper installation, and regular maintenance. While new ductwork can offer improvements, especially if the old system had issues, the marginal gains might not always justify the cost for systems already operating efficiently. 5. Environmental Considerations Retaining existing ductwork can also be a more environmentally friendly option. By not replacing the ducts, you're reducing waste and the demand for new materials. This approach aligns with the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling, contributing to a lower environmental impact. Final Thoughts Deciding not to replace the ductwork during an HVAC system upgrade isn't about cutting corners; it's about making an informed choice based on the condition, compatibility, and the potential cost and environmental impact. However, it's crucial to have your current system evaluated by a professional to ensure that keeping the existing ductwork is the best decision for your home's comfort and efficiency. Regular inspections and maintenance will keep your HVAC system, and its ductwork running smoothly for years to come, ensuring that when the time for replacement comes, you'll be ready to make the best choice for your home.

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Why does my air conditioner run in the winter?

By Loren Crabtree • February 25, 2025
Why Does My Air Conditioner Run in the Winter? Discovering that your air conditioner is running during the colder months can be a surprising and confusing experience. However, there are legitimate reasons for this occurrence, some of which are by design and others that might indicate a need for maintenance. Understanding why this happens can ease your concerns and help ensure that your HVAC system is functioning as efficiently as possible, even when the mercury drops. 1. Heat Pump Operation The most common reason your air conditioner seems to be active in winter is if you have a heat pump system. Heat pumps are designed to cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter, using the outdoor unit in both operations. In heating mode, the system reverses the flow of refrigerant, extracting heat from the outdoor air and transferring it indoors. So, if your "air conditioner" is running in the winter, it's likely that it's actually your heat pump operating in its heating mode. 2. Defrost Mode In winter, the outdoor unit of a heat pump can accumulate frost, which reduces its efficiency in heating mode. To combat this, heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle. During this cycle, it may appear that your air conditioning is running since the system temporarily reverses back to cooling mode to generate warm air to melt the frost on the outdoor unit. This is a normal and necessary function of a heat pump in colder weather. 3. Thermostat Settings Occasionally, the reason your air conditioning runs in winter could be due to incorrect thermostat settings. If your thermostat is set to "cool" instead of "heat" or "auto," your air conditioning system will activate, regardless of the outside temperature. This is a simple fix but one that can significantly affect comfort and energy bills. 4. Integrated HVAC Systems Some modern HVAC systems integrate both air conditioning and heating into a single unit, sharing interior components like air handlers and ductwork. In these systems, even when in heating mode, parts of your air conditioning system may still operate to circulate air throughout your home. This doesn’t necessarily mean the cooling function is active, but rather that the system uses the blower to distribute warm air. 5. Malfunction or System Error If none of the above reasons apply, your AC running in winter could suggest a malfunction. This could be due to a variety of issues like a faulty thermostat, a stuck reversing valve (in heat pumps), or incorrect wiring. In such cases, it's essential to contact an HVAC professional to diagnose and resolve the problem to prevent potential damage or inefficiency. Understanding and Addressing the Issue Noticing your air conditioner running in winter isn’t always cause for immediate concern. Identifying the reason is the first step towards ensuring your system's efficiency and your home's comfort. Regular maintenance and familiarizing yourself with your HVAC system can help mitigate unexpected surprises and ensure that your system serves you well, regardless of the season. If in doubt, consulting with an HVAC professional can provide clarity and peace of mind.
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