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What Is HVAC & What Does It Stand For?

As a homeowner, you may be easily confused by the term “HVAC.” Sure, you’ve heard it before and probably have a general understanding as to what HVAC is, but do you really know all of the types of services that fall under the HVAC umbrella?

Today, we will go into further detail regarding what exactly HVAC is, along with the several types of services that fall under it.

What is HVAC?

HVAC is defined as Heating, Ventilation, and Air Cooling. The term refers to the different systems used for moving air between indoor and outdoor areas, along with heating and cooling your property. HVAC is what keeps you warm & cozy during the winter, and cold & fresh during the summer. Additionally, HVAC systems are used to control the quality of air in your home, filtering out dust, allergens, and other particles that may be present.

How does HVAC work?

Put simply, HVAC equipment is meant to move air, whether it’s heating or cooling an indoor space. Typically, HVAC systems contain three major elements: a heating unit, cooling unit, and duct to move the air.

In some cases, your equipment may be separate. This is commonly seen in radiant systems combined with window air conditioning units. More commonly, we see combined systems, such as central heating and AC systems that use a single blower to circulate air via internal ducts in a home, or with a ductless system for different rooms or zones in the house.

HVAC Basics

Most people don’t want to know how their HVAC unit works until it stops working. With HVAC repairs and replacements being relatively costly, it is important to learn how your HVAC unit works so that you can properly maintain it and avoid repairs down the line.

Heating Your Home: How It Works

The majority of homes in North America rely on a central furnace to provide heat in their home. The furnace is responsible for blowing heated air through the ducts that deliver warm air throughout the house. Below, you can find more information regarding how the process of heating your home works.

Furnace – Generates heat through electrical energy or burning its fuel source (typically gas, but can be propane or oil as well).

Heat Pump – When heating, the heat pump absorbs heat from the outdoor unit and transfers it inside. A common myth is that heat pumps

Cooling Your Home: How It Works

A common myth is that air conditioners create cold air for your home. This is not the case, as air conditioners and heat pumps actually absorb heat from within a home, then move it to the outdoor unit. Below, you can find a more information regarding some of the most important aspects of an air conditioning unit.

Refrigerant – Your cooling unit uses a chemical compound called refrigerant to absorb environmental heat and provide cool air once run through compressors and evaporators. It is important to make sure that you use the right kind of refrigerant, as the incorrect one can damage your unit.

Heat Pump – Opposite to its’ function in heating, a heat pump can do the reverse during the cooling stage. During cooling, the heat pump is responsible for absorbing heat from the inside and transferring it outside.

Ventilating Your Home: How It Works

Ventilation is defined as the process of replacing or exchanging air within a space. This results in better quality of air in addition to the removal of moisture, dust, allergens, etc. Listed below are some of the key points for ventilation in your home.

Ductwork – The system of ducts (metal or synthetic tubes) responsible for transporting air from the HVAC equipment throughout your home.

Chimney Flue / Vent Stack – Used to get rid of excess heat.

HVAC Maintenance

If you happen to notice any problems with the heating and cooling, or quality of air in your home, then it is probably time to get your HVAC equipment serviced. We recommend staying away from DIY projects, as any mistakes could cost you significantly more money in the long run.

Below, we have listed the 5 most common signs that indicate your HVAC unit may require a maintenance or repair.

  • Change In Airflow
  • Increased Energy Bill
  • Old Age
  • Noises and Smells
  • Excess Moisture or Dust

Since homeowners rely on their HVAC system to keep them comfortable year round, regular maintenance is recommended to ensure that your system produces and distributes air how you’d like it to.

Choose Steve’s Heating & Cooling

Have any questions regarding your HVAC unit? Give us a call today!

Since 1975, Steve’s Heating and Cooling has serviced thousands of comfort systems throughout the Northern Kentucky area, focusing on offering only the best heating and cooling services. We provide quality installation, service, and replacement of heating and air conditioning comfort systems in single system homes, multiple system homes, multi-family dwellings, and commercial properties.

 

Air Conditioner on Roof
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6 Reasons Why Your AC Unit Is Failing This Summer 

What better feeling is there than walking inside your cool home after being outside on a hot, summer day? 

There is none!

This is a feeling that no homeowner wants to lose- but easily can. Follow these six tips to see what you can do to prevent your AC unit from failing and costing you more money this summer: 

1. Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters are the most common cause of an AC unit’s failure. When the air filters are clogged, this means that there is a particulate build-up, which prevents the air from moving around freely. 

If your air filter is clogged, you may run into these problems: 

  • The inability to cool your home properly
  • Excessive energy consumption (higher electric bill)
  • Poor air quality

These are problems that no homeowner ever wants to experience. Luckily, the solution is simple – just change out your air filters. Most filters cost around $15 for a set of three. 

*Note: Before purchasing air filters, make sure that they are compatible with your HVAC unit*

2. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is a crucial part of your AC unit. It absorbs environmental heat, then provides cool air once run through compressors and evaporators.  

During the summer, your AC unit is working as hard as it can to keep your home cool- resulting in the increased use of refrigerant. These tubes that carry the refrigerant are placed under great pressure, and may begin to crack over time. If this happens, your unit’s refrigerant will leak out, causing your home to overheat. 

These leaks can be spotted by noticing a liquid near your outdoor condenser coil. If you think you are experiencing a refrigerant leak, schedule an AC repair with one of our technicians today. Refrigerant is a toxic substance, we’d love to take care of it for you and keep you safe! 

3. Frozen Evaporator Coils

Refrigerant works hand-in-hand with the evaporator coils in your HVAC unit. These coils transform refrigerant liquid into gas, removing hot air from your home. If these coils get too cold, they can freeze and stop working properly- resulting in AC failure. 

Potential causes of frozen coils:

  • Refrigerant leak
  • Dirty air filters
  • A system blockage

If you notice an icy evaporator coil, contact your HVAC team immediately. If you put this off for too long, it may result in your entire unit being damaged, which will require even costlier repairs. 

4. Faulty Thermostat

Your AC’s thermostat displays the current temperature of your home and allows you to adjust it to your liking. If your thermostat is not properly calibrated, your AC unit may turn on and off frequently- commonly known as short-cycling.

Here are some of the many consequences of short-cycling:

  • Decreasing the overall life of your AC unit
  • Wasting energy
  • Increased electric bill
  • Making your home either too hot or too cold

If you think you have a faulty thermostat, give your HVAC team a call to look at it. There’s a chance they can repair it. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a new one. 

5. Faulty Blower Fan 

Your AC unit’s indoor fan, also known as the blower, is responsible for blowing cool air out of the system and into your home. If your blower fan is not working properly, all of the cool air will stay trapped in the system. 

Reasons for a faulty fan:

  • An internal obstruction 
  • Broken fan motor
  • Dirty AC system
  • Long term wear and tear 

Since there are so many factors leading to a faulty blower fan, you’ll want to have an HVAC specialist come and check it out. 

6. Avoiding Regular Maintenance 

The final reason why you might be dealing with AC failure results from avoiding regular maintenance on your HVAC units. AC units run best when they’re regularly maintained and properly kept. Keeping up with your unit regularly will prevent most of the problems previously mentioned from happening.

It’s a good idea to schedule maintenance on your HVAC unit at least twice a year. During this time, your specialist will: 

  • Inspect the entire system
  • Clean your coils
  • Replace your air filters

By preventing problems before they occur, you can assure you will never have to go without AC during the summertime! 

Choose Steve’s Heating & Cooling

Since 1975, Steve’s Heating and Cooling has serviced thousands of comfort systems throughout the Northern Kentucky area. From the beginning, we have focused on offering only the best heating and cooling services in Northern KY. We provide quality installation, service, and replacement of heating and air conditioning comfort systems in single system homes, multiple system homes, multi-family dwellings, and commercial properties. Contact us today!

Burning fireplace with logs
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Supplemental Heating Options Breakdown

It’s winter and, if you are like many homeowners, you might be looking for ways to supplement your main heating source. Perhaps you want to warm parts of the house that are always chilly or save money by heating the rooms you spend the most time in while keeping the rest of the house cooler. Maybe you are looking for an emergency heating option should you experience a winter power outage.

Whatever your heating needs, there are a number of options on the market. Here’s your guide to finding the right one for you.

Space Heaters

Space heaters come in a wide range of heating capacities. They are designed to warm a single room or small space by focusing heat in areas you need it instead of running your central heating system at full blast. Space heaters are usually powered via electrical outlet but some run on propane, natural gas, kerosene, or wood pellets.

Pros:

  • Energy efficient: Instead of heating the whole house, space heaters allow you to direct heat to areas you frequent, limiting your home’s environmental impact.
  • Lower energy bills: it is cheaper to use a space heater than to rely solely on your central heating system.

Cons:

  • If used improperly, space heaters can be a big hazard. More than 25,000 house fires and over 6,000 emergency room visits each year are blamed on space heaters.
  • Children and pets are often drawn to space heaters, risking injury.
  • Space heaters should not be used unsupervised or at night while you are sleeping.

Popular Types of Space Heaters

Radiator Heaters

These heaters warm the small areas in their “line of sight”. Instead of heating the air, radiant heaters give off radiating heat waves that warm clothes, skin, and objects.

Radiant heaters work best if you are trying warm a specific spot in your house, like a play corner or your favorite reading nook. Radiant heaters are especially effective in drafty areas and rooms with high ceilings.

Pros:

    • Indoor and outdoor use
    • Very efficient and warm areas quickly
    • Typically small and portable

Cons:

    • Don’t circulate heat around a room
    • May be dangerous to small children and pets if heating elements are exposed

Convection Heaters

Also known as forced air heaters, they use a fan to circulate warm air, thus they work best in enclosed areas that are properly insulated. Because they warm up the air itself, convection heaters take longer to raise the temperature in the room.

Pros:

    • Heats the entire room
    • Best in small, well-insulated areas

Cons:

    • Less energy efficient than radiant heaters.
    • Because they use a fan to circulate air, they are louder than other options and often kick up dust
    • Relatively ineffective in poorly insulated areas

Filler Space Heaters

These heaters are filled with a material (usually oil) that is heated with electricity. It takes a while for the filler to warm up, once it is heated, it generates uninterrupted heat to the whole room.

Pros:

    • No exposed heating coils or electrical elements that pose threat of injury or fire
    • Very quiet

Cons:

    • Quite heavy, larger, and more difficult to move around
    • Take longer to heat up and cool down

Types of Fireplaces

Fireplaces are cozy and cheery on cold, winter days but they aren’t portable, so fireplaces can only heat the area of the house in which they are located. However, you can use some fireplaces effectively for “zone heating”.

Wood burning fireplaces

These are the least efficient types of fireplaces for generating heat. Nearly 80% of the heated air is lost up the chimney of a traditional fireplace. If your goal is to generate supplemental or emergency heat, a wood fireplace is not an efficient option, despite its cheery crackle.

In addition to inefficient heat, wood burning fireplaces require more maintenance than all other fireplace options, pose greater fire risk, and demand a supply of chopped, dry wood.

Gas fireplaces

Gas log fireplaces are far more efficient than wood fireplaces. About 70% of the generated heat stays in your home. They can be remote controlled and provide all the benefits of a wood burning fireplace without the mess, maintenance hassle, and fire hazards.

Vented Gas Fireplace

These fireplaces work very similarly to a traditional wood fireplace, but they burn gas or propane and they look almost exactly like a traditional wood fireplace! Most traditional fireplaces can be converted to vented gas.

Pros:

    • Easier and less expensive to install than wood burning fireplaces
    • Many options on where vented fireplaces can be installed
    • Look very similar to wood burning fireplaces
    • Very efficient at generating heat

Cons:

    • Use more gas than ventless gas fireplaces
    • Put out less heat than ventless gas fireplaces, but far more than wood burning
    • Usually need an existing fireplace and chimney in your home (or have significant installation costs)

Ventless Gas Fireplace:

These fireplaces burn gas or propane and use the air in your home to generate heat. They are the most efficient type of fireplace because all the heat remains inside and there is no connection to the outside.

Pros:

    • Most efficient fireplace option for heat source
    • Can be installed almost anywhere

Cons:

    • Logs are set by the manufacturer and cannot be rearranged
    • Some people are sensitive to the combustion byproducts
    • Higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
    • Produce moisture and sometimes condensation on windows
    • Less natural, bluish flame

It’s important to consider all your options when thinking about supplemental heat. None of these options seem energy efficient enough for you? Check out our post on Nest Thermostats and see if a zoning option could be right for you.

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HVAC Maintenance Check List for Your Summer Tune-Up

We all want the perfect amount of heat during the winter and just the right amount of cool during the summer. And while this is perhaps most obvious during the months of subzero temperatures and scorching heat waves, home heating and air conditioning is usually the last thing on our mind when the weather is nice. But now isn’t just a time to crack the windows in your home and enjoy 70-degree weather. Now is also the best time for an HVAC inspection and maintenance.

If your heat pump or air conditioner malfunctions, you may have to go several days without it while you wait for a repair or – worse – several weeks without cool air if it needs to be replaced. You can prevent this from happening! Best of all, routine HVAC maintenance will also improve your system’s performance, extend its life, and reduce your energy bill. Talk about comfort on multiple levels!

Here are steps that you can take now so you can be comfortable this summer.

HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Homes with an HVAC system either have a heat pump or a conventional air conditioner. While each functions differently in the way they heat and cool your home, they typically benefit from the same, general maintenance. Moreover, both typically consist of two halves: an indoor unit and an accompanying outdoor unit. For your tune-up, we’ll start with your outside unit.

#1. Turn the Power Off

Before you begin working on your HVAC system, you need to turn the power off. Most outside units have a disconnector located only a few feet away. Most disconnectors consist of a handle that is covered by a lid or panel. Pulling on this handle will cut off power to the unit, but not the flow of electricity to the disconnector. In other words, the disconnector will remain “live.” It’s imperative that you cover the disconnector and ensure that none of its other areas are exposed before proceeding. For added safety, you can locate the breaker that controls your HVAC system and switch it off.

Safety should be your highest priority. If you have concerns at any point during this process, contact an HVAC technician to handle your heat pump or A/C maintenance for you.

Maintaining the Outdoor HVAC Unit

#2. Inspect the Unit Panels

Extreme weather is harsh on outside units. As you would expect, outdoor units are enclosed in panels that protect their electrical components from the elements. Check every side of the unit to ensure that panels are intact. If panels are missing or misaligned, possibly due to a storm, you could reattach or realign the panel if it’s a simple fix. However, if electrical components are exposed, you should contact an HVAC technician to fix it for you. If so, avoid starting your system again until the unit is fully enclosed.

#3. Clear Away Debris

Winter may have left dirt and debris in the exterior condenser or compressor of your unit. In this case, you can use a heavy-duty degreaser, a hand vacuum, and good old fashioned effort to clean away leaves and other waste caught in the unit. In most cases, you will also need a screwdriver or wrench to reach the interior.

Take this opportunity to cut back any vegetation within 2 feet around your unit. While shrubs are other plants are not direct obstructions, they can still affect the airflow around your unit.

#4. Repair or Replace Pipe Insulation

Check the conduit pipe that runs between your outside unit and its inside counterpart. When this pipe is properly insulated, it will maximize your energy efficiency and consequently save you money. Otherwise, you could be making your HVAC system work harder to do less and be paying more as a result. If your insulation is thin or disintegrated, you can repair or replace it with a layer of fiberglass, foam rubber, or polyethylene foam.

#5. Clean or Replace Air Filters

Like insulation, a clean air filter provides significant benefits for relatively minor work. Depending on HVAC system, your unit will either have filters that can be cleaned or filters that are disposable and will need to be replaced. Either way, make sure to clean or replace your filters every one to three months, unless instructed otherwise by your manufacturer.

Maintaining the Indoor HVAC Unit

Now is the time to move inside to work on your blower or furnace. Like before, safety is your highest priority. You’ll want to make sure that the power to the unit is cut off before moving forward.

#6. Clean the Evaporator Coil

Locate and open the door to your unit’s evaporator coil, removing any screws or bolts as necessary. With a soft brush, remove any dust that is present and then spray the coil with a commercial coil cleaner. Next, clean out the drain pan with a mixture of soap, hot water, and a little bit of bleach. Then, pour a mixture of half a cup of bleach with a half a cup of water down the drain. When you’re done, replace and seal the door.

#7. Check the Drainage Line

Algae and mold can build up within your drainage line causing it to either flow slowly or stop flowing altogether. In order to address this, locate your drainage hose, which is usually a one-inch PVC pipe, and follow it to the end where it trains. In some cases, the line will drain outside near your other unit; however, most will end at a utility sink or floor drain in your basement. Once you’ve located the end of the drain line, attach a vacuum hose to the opening. Finally, run the vacuum for a few minutes to clear away any potential mold or algae buildup inside.

#8. Change the Air Filters

Just like your outside unit, your blower or furnace requires air filters that need to be replaced on a regular basis. This means that you should follow the same steps as you did before while still paying special attention to the type of filter you use and your manufacturer’s guidelines.

#9. Test the Unit

Finally, it’s time to start up your system to check to see if it cools your home adequately. Does everything run smoothly? Does the temperature in your home reach the degree you want it to? Does the temperature in your home change in a reasonable amount of time?

Remember, if you encountered any kind of damage that gave you a reason for concern, you’ll want to skip this step and contact an HVAC technician instead. Moreover, if you’re not fully satisfied with the quality of air in your home, turn to a professional.

Receive Professional HVAC Maintenance

While these steps will help keep your heat pump or air conditioner in good shape, keep in mind that there are some maintenance items that only a professionally trained HVAC technician can handle. These advanced procedures, together with the items listed above, will ensure that your units are in top form and fully prepare for the summer ahead. Moreover, there may be instances where you lack the tools to do some of the aforementioned steps yourself. In either case, it’s a good idea to call an HVCA professional to make sure your system is blowing cool air – and not just blowing air – when it’s sweltering outside.

At Steve’s Heating & Cooling, our goal is to provide residents of Northern Kentucky and the surrounding tri-state with ideal home comfort. We provide emergency HVAC repair maintenance as well as free estimates for system repairs and replacements. Our certified technicians are available 24/7, 365 days a year and just a phone call or e-mail away! Call us at (859) 795-2172 or e-mail us and rest assured that you’re in good hands.

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HVAC Air Filters: All Your Questions Answered

If you own or rent a home, you’ve likely changed your air conditioning unit’s air filter. If not, you might want to go take a look now. Depending on where you live in the United States, you’ll need to replace your air filter every month or just a few times a year. When to replace your air filter is dependent on a number of factors including:

  • AC run time
  • Number of people living in your home
  • Health conditions that might require cleaner air such as allergies or asthma
  • Number of pets living in your home
  • The location and environment of your home

Let’s answer some other common questions we receive from our customers and home owners about air filter replacement.

Why is replacing my home’s air filter important?

Replacing your air filter will improve the comfort levels of your home by improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and the longevity of your AC unit by filtering out dust, allergens, and other debris that can be harmful to both you and your HVAC system.

 

How often should I replace my home’s air filter?

There are many factors to answering this question but here are some general guidelines:

  • Typical house with no pets: every 3-4 months
  • House with pet(s): 1-2 months
  • Vacation property with limited use: 6-12 months

 

Does climate have an effect on my home’s air filter?

Yes, it most certainly does. In warmer clients where your AC unit is running consistently, you’ll need to change out your air filter every 1-2 months. In areas with high levels of dust, sand, or other particles, you’ll also want to change out your air filter on a monthly basis for best results. 

 

What direction should I install the air filter in my HVAC system?

When installing a new air filter directly into your furnace or AC unit, you want the arrow facing up into your main duct work and away from your return ducts. Air will flow from your return ducts, into your HVAC system, and then back into the main vents of your home.

 

If you still feel uncertain about the upkeep of your HVAC system or replacing your home’s air filter, Contact Us and one of our experts would be happy to assist you.