Air Conditioning Heating Units. What Is HVAC Ductwork?

Air Conditioning Heating Units. The Term HVAC.

The term HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) ductwork describes any system of ductwork and vents used to channel and distribute air in a vehicle or structure. HVAC ductwork systems are used in spaces ranging from automobiles to residential homes to the largest construction sites, but all systems share certain common properties and all provide for the circulation of air. Ductwork can be made of a wide variety of materials, depending on the intended site of installation and characteristics of the HVAC system that it is designed to serve. All HVAC ductwork should be appropriately-sized, tightly sealed and securely mounted in order to operate safely and efficiently.

Portable Air Conditioning Heating Units. Cooling Systems.

A simple residential system of HVAC ductwork consists of ducts that funnel air throughout a home from a centrally-located furnace. Additional ductwork is used to return air from one or more locations within a home to the furnace, after passing that air through a filter system. An air conditioning system will often be part of this loop, as will a humidity-control system, particularly in colder or drier climates.

Large structures employ systems of HVAC ductwork that are similar in principle but larger in scale. Large central air ducts carry air throughout buildings, and that air is distributed by diffuser vents as needed. Filter systems in large structures are larger as well but serve the same basic purpose. Very large structures may feature heating and cooling systems separated by zone or floor.

Trane Heating and Air Conditioning Units. Different Materials.

HVAC ductwork can be constructed of a variety of different materials. The most basic form of ductwork consists of simple galvanized metal held together with screws or fittings. Ductwork can be insulated, to minimize heat transfer and to guard against condensation, which is a particular problem when ductwork carrying very cold air needs to pass through a zone of warmer and more humid air. Ductwork is also available in vinyl and hybrid styles, which can be beneficial because the vinyl component is not vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

Air Conditioning Heater Units. Sized Appropriately. 

Large and small HVAC ductwork systems alike should be sized appropriately for the space that they will be serving. Systems that lack sufficient capacity place additional stress on the blower units that circulate air, and systems that are too large will not allow for adequate airflow because the blower will not move enough air through the system to reach every diffuser. All HVAC ductwork systems should be sealed properly to maintain pressure in the ductwork and should be mounted securely to minimize noise and vibration.

Split Ductless Air Conditioner. What Is a Forced Air System?

Split Ductless Air Conditioner. Controlling The Climate of a Building.

A forced air system is a method of heating or cooling the interior climate of a building. As its name suggests, a forced air system literally forces heated or cooled air into a building, causing the interior temperature to rise or fall as needed. Forced air systems are quite common in many areas, since they provide an effective means of controlling the climate of a building.

Split System. The Heart Of a Forced Air System.

At the heart of a forced air system is the furnace and, when so equipped, the air conditioning unit. In buildings with forced air systems, a series of ducts and air registers draw interior air and direct it to the heater or air conditioning unit. As air is drawn into the furnace, it is heated and forced back into the rooms of a building through the use of a blower. While the heating function is operating, the system will continue the process of drawing in cold interior air, heating it at the furnace and blowing the heated air back into the building.

The mechanics of cooling the interior climate of a building is very similar to that of the heating process. Interior air is drawn through the series of ducts and registers to the air conditioning unit. Once the heat is removed from the air, the cooled air is then transported back through the forced air system into the interior of the building.

Lg Air Conditioners. Types of Air Conditioning Systems.

While there are several different types of air conditioning systems, most systems work by directing warmer interior air over a series of metal fins, pipes or coils containing a refrigerant, such as freon. As the warm air flows through the system, the heat in the air is transferred to the cold refrigerant in the metal fins, pipes or coils. The heated refrigerant is then cycled through the system to enable the heat in it to dissipate, while cooled refrigerant takes its place in the fins, pipes or coils. As with the heating process, the air conditioning process will continue as long as the forced air system is on.

Lg Mini Split Air. The Thermostat.

Most forced air systems are operated through the use of a thermostat. In many ways, the thermostat is the brain of a forced air system. In its simplest form, a thermostat enables the user to manually turn the climate control system on or off and also allows the user to predetermine at what temperature the heating or cooling system should automatically turn on or off. Some advanced thermostats provide functionality such as the ability to program the system to turn on and off at specific times of the day and at specific temperatures.

Shinco Mini Split - How Do I Maintain the Right Home Humidity?

Shinco Mini Split - Volume of Water.

Your home humidity is a measurement of the amount of vaporized water in the air. Humidity levels are naturally higher in warmer climates and lower in cooler climates. The type of home you live in can also affect your humidity measurement. Older and less energy efficient homes are prone to have lower indoor humidity levels, while more modern homes with higher energy efficiency tend to have higher humidity levels.

Ductless Mini Split System - High and low Levels.

Both high and low home humidity levels can cause problems. Humidity levels that are too high can lead to peeling paint, mold, and wet insulation. Humidity levels that are too low can cause cracks in your drywall, shrink wood floors, and loosen the joints in wood furniture.

 

Generally, people are most comfortable when home humidity is between 20 and 60 percent. It is recommended, however, that you keep your home's humidity level between 30 and 40 percent. This is the ideal humidity level because it balances your need for comfort with the conditions that are least likely to cause structural damage to your house.

Shinco Mini Split Reviews - Strategies.

There are several different strategies you can use for determining home humidity, none of which require the purchase of expensive equipment. Drop three ice cubes into a glass, add water, stir and wait for three minutes; if moisture does not form on the outside of the glass, you may need a humidifier. On the other hand, if you notice frequent fogging of your windows or moisture buildup on closet walls and room ceilings, you may have too much humidity in your home.

Shinco Air Conditioner Review - Activities that add Moisture.

Daily activities such as showering, bathing, doing laundry, and cooking all add water to the air in your home. If the humidity level in your home is too high, you should start cooking with pans covered and open a window for a few minutes to bring in cool air after the meal is complete. Taking shorter showers with cooler water may also be helpful for humidity control. If these basic changes don't help correct the problem, using a dehumidifier is recommended.

 

Shinco Mini Split - How Do I Maintain the Right Home Humidity?

Shinco Mini Split - Volume of Water.

Your home humidity is a measurement of the amount of vaporized water in the air. Humidity levels are naturally higher in warmer climates and lower in cooler climates. The type of home you live in can also affect your humidity measurement. Older and less energy efficient homes are prone to have lower indoor humidity levels, while more modern homes with higher energy efficiency tend to have higher humidity levels.

Ductless Mini Split System - High and low Levels.

Both high and low home humidity levels can cause problems. Humidity levels that are too high can lead to peeling paint, mold, and wet insulation. Humidity levels that are too low can cause cracks in your drywall, shrink wood floors, and loosen the joints in wood furniture.

 

Generally, people are most comfortable when home humidity is between 20 and 60 percent. It is recommended, however, that you keep your home's humidity level between 30 and 40 percent. This is the ideal humidity level because it balances your need for comfort with the conditions that are least likely to cause structural damage to your house.

Shinco Mini Split Reviews - Strategies.

There are several different strategies you can use for determining home humidity, none of which require the purchase of expensive equipment. Drop three ice cubes into a glass, add water, stir and wait for three minutes; if moisture does not form on the outside of the glass, you may need a humidifier. On the other hand, if you notice frequent fogging of your windows or moisture buildup on closet walls and room ceilings, you may have too much humidity in your home.

Shinco Air Conditioner Review - Activities that add Moisture.

Daily activities such as showering, bathing, doing laundry, and cooking all add water to the air in your home. If the humidity level in your home is too high, you should start cooking with pans covered and open a window for a few minutes to bring in cool air after the meal is complete. Taking shorter showers with cooler water may also be helpful for humidity control. If these basic changes don't help correct the problem, using a dehumidifier is recommended.

 

Ductless Heating Systems. Temperature and Worker Productivity.

Ductless Heating Systems. Too Hot or Too Cold.

Research has shown that office temperature is likely to influence worker productivity. Within a certain range of temperatures, workers typically are more productive. When an office is too hot or too cold, workers' productivity typically drops. What is considered the ideal office temperature can vary, but it generally is considered to be 70° to 73° Fahrenheit (21.1° to 22.8° Celsius). Some experts, however, believe that an office temperature as high as 77° Fahrenheit (25° Celsius) will result in the greatest productivity.

 

Ductless Air Conditioning.  Test Results.

 

Studies on the effect of office temperature on worker productivity typically measure such things as the workers' output levels, efficiency and accuracy. Research has shown, for example, that workers typing on keyboards usually are more productive and have fewer errors when the office temperature is 77° Fahrenheit (25° Celsius) than when it is 66° Fahrenheit (18.8° Celsius). Many studies suggest that workers are most productive when the office temperature is about 71° or 72° Fahrenheit (21.7° to 22.2° Celsius). Productivity tends to decrease more suddenly as temperatures decrease below 68° Fahrenheit (20° Celsius) and more gradually as temperatures rise past 75° Fahrenheit (23.9° Celsius).

Ductless Heating Cooling Systems. Effects of Clothing.

Some experts believe that the ideal temperature range can vary at different times of the year. One reason is because people typically dress according to the temperature outside, rather than the temperature inside the building where they will be. For example, people usually wear fewer and lighter clothes in the summer and more and heavier clothes in the winter. This can affect how hot or cold they feel at certain temperatures, so they might feel colder in the summer and warmer in the winter at the exact same temperature because they are wearing more or less clothing. The effects of this on the ideal office temperature, however, is generally considered to be small.

Ductless Heat Pump Systems. Importance to Businesses.

Businesses might be concerned about how office temperatures affect worker productivity for several reasons. The main reason, of course, is that they typically want their workers to be as productive as possible during their working hours. If a business can do something to increase its workers' productivity, such as providing a work environment that is the proper temperature, it usually will want to do it.

 

Another reason why businesses might be concerned with office temperatures is the costs that are associated with heating or cooling a building. If a company is paying to heat or cool an office to a certain temperature that it doesn't realize will actually make its workers less productive, it could be costing itself money in two ways. A company could save money and help its workers be more productive by keeping the office temperature within the ideal range at all times.

Air Heating Systems - What are the Air Return Ducts?

Air Heating Systems. Integral Part.

An air return duct typically is an integral part of any heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Generally, HVAC systems are a forced air process which blows either heat or air conditioning through ductwork into a home or business. An air return duct usually is located either in a hallway or in the ceiling, and its purpose is to extract air from a room and recycle it through the system to further condition it by cooling or heating.

Water Heating Systems - Air flow Means.

Most central air and heat systems have a condenser that is outdoors and a coil that is located indoors that allows one unit to both heat and cool a building. In the summer, the air return duct removes warm air from inside and transports it to the outside through ductwork to be conditioned. Ductwork is a sealed system that usually is located in the attic for structures with slabs or under the floors on structures that are raised off the ground. The purpose of a duct system is to give air a medium through which it can flow to reach the outdoor components, undergo the conditioning process, and return to the building. Once back in the building, the air usually is distributed by a fan through registers into the rooms.

Air Heat Pumps - Using Refrigerant.

HVAC systems typically use a refrigerant to cool the air by carrying the heat outside to the condenser. The compressor in the outside unit compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure gas. Once the gas travels through the coil outdoors, it loses heat and transforms into a liquid. It then enters the evaporator coil and expands into a low-temperature gas to absorb heat that enters into the system from the air return duct. This process repeats itself until the temperature that is set on the thermostat is reached.

Air Heating Systems Home - Sealing System.

The importance of a sealed HVAC duct system can be attributed to the temperature of the air that is extracted by the air return duct. For example, for cooling purposes warmer air rises to the ceiling and colder air remains closer to the floor. The air return duct provides circulation of cold air as it pulls the cooler air upward, passing through the warm air that is closer to the ceiling. If there is a leak in the ductwork in any portion of the system, it could pull in unconditioned air, which will take more time and electricity to effectively condition. This usually causes the HVAC system to run longer and use more electricity to achieve the desired temperature.

Residential Air Conditioning units. Become an AC Repairman.

Residential Air Conditioning Units. Ways to Become an Air Conditioning Repairman.

There are three ways to become an air conditioning repairman: post-secondary training, apprenticeship completion, and the air conditioning certification examination. An air conditioning repairman is responsible for fixing both residential and commercial air conditioning units. This career is forecast to experience above average growth in the next five to ten years, as people become more reliant on air conditioners.

Residential Heat Pumps. Post-Secondary Air Conditioning Repair Program.

The first step to become an air conditioning repairman is to complete a post-secondary air conditioning repair program. There are two types of programs available: community college or apprenticeship. A community college program is one to two years in length and provides classroom learning with job placements. At the end of the program, graduates are qualified as air conditioning repair technicians.

Home Air Conditioning Systems. An Apprenticeship Program.

An apprenticeship program is usually three to four years in length, as the majority of the time is spent learning on the job in a full-time placement. The course work required is completed through evening and weekend classes. In order to become an air conditioning repairman apprentice, you must find a journeyman or master tradesman who is willing to take responsibility for your training.

Commercial Air Conditioning Units. Apprentice.

 

Apprentice is a paid position, with the amount of salary closely tied to the skills learned. At the beginning of an apprenticeship, it is not uncommon to be paid just slightly more than minimum wage, with the tasks being mostly manual labor. Over time, as new skills are learned and applied, the hourly rate increases. An apprenticeship is an investment for both the employer and the employee.