The Ins and Outs of HVAC Charleston SC

We strive to provide informative, professional services to our clients. In an effort to further educate our customers, we have compiled a list of common HVAC parts and other related terms. Here’s what you need to know regarding typical HVAC Charleston SC.

2 Main Types of HVAC Systems:

1. Split System – simply put, a split system has a piece that sits outside (the condenser) and a piece that sits inside (the air handler/furnace). They are connected to each other by freon lines. There are a few different types of split systems:
   1. Gas Split System – composed of a straight air condenser with a gas furnace and coil
   2. Electric Split System – composed of a straight air condenser with an air handler (with
      or without heat strips)
   3. Split Heat Pump System – often comes with or without heat strips
   4. Mini Split Systems – popular brands for this system include Mitsubishi & Samsung
2. Package System – with this system, one piece of equipment sits outside. Typically, package units are seen on ranch-style homes or on first floors of multi-story homes. Ductwork branches off of it and shoots into the crawlspace. There are 2 different types of package units: gas package systems or package heat pumps. Freon lines and other components are contained within.

Other Types of HVAC Equipment:

1. Air Handler – part of your indoor heating and cooling system. Depending on your home’s needs, it can circulate both hot and cold air. An air handler helps maximize the overall efficiency of the HVAC unit.
2. Condenser – part of the outdoor system of a split air conditioning unit. It sits outside your home and comes in several different sizes. A highly functional, properly maintained condenser can increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit and decrease energy consumption, lowering your energy bills.
3. Capacitor – small cylinder that holds energy. It provides electric jolts to start the HVAC motor, and has enough power to keep the motor running. There are 3 main types of capacitors:
   1. Start capacitor – provides the power to start the HVAC motor. It contains a high voltage to kick-start the motor, and creates an electric current for each of the individual start windings of the motor. Without the start capacitor, the motor would just hum.
   2. Run capacitor – provides the boost to maintain the electrical current that powers the motor. It must be the proper value rating to avoid overheating the motor.
   3. Dual capacitor – provides the electrical current to keep the A/C unit running. It
      has 2 components: 1 capacitor maintains power in the fan motor, and the other capacitor maintains power in the compressor.
4. Contractor – a professional HVAC company or individual who can inspect, repair, and install quality HVAC equipment in your home. Contractors should be licensed with the Contractors State License Board, and should be insured. Many quality contractors offer honest, written estimates before each project, and provide friendly, informative services from start to finish.
5. Condensate Drain – a dripping line on the outside of the air conditioning unit. It removes condensation from the air conditioner’s evaporator coil. If the condensate drain becomes clogged, mold and algae can grow, causing water damage and high humidity in your home.
6. Evaporator Coil/Evaporator Core – a heat exchanger that circulates warm air over cold liquid refrigerant. The air becomes chilled and turns into a cold gas, and the refrigerant transports it to the outside compressor. The vapor is then compressed and sent through the condenser’s coil to provide cold air in your home. Thus, it facilitates the process of turning warm air into cold air, which is essential to keep your home comfortable on hot summer days.
7. Filter – cleans the air in your system by blocking particles, allergens, dust, smog, mold, smoke, and other harmful materials. Electrostatic air filters generate their own power and require no hookup. On the other hand, carbon air filters are disposable, require no refilling, and can protect your home from fumes and odors.
8. Freon – an aerosol propellant, organic solvent, and refrigerant. It consists of a group of chlorofluorocarbons and other compounds. As the main cooling mechanism in many air conditioning systems, this nonflammable gas keeps the temperature low to provide cold air to your home.
9. Inverter – an electrical inverter that regulates the speed of the compressor motor. It converts AC (alternating currents) to DC (direct currents), and then uses modulation in an electrical inverter to adjust the frequency of the motor. This advanced technological device can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by allowing you to adjust the speed of the motor. It also makes the A/C unit quieter, and provides the benefits of less break downs and lower operating costs.
10. Minisplit – heating and cooling system that lets you control the temperature of individual rooms in your home. It is comprised of an indoor unit, called an evaporator, and an outdoor unit, called a condenser. These systems are small, easy to install, and provide the benefit of increased temperature control over the spaces in your home. They are also great to use with ductless heating systems.
11. Transformer – regulates the power supply to HVAC systems. It transforms higher voltage into lower voltage to increase the safety and functionality of the heating and cooling system. It also helps protect against power surges, works with both AC and DC control, and regulates the general voltage of your system.
12. TXV – stands for a Thermostatic Expansion Valve. This metering device acts as a regulator to control the rate of refrigerant flow into the evaporator. Thus, it increases the efficiency of the evaporator and avoids floodback (where excessive liquid refrigerant flows back into the compressor).
13. X-13 Motor – this product is a Constant Torque motor that has been used in the residential HVAC industry since 2006. It is programmable, and provides a consistent level of torque, or power, to each system’s demands (including a continuous fan, heating, and cooling). It increases the efficiency of HVAC systems and provides a more precise, consistent airflow.

Common HVAC Acronyms:

1. IAQ – an acronym for Indoor Air Quality. Poor IAQ can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency cites poor IAQ as a leading environmental danger to public health, and it is important to ensure your HVAC system is properly functioning to avoid polluted indoor air.
2. MERV Rating – an acronym for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It rates the overall effectiveness of the air filters in an HVAC system. A higher MERV rating means a finer filtration system, therefore, this results in cleaner air and fewer harmful particles that pass through the filter.
3. SEER – an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the efficiency of air conditioning and heat pump cooling systems. A higher SEER rating equals higher efficiency.

For the Leaders in HVAC Charleston SC, Call Our Expert Technicians Today

At Carney & Son 72 Degrees, we provide quality HVAC systems for your home. Our professional technicians can inspect your system for damage, repair any problems, and install state-of-the-art equipment to meet your needs. We strive to provide the best in HVAC Charleston SC. Our team can use more than 30 years of combined experience to diagnose and fix a variety of HVAC system issues, so call today.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are available 24/7 for your convenience.