Sometimes, your HVAC system might need repairs and some of these repairs may require entire HVAC parts to be replaced.
But before you look for HVAC parts in Pittsburgh to replace the faulty ones in your HVAC system, you should learn about what these parts do.
HVAC systems are very complicated machines and they’re made up of many important components. However, these components can develop problems over time and you might not know exactly which of these parts needs replacing.
So let’s take a look at the different parts of HVAC systems so that you know what to look for when shopping for HVAC parts in Pittsburgh.
1. Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is a part of your furnace and it kicks in when the thermostat is set to start heating. When the furnace starts to produce heat, the heat exchanger absorbs heat and uses this heat to warm cold air.
The freshly warmed air is pumped through the ductwork and into different parts of your home. The heat exchanger is made out of stainless steel and other temperature-resistant materials to prevent it from cracking due to the heat.
If there’s a problem with your heat exchanger, it can lead to carbon monoxide leaks, which can be extremely dangerous. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause nausea, headaches, and in high concentrations, death.
So if you feel there’s a problem with the heat exchanger, call a professional immediately.
2. Thermostat
The thermostat has temperature sensors and controls that let you set the ideal temperature for your home. It’s usually installed in the center of your home, away from anything that can cause sudden temperature changes like direct sunlight or draft windows.
Depending on the type of HVAC system you have, it may have more than one thermostat. This allows you to set different temperatures for different parts of your home.
Also, some thermostats are programmable and can automatically set the temperature of your home.
Problems with your thermostat could lead to the HVAC system turning on or off unexpectedly and not cooling your home properly. In most cases, a faulty thermostat may be the result of the batteries running out, so a simple battery replacement may fix the issue.
You may need to install a new thermostat in some cases, and this could cost over $110, but it should serve as a good long-term solution.
3. Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil plays a major role in cooling your home. When warm air from inside your home is blown over the evaporator coil, the refrigerant inside the coil absorbs the heat and cools down the air.
A faulty evaporator coil won’t allow your system to cool the air properly and this can cause it to use more power than necessary, leading to high electricity bills.
An evaporator coil is one of the more expensive parts in Pittsburgh to replace, sometimes costing between $600 and $2,000 depending on the brand and size of your HVAC system.
4. Refrigerant Lines
Refrigerant lines are pipes that are responsible for carrying refrigerant between the HVAC system’s evaporator coil and condenser unit. These lines are responsible for transferring heat, allowing the HVAC system to either heat or cool your home.
As your HVAC system ages, these refrigerant lines may start to develop leaks and this can affect your HVAC system’s ability to cool or heat your home. Also, it can lead to refrigerant leaking into your home. These chemicals can be very harmful to people and pets and should not be handled.
If you notice any refrigerant leaks, you should call a professional immediately.
5. Ductwork and Vents
Ductwork is a system of tubes that run through your home, carrying cold or hot air. The vents release the air back into your home. Usually, ductwork is made of either metal or polyurethane and sometimes fiberglass.
Over time, ductwork and vents can accumulate dust and debris affecting the airflow, making it difficult for the system to cool or heat your home. It’s important to get your ducts and vents cleaned out as often as possible to keep your HVAC system running at full capacity.
6. Condenser
Also called the compressor, this is the outdoor part of the HVAC system. The compressor releases the heat from inside your home to the outdoors. The compressor condenses and compresses the refrigerant as air is blown over the evaporator coils.
Since the compressor is outside your home, you need to make sure that the area around the unit is kept clean and free of debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions that we receive from our customers:
How often should I replace my HVAC air filters?
Air filters should be replaced every 1-3 months, depending on usage and the type of filter.
What should I do if my HVAC system is blowing warm air?
Check the thermostat settings, replace the air filter, and ensure the outdoor unit is functioning properly. If the issue persists, contact a professional.
How do I reset my HVAC system after a power outage?
Turn off the thermostat, switch off the HVAC system at the breaker, wait for 30 seconds, and then turn everything back on. However, the process may be different for some brands of HVAC systems.
Get the best HVAC parts in Pittsburgh
If you’re looking for high-quality HVAC parts in Pittsburgh, you should always get them from reliable HVAC parts suppliers. Many reputable HVAC service providers offer top-of-the-line HVAC parts—all supplied by well-known manufacturers.
Get in touch with a good HVAC company that offers a great selection of heating and cooling products.
