A capacitor is an electrical device that stores and releases electrical energy. In a residential HVAC system, the capacitor is typically used to help start the compressor and the blower motor. It stores a small amount of electrical charge and...

The compressor is the heart of a residential air conditioning system. It is responsible for compressing and circulating the refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air inside your home and releases it outside. The compressor is located in the outdoor...

Residential HVAC systems typically last between 15 and 20 years. However, the exact lifespan of a particular system will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of system, the quality of the installation, and the level of...

A heat strip is a component of a residential air handler that is used to provide heat for a heating and cooling system. An air handler is a device that circulates air throughout the ductwork of a heating and cooling...

In a residential furnace, BTU stands for British thermal unit. It is a unit of measurement for heat energy, and is commonly used to describe the heating capacity of a furnace. The BTU rating of a furnace indicates the amount...

There are a number of refrigerants that can be used as replacements for R-22 in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Some examples of these refrigerants include R-410A, R-32, and R-407C. These refrigerants are all hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) or hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) compounds,...

R-410A is a type of refrigerant that is commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It is also known by its trade name, Puron. R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) compound, which means it contains hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms....

R-22 is a type of refrigerant that was commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It is also known by its chemical name, chlorodifluoromethane, or by its trade name, Freon. R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) compound, which means it...

A residential coil is a component of a residential heating and cooling system. It is typically located inside the home, and is responsible for transferring heat between the indoor and outdoor units of a split system heating and cooling system....

A residential air handler is a component of a residential heating and cooling system. It is typically located inside the home, and is responsible for moving air throughout the ductwork of the heating and cooling system. The air handler typically...

A residential furnace is a type of heating system that is commonly used in homes. It consists of a furnace unit, which is typically located in a basement or utility closet, and a network of ducts that distribute the heated...

A residential heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system that uses a compressor and refrigerant to transfer heat from one location to another. Heat pumps are commonly used in residential homes as an alternative to traditional heating...

A residential condenser is a part of a residential air conditioning system. It is typically located outside the home, and is responsible for releasing the heat that is removed from the indoor space by the air conditioning system. The condenser...

Dehumidification refers to the process of removing excess moisture or humidity from the air. In a residential home, dehumidification is important because high humidity levels can make the home feel uncomfortable and can lead to a variety of issues, such...

Humidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor in the air. In a residential home, humidity levels can vary depending on a number of factors, including the weather outside, the number of people and pets in the home, and...

A residential air conditioning system is designed to provide cooling and dehumidification for a home. When the system is turned on, the compressor and condenser, which are located in the outdoor unit, start to operate. The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant,...