Dutch Heating and Cooling, Facts, Indiana

FACTS ABOUT HEATING & COOLING

On this topic, we will be talking about the basic functions, and operations of heating and cooling with the least amount
of words. We will attempt to break down into simplistic form what is a complicated field to a manner that can be
understood rapidly. This page is broken down in the following categories. Find the equipment that your home utilizes
to learn more:
1A. GAS FURNACE FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS.
1B. GAS FURNACE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE*

2A. AIR CONDITIONER FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS.
2B. AIR CONDITIONER RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE*

3A. AIR HANDLER/HEAT PUMP HEATING MODE FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS.
3B. AIR HANDLER/HEAT PUMP RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE*

4A. AIR HANDLER/HEAT PUMP COOLING MODE FUNCTIONS AND OPERATIONS.
4B. AIR HANDLER/HEAT PUMP RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE*

*The knowledge how to perform the checks, and proper methods of cleaning should be left to a trained professional
for safety, health, and efficiency. DO NOT ATTEMPT cleanings, inspections, adjustments or repairs.

1A. GAS FURNACE:

The first component in any heating system is always the thermostat. The thermostat is often an electronic circuit
board that sends an electronic signal to the gas furnace circuit board after you turn it on.
The gas furnace circuit board then sends electronic signals to the various motors inside the furnace. For example:
The draft induction motor; fan; gas valve, etc. It also energizes your safety devices in a precise series. For any
failure in the line of safety devices, the unit will not come on.
After all pertinent electronic equipment is energized inside the gas furnace; a vapor of gas is ignited, and funneled
on a deliberate path into what is called the heat exchanger.
A heat exchanger is made up of several hollow tubes of metal. In one end the flame is funneled in, and at the
other end, the carbon monoxide is exhausted out via the draft induction motor outdoors. As the flame is funneled
inside the heat exchanger, the metal heats up. The fan then turns on and blows the hot air from the outside of the
heat exchanger through the ductwork into your home.
Note: The above described operations were given in its least energy efficient form of operation. To learn more
about higher efficiency gas furnaces, click-on, “ENERGY SAVING TIPS.”

1B. EXAMPLES OF RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE FOR GAS FURNACES:

Ensure the thermostat is working according to designed specifications.
Check the air filter, and change it if it is dirty or clogged. A clogged filter will overheat your gas furnace
repeatedly thus wearing safety devices and motors out prematurely.
Check the fan operation, and ensure the blower wheel is clean.
Check the gas furnace circuit board for correct operation.
Clean and inspect the safety devices.
Inspect for water damage
Inspect for signs of high heat, melting wires, etc.
Check the temperature rise of heat passing through the furnace. The manufacturer has specific instructions on
what the temperature rise should be, and how to adjust it. This is the most commonly missed adjustment with a
newly installed gas furnace. It causes a lot of expensive repairs.
Inspect for dirty ducts, clogged air conditioner evaporator coils, dirty blower wheels, etc. for any blockage of air
flow. Overly dirty or blocked paths of air flow will either cause your gas furnace to work harder, over-heat, in-
efficiently heat or break down.
This small generalized list is just for better understanding of the importance of annual cleanings and inspections.
The knowledge how to perform the checks, and proper methods of cleaning should be left to a trained
professional for safety, health, and efficiency. DO NOT ATTEMPT cleanings, inspections, adjustments or
repairs.

2A. AIR CONDITIONER:

The first component in any cooling system is always the thermostat. The thermostat is often an electronic circuit
board that sends an electronic signal to the furnace circuit board after you turn it on.
The furnace circuit board then sends electronic signals to the fan motor inside the furnace, and energizes the air
conditioner circuit board.
The air conditioner circuit board then turns on the outdoor fan and compressor motor.
The compressor motor moves the refrigerant in a loop between the condenser coil outside, and the evaporator
coil above your furnace.
The outdoor fan on your air conditioner, like a giant vacuum, pulls air through the condenser coil and out the top
of the air conditioner at a specified rate of air flow that is specific to the size of your air conditioner, evaporator
coil, furnace blower motor/wheel, and properties of the refrigerant.
Inside the furnace, the fan is pulling the warm air out of your home through the air filter, and blowing it through the
evaporator coil. The air is cooled, and humidity is removed. The humidity that is removed, is collected in the
evaporator coil drain pan, and funneled out through a plastic drain pipe into an appropriate floor drain.
The cooled, dehumidified air is then pushed through your ductwork, and back into your home.
Note: The above described operations were given in its least energy efficient form of operation. To learn more
about higher efficiency air conditioners, click-on, “ENERGY SAVING TIPS.”

2B. EXAMPLES OF RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE FOR AIR CONDITIONERS:

Ensure the thermostat is working according to designed specifications.
Check the air filter, and change it if it is dirty or clogged. Air flow is critical in the operation of an air conditioner.
Any slow down or blockage of air flow will affect the operation. There are several physical characteristics of air
conditioning that have to be met within predetermined ranges. If one of those physical characteristics is out of
range, it affects all the other characteristics.
Check the fan operation, speed, and ensure the blower wheel is clean. Air flow is critical in the operation of an
air conditioner. Any slow down or blockage of air flow will affect the operation. There are several physical
characteristics of air conditioning that have to be met within predetermined ranges. If one of those physical
characteristics is out of range, it affects all the other characteristics.
Check the temperature drop of air passing through the furnace. A temperature drop that is too low or too high
indicates that there may be a problem at hand. For example: The evaporator coil may dirty or clogged, and
must be cleaned or the refrigerant is leaking out and is low.
Check the furnace circuit board for correct operation.
Inspect for water damage
Check the condensate drain line for free flow of removed humidity, and flush/clear as necessary.
The air conditioner condenser coil needs to be flushed with water to remove unseen dirt, grass, and debris. It is
like a vacuum filter as the fan pulls air through it. Air flow is critical in the operation of an air conditioner. Any
slow down or blockage of air flow will affect the operation. There are several physical characteristics of air
conditioning that have to be met within predetermined ranges. If one of those physical characteristics is out of
range, it affects all the other characteristics.
Inspect all electrical components of air conditioners and look for melted wires. Air conditioners pull on average
240volts through it electrical devices and wiring during the hottest and most humid days of the year. It will take a
toll on such items as contactors, and capacitors.
Last but not least using a scientific method utilizing a series of temperature readings, special atmospheric readings,
refrigerant specific gages, along with a physics chart that utilizes all gathered information, the volume of refrigerant
in your system is checked for the proper amount. An indication of low level of refrigerant is an indication of
possible breach of containment within the copper tubing that is supposed to hold it. A repair will need to be
done, as refrigerant levels should never change through the life of the air conditioner.
This small generalized list is just for better understanding of the importance of annual cleanings and inspections.
The knowledge how to perform the checks, and proper methods of cleaning should be left to a trained
professional for safety, health, and efficiency. DO NOT ATTEMPT cleanings, inspections, adjustments or
repairs.

3A. AIR HANDLER/HEAT PUMP HEATING MODE:

The first component in any heating system is always the thermostat. The thermostat is often an electronic circuit
board that sends an electronic signal to the air handler circuit board after you turn it on.
The air handler circuit board then sends electronic signals to the fan motor inside the air handler, and energizes
the heat pump circuit board. It also may or may not energize your supplemental heating elements. Supplemental
heating elements are controlled by several variables.
The heat pump circuit board then turns on the outdoor fan and compressor motor.
The compressor motor moves the refrigerant in a loop between the condenser coil outside, and the evaporator
coil inside your air handler. But unlike an air conditioner, the direction of the refrigerant moves in the opposite
direction. Only a heat pump can change the direction of refrigerant. By this process, heat is drawn into your
home. If it is too cold outside or you need more heat, a built-in electrical heating element inside of your air
handler will turn on to add more heat.
The outdoor fan on your heat pump pulls air through the condenser coil and out the top of the heat pump at a
specified rate of air flow that is specific to the size of your heat pump, evaporator coil, air handler blower
motor/wheel, and properties of the refrigerant.
Inside the air handler, the fan is pulling the cool air out of your home through the air filter, and blowing it through
the evaporator coil. The air is warmed, and then pushed through your ductwork, and back into your home.
Note: The above described operations were given in its least energy efficient form of operation. To learn more
about higher efficiency air handlers and heat pumps, click-on, “ENERGY SAVING TIPS.”

3B. EXAMPLES OF RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE FOR AIR HANDLERS/HEAT PUMPS:

Ensure the thermostat is working according to designed specifications.
Check the air filter, and change it if it is dirty or clogged. Air flow is critical in the operation of a heat pump. Any
slow down or blockage of air flow will affect the operation. There are several physical characteristics of heat
pumps that have to be met within predetermined ranges. If one of those physical characteristics is out of range, it
affects all the other characteristics.
Check the fan operation, speed, and ensure the blower wheel is clean. Air flow is critical in the operation of a
heat pump. Any slow down or blockage of air flow will affect the operation. There are several physical
characteristics of heat pumps that have to be met within predetermined ranges. If one of those physical
characteristics is out of range, it affects all the other characteristics.
Check the temperature rise of air passing through the air handler. A temperature rise that is too low or too high
indicates that there may be a problem at hand. For example: The evaporator coil may dirty or clogged, and
must be cleaned or the refrigerant is leaking out and is low.
Check the air handler circuit board for correct operation.
Inspect the wiring, and operation of the electrical heating elements inside the air handler.
Inspect all electrical components of heat pumps and look for melted wires. Heat pumps pull on average 240volts
through it electrical devices and wiring all year long. It will take a toll on such items as contactors, and capacitors.
Check the operation of refrigerant reversing valve on the heat pump.
Check the length of defrost, and the operability of the defrost board on the heat pump.
Last but not least using a scientific method utilizing a series of temperature readings, special atmospheric readings,
refrigerant specific gages, along with a physics chart that utilizes all gathered information, the volume of refrigerant
in your system is checked for the proper amount. An indication of low level of refrigerant is an indication of
possible breach of containment within the copper tubing that is supposed to hold it. A repair will need to be
done, as refrigerant levels should never change through the life of a heat pump.
This small generalized list is just for better understanding of the importance of annual cleanings and inspections.
The knowledge how to perform the checks, and proper methods of cleaning should be left to a trained
professional for safety, health, and efficiency. DO NOT ATTEMPT cleanings, inspections, adjustments or
repairs.

4A. AIR HANDLER/HEAT PUMP COOLING MODE:

The first component in any cooling system is always the thermostat. The thermostat is often an electronic circuit
board that sends an electronic signal to the air handler circuit board after you turn it on.
The air handler circuit board then sends electronic signals to the fan motor inside the air handler, and energizes
the heat pump circuit board.
The heat pump circuit board then turns on the outdoor fan and compressor motor.
The compressor motor moves the refrigerant in a loop between the condenser coil outside, and the evaporator
coil inside your air handler.
The outdoor fan on your heat pump, like a giant vacuum, pulls air through the condenser coil and out the top of
the heat pump at a specified rate of air flow that is specific to the size of your heat pump, evaporator coil, air
handler blower motor/wheel, and properties of the refrigerant.
Inside the air handler, the fan is pulling the warm air out of your home through the air filter, and blowing it through
the evaporator coil. The air is cooled, and humidity is removed. The humidity that is removed, is collected in the
evaporator coil drain pan, and funneled out through a plastic drain pipe into an appropriate floor drain.
The cooled, dehumidified air is then pushed through your ductwork, and back into your home.
Note: The above described operations were given in its least energy efficient form of operation. To learn more
about higher efficiency heat pumps, click-on, “ENERGY SAVING TIPS.”

4B. EXAMPLES OF RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE FOR AIR HANDLERS/HEAT PUMPS:

Ensure the thermostat is working according to designed specifications.
Check the air filter, and change it if it is dirty or clogged. Air flow is critical in the operation of a heat pump. Any
slow down or blockage of air flow will affect the operation. There are several physical characteristics of heat
pumps that have to be met within predetermined ranges. If one of those physical characteristics is out of range, it
affects all the other characteristics.
Check the fan operation, speed, and ensure the blower wheel is clean. Air flow is critical in the operation of a
heat pump. Any slow down or blockage of air flow will affect the operation. There are several physical
characteristics of heat pumps that have to be met within predetermined ranges. If one of those physical
characteristics is out of range, it affects all the other characteristics.
Check the temperature drop of air passing through the air handler. A temperature drop that is too low or too
high indicates that there may be a problem at hand. For example: The evaporator coil may dirty or clogged, and
must be cleaned or the refrigerant is leaking out and is low.
Check the air handler circuit board for correct operation.
Inspect for water damage
Check the condensate drain line for free flow of removed humidity, and flush/clear as necessary.
The heat pump condenser coil needs to be flushed with water to remove unseen dirt, grass, and debris. It is like
a vacuum filter as the fan pulls air through it. Air flow is critical in the operation of a heat pump. Any slow down
or blockage of air flow will affect the operation. There are several physical characteristics of heat pumps that
have to be met within predetermined ranges. If one of those physical characteristics is out of range, it affects all
the other characteristics.
Inspect all electrical components of heat pumps and look for melted wires. Heat pumps pull on average 240volts
through it electrical devices and wiring during the hottest, and most humid days of the year. It will take a toll on
such items as contactors, and capacitors.
Last but not least using a scientific method utilizing a series of temperature readings, special atmospheric readings,
refrigerant specific gages, along with a physics chart that utilizes all gathered information, the volume of refrigerant
in your system is checked for the proper amount. An indication of low level of refrigerant is an indication of
possible breach of containment within the copper tubing that is supposed to hold it. A repair will need to be
done, as refrigerant levels should never change through the life of the heat pump.
This small generalized list is just for better understanding of the importance of annual cleanings and inspections.
The knowledge how to perform the checks, and proper methods of cleaning should be left to a trained
professional for safety, health, and efficiency. DO NOT ATTEMPT cleanings, inspections, adjustments or
repairs.

If you don’t know the current condition of your heating and cooling system, click-on,
“Dutch Quality Assurance Program”
To learn more about how we can evaluate your system.