HVAC Parts & Accessories

Some homes have upflow furnaces, while others use a downflow furnace model. A downflow furnace unit takes in air at the top of the cabinet, warms it, and pushes it down through a home’s ductwork. In contrast, an upflow furnace takes in air at the bottom of the unit, heats it, and blows it upward into the ductwork.

Upflow furnaces are usually located in the basement or crawlspace of a house. Downflow furnaces are usually installed in attic spaces, so they’re a good fit for homes that don’t have basements. A downflow kit modifies an air handler unit so it can be used in downflow applications. It contains air seal plates, coil support brackets, and a drain pan, along with other accessory parts.

A modular blower is a part of an HVAC split system. The blower distributes conditioned air throughout a building. Modular blowers can be used with upflow or downflow furnaces. Most blower motors will last 10 to 20 years if properly cared for.

A line set is a pair of semi-flexible pipes that connect an outdoor AC unit or heat pump to an indoor unit’s evaporator coil. Line sets come in different diameters depending on your system. Ductless mini splits have narrower lines than central AC units.

BTUs stands for British thermal units, a measure of heat used in HVAC systems. One BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a pound of liquid water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Residential water heaters typically have a BTU rating of 30,000 – 40,000 BTUs per hour.

With air conditioners and heat pumps that use heat exchangers, you usually need 20 BTUs for each square foot of living space. In a 2,000-square-foot home, you’d need 40,000 BTUs. The higher the BTU rating, the more efficient the air conditioner’s cooling capacity will be. But air conditioners and heat pumps are usually rated in tons, not BTUs. 12,000 BTUs equals one ton.

OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. When replacing a water heater, air conditioner, or furnace parts, you can choose a part made by the unit’s original manufacturer, such as Trane, Lennox, Rheem, or Honeywell. Or you can choose a part from a different supplier – this is known as an aftermarket part.

Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your heating and cooling equipment. Follow these steps to care for your HVAC system:

• Inspect the condensate drain: Dust and debris can clog the AC condensate drain line, which can become a breeding ground for mold and even lead to water damage inside your home.
• Change the filter: Your air filter should be changed every three months, or more often during periods of heavy use. Check the filter monthly to see if it’s dirty to improve system efficiency and indoor air quality. Filter driers need to be replaced every two years on average.
• Clean the coils: Dirty coils make your air conditioning system less efficient, causing it to run longer and increase your energy bill.
• Clear the area around the unit: A condensing unit needs sufficient airflow to function properly. If you have grass or bushes around the unit, be sure to landscape the area so there aren’t any plants obstructing access to the unit. Trim back the area regularly during summer months, when grass and weeds can grow quickly.
• Upgrade your thermostat: If you have an analog thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable model with HVAC controls so you aren’t leaving the air conditioner running all day. This will save money and extend the unit’s usable life.

Routine maintenance can prevent costly problems in the future. Consider having your HVAC system serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician or contractor.

Here are a few signs that your HVAC system may need maintenance or replacement parts:

Weak airflow

When your air conditioner comes on, you’ll hear and feel the cooled air flowing through your floor or wall vents. If you can’t feel the airflow or it’s noticeably weak, you may have leaky ductwork or a clogged-up air filter – it could even mean the compressor’s capacitor is broken. And if you feel warm air coming from the vents even though the air conditioner is running, there could be a problem with the refrigerant.

Strange smells

Your air conditioner or heat pump shouldn’t give off a bad odor. If you notice an odd smell, it could be a sign of mold or mildew growth or even electrical damage. Call a technician right away to investigate and provide HVAC replacement parts if needed.

Leaking around the unit

Air conditioner refrigerants like Freon can be hazardous to human health, and they can be bad for the environment if released. If you suspect your AC unit is leaking, contact an HVAC professional. While it may simply be water, it’s best not to take any risks.

High utility bills

It’s normal for your energy bills to be higher in the summer and winter than they are in spring and fall. But if you see an unexpected spike in energy consumption, it could be a sign that an HVAC part is malfunctioning. Many utility companies provide year-to-year comparisons, so you can check if your monthly bill is unusually high. During the winter, a high bill could indicate there’s a problem with your furnace, such as a broken flame sensor.

Loud or unusual noises

Your air conditioner should run quietly. If you hear scraping or clanging noises, something is probably out of place. You should check for loose or damaged parts right away.

Serving customers since 2011, HomElectrical offers an excellent selection of HVAC supplies and equipment at affordable prices. We stock thousands of items from trusted brands so it’s easy to find what you need for your next project. In addition to HVAC parts and accessories like clamps, fan motors, and dampers, we carry:

• Electrical supplies
• LED lighting
• Appliances
• Tools and hardware

To learn more, give us a call at 888.616.3532 or create an account to select your items and checkout today.