HVAC. Heating. Ventilation. Air Conditioning.

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, the three core functions that keep your home comfortable, safe, and breathable year-round. Here’s how each part works in practice:

So what's parts are involved in an HVAC System?

An HVAC system isn’t just a single unit — it’s a team of components working together to control your home’s climate. Whether you're heating, cooling, or circulating air, each part plays a critical role. Here’s a breakdown of the main parts:

“Every HVAC system is only as good as the sum of its parts — when one breaks down, comfort, efficiency, and air quality can all take a hit.”— Luna Service Tech Team

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Furnace

The furnace is your main source of heat during colder months. It works by either burning natural gas (or propane) or using electric heating coils to warm up air. A blower motor then pushes that warm air through your home’s duct system, delivering heat to every room. Furnaces are typically controlled by your thermostat and kick on automatically when the indoor temperature drops below your set level.

Air Conditioner

Your AC doesn’t create cold air, it removes heat from inside your home. It uses refrigerant to absorb heat and humidity from the air, transfers that heat to the outdoor unit, and then cycles cooler air back into your living space. It’s all about heat exchange, not blasting cold air like a freezer. Central air conditioners are usually paired with a furnace or air handler.

Heat Pump

A heat pump is a versatile system that both heats and cools your home using electricity. Instead of generating heat, it moves it — drawing warmth from the outside air and bringing it indoors in winter, and doing the reverse in summer. It’s energy-efficient and ideal for milder climates or all-electric homes. Many systems in Kansas and Missouri use a dual-fuel setup, pairing a heat pump with a gas furnace.

Air Handler

Think of the air handler as the system’s engine for airflow. It houses the fan and other components that distribute heated or cooled air through your home. Air handlers are commonly used with heat pumps (especially in homes without gas lines), and they often include built-in electric heat strips for backup warmth.

Ductwork & Vents

Your ducts are like the highways for your home’s airflow. Supply ducts bring heated or cooled air into each room, while return ducts pull stale air back into the system to be reconditioned. If your ducts are leaking, undersized, or poorly designed, your system’s performance and efficiency will suffer, even if the equipment itself is brand new.

Thermostat

The thermostat is your command center. Whether it’s a traditional model or a smart one like Daikin One+ or the Lennox S40, it sends signals to your system based on your temperature preferences. Smart thermostats can also adjust based on your schedule, outdoor temperatures, or even detect issues remotely — giving you control and energy savings.

Filters & IAQ Add-ons (optional)

Your HVAC system can do more than just heat and cool, it can help you breathe better. Filters remove dust and debris, while add-ons like UV lights, whole-home humidifiers, or air purifiers improve indoor air quality. These are especially helpful if someone in your home has allergies, asthma, or sensitivity to dry or humid air.

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How Is Air Moved Through the Home?

Your HVAC system doesn’t just condition the air — it has to move it. Air movement is what makes comfort consistent from room to room, and without it, your home could end up with hot or cold spots.

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Blower Motor: The Engine Behind the Flow

The blower lives inside your furnace or air handler. When your system kicks on, this fan-powered motor pushes air across heated or cooled coils and sends it through your ductwork.

Ductwork: The Delivery System

Ducts are the highways of your HVAC system. Supply ducts carry conditioned air into your rooms, while return ducts pull used air back into the system for recirculation or exhaust.

• Poorly sealed or undersized ducts can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%.
• Dusty rooms? Uneven temps? It might not be your furnace — it could be your ductwork.

“If your system is the heart of your home’s comfort, your ducts are the arteries. Airflow can only be as good as the path it travels through.”
— Luna Installation Lead

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What’s the Thermostat’s Job?

Many homeowners think of the thermostat as just a temperature control — but in reality, it’s the brains of your entire HVAC operation.

It’s a Sensor and a Switch

When the thermostat senses that your home’s temperature is off from the set point, it sends a signal to activate heating or cooling. This starts the entire HVAC process — turning on your furnace, blower, or AC.

Smart Thermostats: Smarter Comfort and Control

Newer models like the Daikin One+ or Lennox S40 do more than adjust temps:

• Set schedules and zoning by room
• Track energy usage
• Remote control via app
• Predict maintenance needs

“Smart thermostats let homeowners stop guessing. You don’t just set a number — you manage your comfort like a mission.”

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What About Air Quality?

Heating and cooling are only part of the picture. Clean, balanced air is what makes a home feel healthy and breathable — especially in homes with pets, allergies, or seasonal dryness.

Filters: First Line of Defense

Every HVAC system includes a filter to capture dust, pet hair, and particles from the air. But standard filters don’t catch everything — that’s where add-ons help.

Humidifiers & Dehumidifiers

• Humidifiers add moisture in winter to relieve dry skin, cracked wood, or static.
• Dehumidifiers reduce humidity in summer to fight mold and musty smells.

Air Purifiers & UV Lights

Advanced IAQ systems like PureAir™ or APCO-X UV neutralize bacteria, viruses, and VOCs that basic filters can’t trap.

“Air quality is comfort you can’t always see — but you’ll definitely feel it.”

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Do All HVAC Systems Work the Same?

Not all homes — or HVAC setups — are created equal. While the goal is always the same (condition and move air), the way that’s done can vary based on layout, energy preferences, and equipment access.

Ducted Systems (Most Common)

• Uses a network of supply and return ducts
• Ideal for homes with existing ductwork
• Can be paired with furnaces, ACs, or heat pumps

Ductless Mini-Splits

• No ductwork required
• Each indoor unit cools or heats a single zone
• Great for add-ons, garages, sunrooms, or homes without ducts

Split Systems

• Most traditional setups (separate indoor + outdoor units)
• Example: Furnace + AC or Heat Pump + Air Handler

Packaged Units

• All-in-one heating and cooling in a single outdoor unit
• Common in small homes or tight spaces

Hybrid or Dual-Fuel Systems

• Combines a heat pump with a gas furnace
• Uses the heat pump until temps drop, then switches to gas
• Balances efficiency and cold-weather performance

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What System Is Right for Your Home?

This is where a professional evaluation matters. No two homes — or families — have the same needs. At Luna, here’s what we look at when helping you choose the right system:

Home Size & Layout

• Open floor plans? Multi-levels? Basement included?
• Proper sizing ensures your system doesn’t overwork (or underperform)

Climate Zone

• In Kansas and Missouri, we see both freezing winters and humid summers
• That’s why we often recommend dual-fuel systems or high-efficiency heat pumps paired with modulating furnaces

Insulation & Construction

• Older homes may lose heat faster and need more powerful units
• Newer homes may benefit from zoning or IAQ upgrades

Efficiency Goals & Budget

• High-SEER systems cost more up front but save more over time
• Federal tax credits and utility rebates may help cover advanced options

Existing Equipment & Ductwork

• Sometimes you can retrofit new equipment
• Other times, new ductwork or layout changes are needed

“The right HVAC system isn’t just about brand or price — it’s about how it fits into your home’s design and your lifestyle.”