What’s inside your system, in plain words.

Condenser

The outdoor half of your A/C or heat pump. It moves the heat from inside your home out into the yard.

1. 1FanPulls air up through the coil and blows the heat out the top. Keep the top clear, and don’t cover the unit while it’s running.
2. 2CoilThe thin metal fins around the sides. Heat from your house leaves through here, so it needs open air and a clean surface. Salt air and grass clippings build up on it near the coast.
3. 3CompressorInside the cabinet, near the bottom. It pumps refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. If the fan runs but the air inside isn’t cool, call us.
4. 4Service valvesWhere the copper refrigerant lines connect, low on the side of the unit. Technicians use them to check the system. Leave these to us.
5. 5DisconnectA shut-off box on the wall near the unit (not in this picture). It cuts power to the outdoor unit so it can be worked on safely.

Numbers show about where each part sits. Most are behind the panels.

Air handler

The indoor half of a split system. It sits in a closet, attic or garage and pushes air through your ducts.

1. 1BlowerA fan that moves air across the coil and out to the vents in every room.
2. 2Evaporator coilGets cold when the A/C runs. Warm air from the house passes over it, gives up its heat, and comes out cool. Moisture from the air collects on it, too.
3. 3Drain pan and lineThe pan under the coil catches that water, and the drain line carries it away. If it backs up, you may see water around the unit, or the system may shut off. Call us.
4. 4FilterUsually at the return grille or in a slot where air goes in. It catches dust before it reaches the blower and coil. Check it every month.

Numbers show about where each part sits. Most are behind the panels.

Furnace

A gas furnace heats the air, and its blower sends that air through your ducts. It often sits under or beside the indoor A/C coil.

Smell gas? Leave the house and call 911 or your gas company from outside.

1. 1Heat exchangerMetal chambers that get hot from the flames. House air passes around the outside and warms up, while the combustion gases stay inside and go out the vent.
2. 2InducerA small fan that starts first. It pulls combustion gases through the furnace and out the vent pipe before the burners light.
3. 3Flame sensorA thin metal rod that sits in the flame and tells the furnace the burners lit. If it’s dirty, the furnace can light and then shut right back off.
4. 4BurnersWhere the gas lights when the thermostat calls for heat.
5. 5BlowerIn the bottom section. It pushes warm air through the ducts, and it runs for cooling, too, when the furnace is paired with an A/C coil.
6. 6FilterAt the return, often below or beside the furnace. A clean filter helps the furnace move air the way it should.

Numbers show about where each part sits. Most are behind the panels.

Indoor air quality

A whole-home air cleaner goes in the ductwork next to your furnace or air handler, so the air in your home passes through it as the system runs. American Standard offers air filtration, air purification, humidity control and ventilation options. We’ll tell you what fits your home.

1. 1Filter sectionCatches dust and other particles in the air on its way back to your system.
2. 2CabinetMounts in the return duct, right before the furnace or air handler, so the air passes through it every time the system runs.
3. 3Front panelShows the air cleaner has power. On some models it also signals when it’s time for service. We look at it during check-ups.
4. 4Access doorOpens so the filter section can be cleaned or replaced. Ask us how often yours needs it.

Numbers show about where each part sits. Most are behind the panels.