HVAC Basics
This indoor component's main job is to move and condition the air inside the building.
What is an air handler.
This is the primary electrical hazard firefighters need to worry about when approaching HVAC equipment.
What is electrical shock/electrocution.
Smoke or a burning smell coming from the HVAC vents may point firefighters toward this indoor component.
What is the indoor air handler/blower motor.
This process cools warm outside air by passing it through water-saturated pads?
What is evaporation.
What is a trip/fall hazard.
This outdoor component contains the compressor and outdoor fan.
What is a condenser/condensing unit.
This HVAC component can store electrical energy even after the power has been disconnected.
What is a capacitor.
This component can overheat and cause smoke or a burning smell when its bearings fail or it locks up.
What is a blower motor.
This component moves cooled air from the swamp cooler into the building?
What is the blower fan.
If gas is present, firefighters should locate and close this.
What is the gas shutoff valve.
In a split HVAC system, the indoor air handler and outdoor condenser are connected by these.
What are refrigerant lines.
Simply pulling the HVAC disconnect isn't enough; firefighters should do this to confirm the power is actually off.
What is test/verify with a meter.
These electric heating elements can collect dust over the summer and produce a burning smell when first turned on in winter.
What are heat strips.
Unlike refrigerated air conditioning, a swamp cooler generally requires this to allow incoming air to flow through and exit the structure?
What is an open window, door, or exhaust vent.
Large HVAC ductwork can allow fire to bypass walls and extend into these concealed areas of the structure?
What are void spaces.
A system that has its major components packaged together in one large unit is commonly called this type of unit.
What is a package/rooftop unit.
Someone improperly wiring around the normal disconnect and sending power directly to the equipment is known as doing this.
What is jumping/bypassing the power.
In larger commercial HVAC systems, this rubber component can slip, overheat, and produce a burning-rubber smell.
What is a belt.
This device continuously circulates water from the reservoir to the cooling pads?
What is the water pump.
Shutting down the HVAC system can prevent this from being distributed to unaffected areas.
What is smoke.
This type of HVAC system uses electricity rather than natural gas to provide heating.
What is a heat pump.
When checking an HVAC unit for voltage, firefighters should avoid becoming this.
What is the path to ground.
Firefighters can use this piece of equipment to locate unusually hot HVAC components without touching them.
What is a TIC.
Swamp coolers are most effective in climates with this type of weather condition?
What is low humidity or hot, dry climates.
If the disconnect has been pulled but the meter still detects voltage, firefighters should assume this until the electrical situation is properly addressed.
What is it is still energized and still powered.