Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is the technology of environmental comfort within interiors and vehicles. Its purpose is to provide optimal thermal comfort and desirable indoor air quality.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is the technology of environmental comfort within interiors and vehicles. Its purpose is to provide optimal thermal comfort and desirable indoor air quality.
It has become an increasingly generic term for air conditioning, used as a synonym by people from all walks of life. But what exactly does the term HVAC mean? How does it fit into your home or business? Is it heating or cooling? And what, then, is the difference between HVAC and air conditioning?
Not every HVAC unit is an air conditioning unit, although air conditioning units are included in the HVAC category. As mentioned above, what is important to understand is that this is actually a broader term. It is an umbrella term that applies to all kinds of inter-related air control systems.
In some cases, the components of the HVAC system can operate independently of each other. However, it is more common for each component to operate simultaneously with the others. These so-called “combined systems ” include both air conditioning and central heating systems.
But remember: HVAC is much more than just a convenient way to warm up or cool down the space you live or work in. It’s a way to completely redefine indoor air quality and create a comfortable environment for all occupants.
HVAC systems are readily available in many different variants. Nevertheless, they are all based on the same basic concepts. And that starts outside, not inside.
Fresh air comes from the outside environment and is brought in through a process called “ventilation”. This can be done in two ways.
The natural ventilation of your space occurs without any special equipment, construction, or additions. It is present in most homes, in fact, in the form of all entry and exit points in the building. When natural air from outside comes through your windows, doors, and vents on its own, it is referred to as natural ventilation.
Where is it most useful? Natural air exchange like this is important for replenishing your oxygen levels for a start. It’s also useful for removing odours and excess moisture from your home, as well as filtering carbon dioxide.
Then we have mechanical ventilation. This refers to a system that uses mechanical ventilation elements to conduct air in and out of the building. The old-fashioned architecture allowed most buildings to have easy access to natural ventilation. Most houses, businesses, and government buildings used doors and windows to bring natural air from outside to the inside of the building.
Modern architecture, however, is different. Modern builders are opting to create much more tightly sealed houses, in general. This approach to construction makes mechanical ventilation all the more important in homes with HVAC systems.
Air flows into the building through a specially engineered air intake unit, where it is immediately put to use. This air enters through the filter and is directed to the different areas where it will be most useful. Specifically, it will be used to remove dust and dirt, allergens, and various other particles. This same air is used in both the heating and cooling processes, and also acts against excess moisture in the air.
Finally, as soon as the air has been filtered and adjusted to the appropriate temperature, it is directed into the house. In the case of a central system, this movement is done through a network of ducts, allowing the air to move to where it is needed.
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