What Does HVAC Mean And What Does It Entail?

You may refer to it as "H-V-A-C", many refer to it as "H-VAC", but what exactly is it and what does it mean? HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It is the industry in which indoor temperatures and environments are regulated through mechanical means to provide optimal comfort conditions. Regulating indoor environments includes regulating temperature, humidity, and air exchange.

HVAC's principles are derived from thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer theory, and its origins go back to the industrial revolution, but some can even argue that HVAC dates back to ancient Roman times when some buildings were constructed with water cooling systems. Just as in the ancient times, we still use "systems" to manage indoor climates.

We refer to the term "systems" because there are numerous functions that go into a complete HVAC setup. It is typically not a singular system that works together, though that is the assumption. Rather, it is a complex web of engineering that allows different pieces of mechanics to work together.

For example, houses that have central heating usually derive their heat from a boiler or a furnace. This boiler/furnace comprises of water, steam, or air that is distributed throughout the household to elevate temperatures. These systems are elaborate and consist of ductwork and piping/radiators.

There are cases where systems can work together, and of course, there are scenarios where they cannot. Water and steam heating systems work separately from central air conditioning, but sometimes forced air systems can use the same ductwork for air distribution as the central air conditioning system does. Though they'll probably run on two separate sources of energy (i.e. gas for heat and electricity for air conditioning), they appear to be one cohesive "system".

Ventilation is defined as the process of "changing" or replacing air in a structure to provide high indoor air quality. Some aspects of ventilation include temperature control, oxygen replenishment, or the removal of moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, and carbon dioxide. The exchange can occur with air from within said structure or from the outside environment.

There are two types of ventilation: forced/mechanical and natural. Forced/mechanical ventilation systems require a fan to operate as they remove humidity, contaminants, and odors by "exchanging" and replacing with outside air. Natural ventilation occurs when there are open access areas to the outside which allows the natural outside air to flow freely into the structure. While natural ventilation can seem like the more "cost effective" route to go with, this may not be the case in hotter climates.

By understanding the different elements of HVAC, clients can be more educated as to what services are covered by an HVAC specialist. This knowledge will allow them to make educated choices when it comes to engineering and installing, as well as maintaining, an HVAC system.