HVAC

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is a system used in both residential and commercial environments to control the indoor climate and manage the air quality. It is a critical component in the design of medium to large industrial and office buildings, where safe and healthy building conditions are regulated with respect to temperature and humidity, using fresh air from outdoors.

Overview

HVAC is an important part of residential structures such as single family homes, apartment buildings, hotels and senior living facilities, medium to large industrial and office buildings such as skyscrapers and hospitals, vehicles such as cars, trains, airplanes, ships and submarines, and in marine environments, where safe and healthy building conditions are regulated with respect to temperature and humidity, using fresh air from outdoors.

Components

The three major functions of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are interrelated, especially with the need to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality within reasonable installation, operation, and maintenance costs. HVAC systems can provide ventilation, reduce air infiltration, and maintain pressure relationships between spaces.

Heating

Heating systems can use a variety of fuel sources including natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity. The heat can be transferred to the surrounding air using radiators, hot water coils, or other heat exchangers.

Ventilation

Ventilation is the process of changing or replacing air in any space to control temperature or remove any combination of moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, or carbon dioxide, and to replenish oxygen.

Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning systems, also known as cooling systems, are used to cool and dehumidify the air. These can be based on the principles of either evaporation or refrigeration.

See Also

• Air filter
• Air handler
• Heat pump
• Thermostat

References

HVAC Resources
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