What is HVAC? It is true that everyone talks about it, do they know what it is exactly? Do they know what the abbreviation stands for? Let us reveal one by one. H stands for Heating, it is related to the process of adjusting the heat in your building. V stands for Ventilation, it deals with air circulation. The air that is trapped in the room has to be removed and replaced with a new one from the outside. AC stands for Air Conditioning and is related to air conditioning.
Overall, HVAC is the technology utilized to control the home environment (purity, humidity, and temperature) to be comfortable and healthy for the inhabitants.
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What is HVAC? Is it Similar to AC?
Because the last two letters stand for air conditioning, some people get confused with the AC unit or air conditioner. Both have similarities, but not the same. An air conditioner is a unit that consists of an evaporator, condenser, compressor, and expansion valve. Its task is to set the air to a cool temperature. It also functions as a dehumidifier.
This device’s basic principle work is taking the warm air as the supply, cooling the air and then distributing it to the entire room. The heat reduction from this process will be released to the outside. That is why the air that comes out from the AC fan is warm (if you ever feel it). From the explanation above, it is derived that the AC units deal with cooling the air.
Meanwhile, an HVAC system deals with so many things more than what the AC does. It provides comfort through the thermal environment. The components in this system are more than that of AC with the furnace as the main component. The HVAC system is responsible for air quality, humidity, and temperature. It is more complex. AC unit could be one of the HVAC components (although it’s not always included).
To sum up, the difference between the two systems is that HVAC is a complex system that deals with a broader scope. An AC unit may support this system as the device that is responsible for air quality.
What Components are Included in The HVAC System?
The system is responsible for the whole comfort system. That is why it needs more than one device. Here are the positions that have to be filled with the right devices.
Furnace
This provides heat by burning the material. The purpose of this device is to increase indoor warmth to make the inhabitants comfortable.
Heat Pump
Don’t be tricked with the name given. In fact, this device doesn’t just transfer heat, it also transfers coolness. The electricity supports its operation.
Air Conditioner
It cools the air and removes the humidity in the room. The heat and the humidity then are taken out.
Ductwork
It is a pipe system that has the responsibility to carry air from three devices above.
Air Handlers
It deals with the circulation of cool and warm air. The cool or warm former units produce the demanded air, and then air handlers organize the circulation.
Thermostat
This is a control unit, located inside, reachable by the homeowner. This is the device that will translate what the homeowner wants and commands it to the entire HVAC system. By having a good room thermostat with smart organizing, the cost of the system can be maximized. The efficiency of the system can be set with this unit.
A good combination of all devices results in efficiency and effectiveness. Those also lead to the bill reduction.
What is HVAC? How Does It Give Good Comfort?
All people want a perfect environment because that way, we feel comfortable. It also boosts our mood and drives the stress away. A system that consists of more than one unit has to work simultaneously to create the desired environment. If one of the units doesn’t work, it will not be maximum.
When you consider installing the system, find the recommended company to do that. Find a company with good after-sales support, maintenance, and consultation. It is to make sure that the system works as it should.
After the installation is done, the control is in your hand. A thermostat is the unit that will deliver what you want to the system. When you send the command through the thermostat, the entire unit will start to change everything according to what you request. The air handler will organize to remove the previous air and welcome the new air. The air with the new temperature will be distributed to the whole room by the ductwork.
What is HVAC? Is It More Important Than AC?
This comparison is not apple-to-apple because both systems have their job. However, the question is too popular to ignore, so let us try to answer. The consideration in choosing between those two systems is personal and subjective. It depends on the climate in your area. An area might only need an AC unit for comfort, the others might need the complete HVAC system.
To sum up the two questions at once, here is an insight. Because of the broader coverage, of course, the system costs more than the only air conditioning system. But, it is reliable, valuable and requires less maintenance. On the other side, AC costs are lower. To assure yourself of choosing which one is the best for you, ask yourself several times and be open to advice from the expert.
What is HVAC has been answered with a clear explanation that gives us a new perspective.