What is HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)?

9 June, 2021

HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. As far as business carbon emissions go, HVAC is one of the guiltiest parties… Or is it?

HVAC, once an industry that you could easily point your finger at as a major source of pollution is in fact changing its ways, and the advances made in technology. The performance in this industry is nothing short of impressive.

I recently heard the phrase ‘Keeping ourselves cool doesn’t mean we have to heat the planet’ at the World Economic Forum, and it made me curious to learn more. Take a look at this passage and you may agree that this industry is ripe for requiring progress:

‘There has been an increasing amount of attention paid to the massive climate risk posed by one mundane and increasingly ubiquitous household technology: the air conditioner. Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the International Energy Agency (IEA), and Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) have concluded that room air conditioners alone – the typical window and split units used in most homes – are set to account for over 130 gigatons (GT) of CO2 emissions between now and 2050. That would account for 20-40% of the world’s remaining “carbon budget” (the most we can emit while still keeping global warming to less than 2˚C above pre-industrial levels – the goal set at the Paris Climate Conference in 2015).’

What is HVAC?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It refers to a system or device that is used to control the temperature, air quality, and humidity of a space, such as a building or a vehicle. HVAC systems are often used to provide a comfortable indoor environment for people, and they can also be used to control the temperature and humidity of industrial processes.

Three main parts of HVAC systems

The three main parts of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system are:

Heating: This part of the HVAC system circulates warm air throughout the structure, usually with the help of a furnace, heat pump, or boiler.
Ventilation: The ventilation part of the HVAC system circulates fresh air around the structure while expelling stale air. This promotes air quality control and a wholesome interior environment.
Air Conditioning: This part of the HVAC system cools the indoor air and aids in controlling humidity and temperature. A Refrigerant, an air handler, an evaporator coil, and a condenser coil are commonly used.

HVAC System Components

The components of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system include:

Furnace

A furnace heats water or air to supply warm air to a building. It commonly burns electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil for fuel. Usually, the furnace is found in a closet, attic, or basement.

Heat pump

A heat-transfer device moves heat from one place to another to produce cooling or heating. It functions by taking heat from the atmosphere, the earth, or the water outside and transferring it inside the building. In milder climes, heat pumps are often more energy-efficient than furnaces.

Air handler

An air handler is a device that circulates air throughout the building and helps to regulate the temperature and humidity levels. It consists of a fan, a filter, and an evaporator coil, and it may also include a heating element. The air handler is typically located in a closet or attic.

Ductwork

Ductwork is a system of tubes that transports air to and from the different components of the HVAC system. It may be made of metal, fibreglass, or plastic, and it may be located in the attic, basement, or crawlspace.

Thermostat

A thermostat is a device that controls the temperature in the building by signalling the HVAC system to turn on or off. It may be a manual thermostat, a programmable thermostat, or a smart thermostat. The thermostat is typically located on a wall near the centre of the building.

Evaporator coil

An evaporator coil is a device that removes heat and moisture from the air in the building to cool it. It consists of a series of tubes filled with refrigerant, and it is typically located inside the air handler or on the top of the furnace.

Condenser coil

A condenser coil is a device that releases heat that has been absorbed by the refrigerant in the evaporator coil to the outside air. It is typically located outside the building, near the air handler or furnace.

Refrigerant

Refrigerant is a fluid that circulates through the HVAC system, absorbing and releasing heat as needed. It is a vital component of the HVAC system and helps to regulate the temperature and humidity levels in the building.

Air filter

An air filter is a device that removes contaminants from the air to improve indoor air quality. It is typically located in the air handler and should be changed regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Each of these components plays a critical role in regulating the temperature and humidity levels in the building and ensuring a comfortable indoor environment.

How does an HVAC system work?

An HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system works by regulating the temperature and humidity levels in a building to ensure a comfortable indoor environment. It does this by circulating air throughout the building and controlling its temperature, moisture content, and quality.

The main components of an HVAC system include a furnace, heat pump, air handler, ductwork, thermostat, evaporator coil, condenser coil, refrigerant, and air filter.

Here’s how an HVAC system typically works:

Heating: When the thermostat detects that the temperature in the building is too low, it signals the furnace or heat pump to turn on. The furnace or heat pump then heats the air or water and circulates it throughout the building using the air handler and ductwork.
Air Conditioning: When the thermostat detects that the temperature in the building is too high, it signals the air handler to turn on. The air handler circulates air over the evaporator coil, which removes heat and moisture from the air. The refrigerant then carries the heat outside the building to the condenser coil, where it releases the heat to the outside air.
Ventilation: The air handler also circulates fresh air from outside the building into the building and removes stale air to regulate the air quality and maintain a healthy indoor environment.

The HVAC system operates continuously to maintain a comfortable indoor environment by regulating the temperature and humidity levels.

HVAC vs Air conditioning: What is the difference between HVAC and Air Conditioning?

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and air conditioning (AC) are often used interchangeably, but they are actually different things.

Air conditioning is a component of HVAC and refers specifically to the process of cooling and dehumidifying the air in a building. An air conditioning system works by removing heat and moisture from the air, resulting in a more comfortable indoor environment.

HVAC, on the other hand, refers to the entire system that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC system provides a complete solution for regulating the temperature, humidity, and air quality in a building, making it possible to maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round.

In summary, air conditioning is a component of HVAC that deals with cooling and dehumidifying the air, while HVAC is a comprehensive system that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for a comfortable indoor environment.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between HVAC and Air Conditioning

Climate: The climate in your area plays a big role in determining the type of system you need. In areas with warm climates, air conditioning is often a more important consideration, while in areas with cold climates, heating is more important.
Building type: The type of building you have also affects the type of system you need. For example, a single-family home may only need air conditioning, while a large commercial building may require a full HVAC system.
Energy efficiency: Consider the energy efficiency of the system you choose, as this will affect your energy bills. A more efficient HVAC or air conditioning system will typically be more expensive upfront, but will save you money in the long run.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance is important for the longevity and efficiency of an HVAC or air conditioning system. Consider the maintenance requirements of the system you choose, as well as the cost of maintenance and repair.
Personal preferences: Consider your personal preferences and lifestyle, as well as the comfort levels you are looking for in your indoor environment. An HVAC system provides a complete solution for regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality, making it possible to maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round.

How Important are these systems?

HVAC systems are very important for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, and they are essential for many commercial and industrial processes.

In residential buildings, HVAC systems are used to keep the air inside the home at a comfortable temperature, and they can also help to filter and purify the air to improve its quality.

For commercial buildings, HVAC systems are used to create a comfortable environment for employees and customers, and they are also often used to control the temperature and humidity of specific areas, such as server rooms or laboratories.

In industrial settings, HVAC systems are often used to control the temperature and humidity of the air in order to improve the efficiency of processes and to prevent equipment from overheating.

Overall, HVAC systems are very important for maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment, and they are essential for many different types of buildings and processes.

Good reasons to improve HVAC

In the years between 1990 and 2016, the reduction of global energy intensity (energy used per year) was so great that energy savings now outweigh the amount of energy gained from burning oil.

Another interesting fact is that the compression technology within most air conditioning units is averaging less than 10% of its ‘theoretical maximum efficiency’, whereas solar panels are already at around 40% of their ‘theoretical maximum efficiency’. To de-science this term, what is essentially being said is that AC could be ten times more effective if applied absolutely perfectly, whereas solar panels only have the potential to be 2.5 times more efficient.

Benefits of HVAC systems

When choosing between HVAC and air conditioning, there are several factors to consider:

Climate: The climate in your area plays a big role in determining the type of system you need. In areas with warm climates, air conditioning is often a more important consideration, while in areas with cold climates, heating is more important.
Building type: The type of building you have also affects the type of system you need. For example, a single-family home may only need air conditioning, while a large commercial building may require a full HVAC system.
Energy efficiency: Consider the energy efficiency of the system you choose, as this will affect your energy bills. A more efficient HVAC or air conditioning system will typically be more expensive up front, but will save you money in the long run.
Maintenance requirements: Regular maintenance is important for the longevity and efficiency of an HVAC or air conditioning system. Consider the maintenance requirements of the system you choose, as well as the cost of maintenance and repair.
Personal preferences: Consider your personal preferences and lifestyle, as well as the comfort levels you are looking for in your indoor environment. An HVAC system provides a complete solution for regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality, making it possible to maintain a comfortable indoor environment year-round.

Maintenance Tips for HVAC Systems

Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity and efficiency of an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. Here are some tips to keep your HVAC system in good working order:

Change air filters regularly: This is the most basic and important step in HVAC maintenance. Dirty air filters can reduce the efficiency of your system, leading to higher energy bills and potential damage to the system. Change the air filter at least once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Clean the coils: Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on the evaporator and condenser coils, reducing their efficiency. Clean the coils at least once a year to keep your system running efficiently.
Check ductwork: Ductwork that is leaky or poorly sealed can waste a lot of energy. Have your ductwork inspected regularly to ensure that it is in good condition and that there are no leaks.
Inspect the thermostat: A faulty thermostat can result in a system that doesn’t work properly or is less efficient. Check the thermostat regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
Schedule regular maintenance: Regular maintenance by a professional HVAC technician can help extend the life of your system, improve its efficiency, and catch small problems before they turn into bigger issues. Schedule maintenance at least once a year.

Why HVAC is the Better Choice for Climate Control?

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is a better choice for climate control and environmental sustainability for several reasons:

Energy efficiency: HVAC systems are designed to work together to provide optimal climate control, which results in increased efficiency than separate heating and cooling systems. An HVAC system can also be programmed to work most efficiently based on occupancy, weather conditions, and other factors, which helps to reduce energy consumption and reduce carbon footprint.
Improved air quality: HVAC systems typically include air filtration systems that help to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and allergens from the air. This can reduce the number of pollutants released into the environment and help to improve the health of building occupants.
Renewable energy integration: HVAC systems can be designed to integrate with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, geothermal systems, and wind turbines, further reducing their carbon footprint and improving their environmental sustainability.
Efficient use of resources: HVAC systems can be designed to optimize the use of natural resources such as sunlight, wind, and heat from the earth to provide heating, cooling, and ventilation. This reduces the need for non-renewable energy sources and helps to conserve resources.
Responsible disposal: Many HVAC manufacturers and contractors have programs in place to properly dispose of old or obsolete HVAC systems, helping to prevent environmental harm and conserve resources.

What’s stopping HVAC from going even further?

Right now, HVAC has a lot to compete with. Renewable energy costs are plunging and many businesses see this as the right area to invest their money into, which is fair, of course. There’s also the issue of efficiently getting rid of the heat produced by AC units themselves, which is a long-fought challenge that can one day be overcome.

Another issue is scalability, as many customers seem to make their HVAC purchasing decisions based on price and branding, as opposed to efficiency. Another challenge is that many HVAC manufacturers design their products to market needs of aesthetics and price, and put a lot of money into advertising, rather than driving innovation and efficiency at their core (this leads to cheap and inefficient units being dolled up and rolled out).

The final problem, and one that concerns me most, is that buildings are still being designed and built with inefficient HVAC systems, meaning they are missing out on the huge energy savings benefits of an integrated system.

Is the discussion going to get louder and more vocal?

I’d be 100% surprised if it didn’t. We have to seek opportunities in everything we do to improve efficiency, and if it’s true that buildings account for around 40% of global emissions, then the way we heat, cool, and ventilate these buildings is very important.

With global temperatures expected to rise by 1.5℃, building occupants are slowly going to reach for their thermostats and place even greater reliance on HVAC. Another problem with AC units is their use of greenhouse gas refrigerants, creating a secondary environmental issue that is only going to scale.

What’s the solution?

In the Rocky Mountain Institute report, Solving the Global Cooling Challenge: How to Counter the Climate Threat from Room Air Conditioners, the analysis suggests that ‘rapid scaling and adoption of a residential cooling solution that has five times less climate impact (a 5X solution) would prevent up to 100 gigatons of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2050 and help mitigate up to 0.5°C in global warming by the end of the century.’

Change your HVAC filters every month.

Dirty filters are not good for your HVAC systems as they restrict airflow and reduce efficiency, as well as reduce air quality and increase the likelihood of maintenance being required. One month might seem quite frequent and costly, but it’s worth it for the energy savings. At the very least, a quarterly change and check-up should be performed by a professional.

Work with an HVAC contractor that pays attention to sustainability

Getting an HVAC contractor into your business is a good idea, as their knowledge and skills will come in handy for efficiency and longevity. When looking for a contractor, probe them about sustainability and see who knows the most.

Invest in upgrades

By either retrofitting your existing system or upgrading parts, you are going to end up with an HVAC that performs better for your building and your business. This is a service offered by quality HVAC contractors, so like point 2, find yourself a good one who cares about sustainability! Efficiency can be improved by up to 20% by replacing some of the key parts.

FAQs

What is an HVAC system?

An HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is a system that provides heating, cooling, and air circulation to regulate indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality in a building.

What does HVAC stand for?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

What is the difference between HVAC and AC?

HVAC refers to a system that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, while AC refers only to air conditioning.

The three types of HVAC are central heating and cooling systems, ductless mini-split systems, and packaged HVAC systems.

HVAC systems are used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to regulate indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality.

An HVAC system works by circulating air through a system of ducts, filters, and heat exchangers to regulate indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality.