Basics of HVAC

What is HVAC? You've probably heard of the term from different contractors, engineers, or perhaps colleagues and business partners; but you're still wondering what the initialism means. Well, HVAC ("H-V-A-C" or "H-VAK") stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning--three closely related fundamental functions found in homes, offices, and other building structures.

The beginning of HVAC is not clear, though as early as second century, a lot of Roman cities were using a central heating system known as hypocaust. This is further popularized during the Industrial Revolution as big factories used it. Now most modern buildings that you see have integrated HVAC.

The HVAC system is also known as climate control. This is because these three functions are essential in maintaining comfort in every dwelling.

The primary use of HVAC is to regulate room temperature, humidity, and air flow, ensuring that such elements remain within their acceptable ranges. Effective control of such factors minimizes health-related risks. A very humid atmosphere impairs the body's ability to regulate body temperature as it prevents the evaporation of sweat. High humidity also decreases physical strength, which usually leads to fatigue. An unhealthy surrounding can also affect people's thinking abilities. Hypothermia, heat stroke, and hyperpyrexia, among others, are some of the illnesses that may also occur.

There are three basic functions of HVAC. Heating is significant in maintaining adequate room temperature especially during colder weather conditions. There are two classifications of heating: local and central. The latter is more commonly used because it is more economical. Furnace or boiler, heat pump, and radiator make up the heating system.

Ventilation, on the other hand, is associated with air movement. There are many types of ventilation, but they all function similarly. Ventilation is necessary to allow carbon dioxide to go out and oxygen to get in, making sure that people are inhaling fresh air. Stagnant air causes the spreading of sickness, usually airborne, and allergies. But it is also essential to maintain an efficient ventilation system, especially in the attics. Insufficient ventilation usually promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi such as molds because of high humidity. It will also decrease the effectiveness of rafter and roof sheathing insulation because of water vapor condensation.

The air-conditioning system controls the heat as well as ventilation. They often come in different sizes. Most air conditioners have large air ducts, so it is better to check out the building first to see if they can be installed. Or else, you can use the split system or remote coils. It is necessary, though, that air ducts are properly cleaned. Pathogens thrive in dirty air ducts. Return-air grills are also vulnerable to chemical, microbiological, and radiological elements. Thus, HVAC return-air grill height should be that it is not accessible but visible for any observation.

HVAC has gone a long way over the years. Now, you may be wondering, how has technology changed in the HVAC field? Well, using PLCs (programmable logic controllers) in HVAC is the trend nowadays. But a great deal of development of the HVAC system lies on the ever-changing technology and continuous innovation. Companies are adopting wireless technology after they found out that networking HVAC controllers, which often use sensors, can eventually cut installation and labor costs. A lot of engineers are also focused on further improving this technology through the use of mesh wireless setup, which will work for both the wireless sensor and wireless controller networks. The only downside of this could probably be the risk of being exposed to RF (radio frequency) radiation.

The installation of an HVAC system is imperative if we want to achieve maximum comfort and be healthy in our homes, office spaces, or other building facilities. But you also need to consider the building size in installing an HVAC system. Optimum efficiency and comfort level are best achieved if the system is appropriate for the size. After all, any ineffective system usually means more incurred costs in the future. You should also see to it that HVAC is carefully integrated to the overall building design so other aspects needed for proper operations, such as cabling, are not sacrificed.

Milafel Hope Awe is a freelance web writer, project leader, and a loyal mom to her 16-year-old stepdaughter and 2-year-old son. Right now, she's writing articles for HVAC Home. In her spare time, she writes poetry, travels, and plays the guitar.