HvacElite.com - Complete information about HVAC

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


Three 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.


The Future of HVAC
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. 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 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.