The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is one of the most important and complex systems in any home or business. It’s what keeps you comfortable year-round by regulating the flow of conditioned air throughout your space. An HVAC system consists of three major components: an air source, a distribution system, and a control system. The air source is the component that brings outdoor air into the home or building through ductwork. The distribution system is the network of ducts and vents that distribute air throughout your home or building; it’s also where the air conditioner and/or heater is installed. The control system consists of thermostat(s), fan or blower motor(s) (if needed), and other components that regulate the flow of conditioned air into each room. There are many different types of HVAC systems, but they all serve the same basic function: to regulate the temperature and humidity of indoor air to your comfort level and the requirements of your house or business.
The main function of HVAC is to maintain indoor air quality (IAQ) by regulating indoor temperature, humidity, and indoor air flow. HVAC systems are designed to maintain these parameters in indoor spaces that are suitable for human occupation. When these parameters are not maintained, there can be adverse effects on health, comfort, productivity, and safety. The following sections describe the most important aspects of HVAC operation.
Thermostats are the primary control devices for HVAC systems. They control the temperature of the indoor space by regulating the flow of conditioned air from the air conditioner or the flow of outdoor air into the building through the heating system.Thermostats are usually located in a central location such as a room in the main part of the house, near a hallway, or in a closet.Thermostats can be manual, automatic, or programmable. Programmable thermostats allow you to set and adjust the temperature at different times of the day, or on different days of the week.
The distribution system of an HVAC system distributes conditioned air to the various areas of the house or building. It includes the ductwork, air diffusers, and air registers. The ductwork is the network of metal or PVC pipes that are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house or building. The air diffusers are the grills or outlets where the air is released into each room. The air register is the opening where the ductwork terminates in a room. The distribution system is usually hidden from view and can be found in the attic, floor, or wall cavities of a building.The distribution system is designed to maintain a uniform flow of conditioned air to all parts of the house or building.
The HVAC system consists of the air conditioner and/or heating unit. Depending on the type of climate in your area, you may need to install an air conditioner, a heat pump, or a gas or oil-fired furnace. The type of HVAC system you need is determined by local climate, house construction, and the heating and cooling demands of your home.There are three main components of an HVAC system: the air source, the distribution system, and the control system. The air source is the component that brings outdoor air into the home or building through ductwork. The distribution system is the network of ducts and vents that distribute air throughout your home or building; it’s also where the air conditioner and/or heater is installed. The control system consists of thermostat(s), fan or blower motor(s) (if needed), and other components that regulate the flow of conditioned air into each room.
The HVAC system is one of the most important and complex systems in any home or business. It’s what keeps you comfortable year-round by regulating the flow of conditioned air throughout your space. An HVAC system consists of three major components: an air source, a distribution system, and a control system. The air source is the component that brings outdoor air into the home or building through ductwork. The distribution system is the network of ducts and vents that distribute air throughout your home or building; it’s also where the air conditioner and/or heater is installed. The control system consists of thermostat(s), fan or blower motor(s) (if needed), and other components that regulate the flow of conditioned air into each room. There are many different types of HVAC systems, but they all serve the same basic function: to regulate the temperature and humidity of indoor air to your comfort level and the requirements of your house or business.
HVAC service maintenance can be performed once or twice a year, depending on usage. If it runs intermittently, then once a year is usually enough.
In addition to your air conditioner and furnace, HVAC includes combined systems like heat pumps and indoor air-quality equipment like air purifiers. It also encompasses the control systems and smart thermostats that help everything work together.