HVAC – Complete Service

The tasks of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning a home are often lumped together in one set of technology and contractor services. Companies that offer complete HVAC services are interested in keeping the temperature of your home comfortable all year-round. Whether the structure is an independent single-family dwelling or towering skyscraper, there are many factors to consider when implementing systems designed to heat and cool interior spaces.

HVAC often utilizes central heating to keep houses and buildings warm in cold climates. Hydronics and radiators are used to transfer hot air from a boiler or furnace into the rest of the ventilation system. The most commonly used method of heat transfer is convection. Occasionally, radiators are mounted under floors or on walls in order to distribute heat in a more desirable and efficient pattern. Ductwork can be used for heating or air conditioning and circulates air through filters or cleaner before distributing through rooms of a house or building.

Ventilation is required in almost all HVAC systems and may be natural or mechanical. Replacing the air in a room in order to control moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, or carbon dioxide helps to replenish available oxygen and makes the room more pleasant to be in. Indoor air quality is best controlled with mechanical ventilation and may involve the use of ceiling fans or exhaust vents. Natural ventilation uses much less energy than mechanical, but is also less efficient at maintaining air quality or replacing room air in a timely manner. Windows that open and trickle vents are types of natural ventilation.

Air conditioning is a component of HVAC systems that remove heat from a room via radiation, convection and a refrigeration cycle. Typical refrigerants used in HVAC include water, air, ice and various chemicals. Air conditioners may be stand-alone or central systems, depending on the size of room being cooled and energy available. Stand-alone systems are often great choices for small rooms or climates that aren’t too hot or too humid. Central systems are required to keep larger rooms and buildings cool and are often installed in complexes that have windows that don’t open, since opening windows interrupt the equilibrium required to achieve adequate temperature control. Open windows can also introduce humidity and pathogenic bacteria.

With the recent development of environmental awareness and energy efficiency, HVAC systems are evolving to meet the needs of the planet and consumer pocketbooks. The Environmental Protection Agency of the USA has also implemented more stringent requirements and guidelines for equipment development. A few popular developments include the use of forced air systems, zoned heating with multiple thermostats, geothermal heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation, and heat exchangers.

HVAC engineers in the USA are usually members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Each winter, an HVAC meeting and exposition show is held. Contractors and companies may also be members of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). THE NADCA is responsible for regular publication of updated guidelines and educational materials.