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What Is HVAC And What Does HVAC Stand For

By Matt O'Haver

Last modified: January 22, 2023

HVAC is short for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The term HVAC is used to explain the many systems used for heating, cooling, and transporting air between interior and outdoor spaces in both residential and commercial structures. 

These are the mechanisms that keep you comfortable and warm in the winter and cool and energized in the summer. In order to keep you healthy and manage indoor humidity levels at comfortable levels, they also have systems that filter and clean the air indoors.

HVAC systems are becoming more important for today’s modern homes. In this article, we cover the basics of what HVAC is and what each component means for your house, as well as how Go Answer can help secure future HVAC clients.

The Purpose of HVAC

In order to fully answer the question, “what is HVAC and what does HVAC stand for?” we need to explain its purpose. An HVAC system serves purposes beyond heating or cooling a place.

Instead, it helps to enhance the comfort of everyone in a facility and improve indoor air quality. HVAC systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they always start with the same components.

  • First, there is a way for fresh air to enter the house from the outside or from inside. This air exchange is required to remove excess moisture, carbon dioxide, and smells as well as to replenish oxygen.
  • The V in HVAC stands for mechanical ventilation, which employs a mechanical system to flow air in and out. The process starts after the air is brought in and is sucked into an air handling unit. To get rid of debris like dirt, dust, allergies, and other things, air is pulled through filters here.
  • Afterward comes comfort. In order to cool and remove extra humidity, air is either sent to be heated or cooled. After being made clean, fresh, and comfy, the air is then sent inside the house. 

How HVAC Works

Your home’s components could all be independent of one another but it is more typical for integrated systems, such as central heating and cooling systems that utilize a single blower to circulate air through internal ducts in a home, or with a ductless system for various rooms or zones in the house.

HVAC systems typically have the following components:

  1. The heating element, which is typically the furnace or boiler. If you’re using a forced air system, it also comprises ductwork or a pipe network for the fluid conveying the heat.
  2. The ventilation element can be forced or natural, and when it is forced, it frequently also serves to purify the air.
  3. Air cooling, which is the exact opposite of heating, is the third and final component of an HVAC system. Its primary goal is to expel the internal heat from the house.

Which HVAC System is Right for You?

Now that the Go Answer team has covered what HVAC stands for and it’s primary functions, here are the four types of HVAC systems along with specifications of each:

Split Heating and Cooling

This is the most popular kind of HVAC system. It’s divided into two independent components – one heating and one cooling unit – consisting of interior and outdoor components.

The air conditioning unit is maintained outside of homes and used in the summer while the heater utilizes gas to warm the home, and is installed in the basement and other storage areas. It regulates the temperature using a conventional thermostat to maintain a comfortable level

Hybrid System

This specific HVAC system contributes to reducing energy expenses but shares many of the same aspects of the split system mentioned above. Homeowners can choose how they wish to heat their houses by having the ability to switch from gas power – which is quicker and more complete – to electricity, which is more efficient and quieter.

This system gives all the benefits of a split system with the added bonus of energy conservation and lower utility costs. It also depends on conventional ductwork and thermostats.

Mini-Split/Duct Free 

For locations where traditional ducted systems are not appropriate, mini-splits offer a great option; but this system is most expensive upfront.

The typical installation location for ductless units is the specific rooms of a house that require heating and cooling. For every outside unit, you can install four internal air handling units. Mini-splits provide superior independent control, making it a suitable option for hotels or apartments where renters can regulate their own temperature.

Air Conditioning and Heating Package

The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are all included in a packaged HVAC system, which is often installed on the roof or close to the foundation. It meets a house’s cooling and heating requirements.

Due to its small size, it’s a good choice for homes with limited space. This HVAC system is easy to maintain and highly effective. It’s typically utilized in warmer climates since its heating system is less effective than other alternatives.

Each system offers different characteristics to fit the demands of your home or business. How long the HVAC system will function truly relies on the equipment. However, if you perform the necessary yearly maintenance, your equipment will stay working for a very long time.

HVAC Customer Service 

If you have additional questions, contact an HVAC specialist near you. Client calls may be routed to us. 

Go Answer offers HVAC companies the best call-answering and dispatching services available, ensuring that none of your crucial questions go unanswered. Our HVAC answering service agents will ensure that your concerns are routed to the appropriate excerpt for additional help.