In the past, HVAC was a term you only heard from professionals deep within the industry, but today, it’s everywhere. Many people use the term when referring to air conditioners or furnaces. So, it’s no surprise that more people are searching for “HVAC meaning” on Google.
What does HVAC truly mean? How is it different from specific cooling or heating systems? We’ll go over all you need to know in this article.
HVAC Meaning: What Does it Stand For?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s a collective term for systems responsible for generating and regulating cool and hot air in any building.
HVAC systems are versatile. You can find them in small apartment complexes, office buildings, indoor event centers, and various other structures.
A professional HVAC installation project involves choosing the right HVAC equipment for a specific space.
How an HVAC System Works
Regardless of the system size and configuration, all HVAC units work on the same basic principle. They take in fresh air and use a complex mechanical system to bring the air to your preferred temperature.
Some HVAC units can regulate humidity levels and improve indoor air quality by ridding the air in any room of spores, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Air conditioning systems, heat pumps, and furnaces are the chief elements of any HVAC system. Your air conditioner cools your home by drawing in air and forcing it over refrigerant-filled coils. The refrigerant in the coils draws heat from the air to cool it.
Then, the cool air moves to the air handler, and the blower sends it down the ducts and into your home.
Heat pumps work like air conditioners. However, the key difference is that they feature a mechanism to provide cool air in hot weather and warm air in colder weather.
Your furnace draws air through the ducts. The air moves the heat exchanger where it heats up at the combustion chamber’s set temperature. The motor then blows the heated air through ducts into your home.
What Are the Different Types of HVAC Systems?
There are multiple types of HVAC systems. Choosing the right system for any property will come down to the specific heating and cooling needs, location, ductwork, property age, and more.
A qualified HVAC technician can recommend the best HVAC system for your needs. The different types include:
Whole-Home Systems
These systems feature a heating unit that keeps the entire home warm in the winter months and a cooling unit that does the opposite in the summer. The hot or cool air spreads across the home via ductwork.
Split System
A standard split HVAC system features one unit indoors and another outdoors. The setup can include a furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, and air handler. Other systems have a furnace and heat pump combination.
Hybrid Heat Pump System
In hybrid heat pump systems, the central heating system features an electric heat pump and a furnace working in tandem. The former keeps you warm in moderately cold weather, while the latter kicks in when the heat pump isn’t enough.
The combination is more wallet-friendly because it’s cheaper to heat the home with a heat pump than a furnace.
Ductless Mini-Split System
Ductless mini-split HVAC systems feature an outdoor unit holding the compressor and condenser and an indoor air handler that blows the cool air directly into the room. These systems work best for small spaces, and you can install them in rooms where your whole-house systems don’t reach. Generally, they are the easiest to install.
Ducted Mini-Split Systems
Ducted mini-split systems move air into a room via tubes instead of larger ducts. They also have outdoor condensers and compressors.
This model is best for homes with no room for conventional ductwork. Ducted mini-split systems deliver better air circulation than ductless variants because they deliver better air circulation.
Exterior Packaged HVAC Systems
These systems have all the main components of a split system. However, the individual components stay outside. They work best for homes without adequate space for a heating and cooling system indoors.
Homeowners also choose these systems because they are quieter (all noise outside the home), and they are cheaper to install than multiple mini-split systems spread around the property.
Do HVAC and Air Conditioning Mean the Same Thing?
HVAC meaning the same thing as air conditioning is a common misconception. However, the widespread use of the term when talking about air conditioning doesn’t make it any less wrong. An air conditioner is a part of the HVAC system in a home, but it is not the entire system.
A home with only air conditioning will need a heating solution in the winter, in addition to air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and other components. A full HVAC system has a cooling and heating system in addition to air cleaners, smart thermostats, and ductwork (for whole-house units).
Is HVAC Installation and Maintenance a DIY Job?
Installing and maintaining HVAC equipment requires years of training. You also need some federal, state, and local certifications. You can do minor maintenance work (such as filter changes), but you need a licensed contractor for part replacements, repairs, new installations, and other services.
A licensed contractor has various essential skills that allow them to maintain HVAC equipment effectively. Some of the required skills include carpentry, brazing, metalwork, electrical work, plumbing, and more. In addition, a licensed contractor can access specialized equipment you don’t have and can’t use.
What Are the Best HVAC Systems on the Market Today?
Some of the best HVAC systems on the market today include:
- Trane
- Lennox
- American Standard
- Bryant
- Amana
- Carrier
- Frigidaire
- Coleman
- Goodman
- York
- Rheem
Choose a Professional HVAC Contractor in Flagstaff, AZ
We hope our article on “HVAC meaning” clears up any confusion you might have about what the term means.
Are you looking for a reliable heating and cooling company you can trust in Flagstaff, AZ?
Fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment with the Confident Comfort Heating & Cooling team. We’ll help you choose the perfect HVAC system for your residential or commercial property.