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

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.

There are three basic 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.

HVAC has gone a long way over the years. Now, you may be
wondering, 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.

About the author:
Milafel Hope Awe is a freelance web writer, project leader, and
a loyal mom to her 16-year-old stepdaughter and 2-year-old son.
Right now, she's writing articles for HVAC Home. In her spare time,
she writes poetry, travels, and plays the guitar.