Everything you need to know about HVAC

HVAC, an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, refers to the systems used to alter indoor and vehicular environments according to our needs. They move air indoors and outdoors along with heat, to heat or cool commercial and residential buildings. Basically, HVAC refers to that system that is responsible for keeping you warm and cozy in the winter and cool and fresh in the summer. These systems also have filters, to maintain optimum air quality to keep you fit and healthy, along with humidity regulators to create a comfortable environment. The V in HVAC stands for Ventilation, HVAC systems are also responsible for the to and fro of air in a closed space to avoid a suffocating environment. 

HVAC systems can be broadly classified into two categories – centralized and decentralized. These two classifications are on the basis of the location of primary equipment. In a centralized system, the whole building is conditioned as one single unit, whereas in a decentralized system a specific region of the building is conditioned as a separate unit. There are nine parts to your HVAC system that you should be familiar with – the air return, filter, exhaust outlets, ducts, electrical elements, outdoor unit, compressor, coils, and blower.

There are tons of benefits of installing a HVAC system. Few of the are

1. The comfort of the indoor environment – The most important reason for installing an HVAC system is the comfort it provides. Changing the temperature with the click of a button! A comfortable environment has a positive effect on mood and boosts productivity.
2. Energy efficiency – Using a well-maintained HVAC system with optimum efficiency will result in efficient and reduced energy usage during peak hours. It can sense when there are fewer employees in offices and hence regulate the conditions resulting in power savings.
3. Improve indoor air quality – As air pollution is increasing, Improved air quality from an HVAC system has many health benefits and has a very positive effect on health in the long term. They also control the humidity and hence can maintain a cozy environment all day long. 

An HVAC Engineer has to perform various duties, depending on the size of the heating and cooling project they are working on, location of the project, type of project, and the requirements of the customers. However, some key responsibilities like design HVAC systems, calculate heating and cooling needs, interpret and draft plans, calculate ventilation requirements, determine budget costs, coordinate with others, adhere to all building codes, etc remain the same. 

There are tons of Jobs open for HVAC engineers. Each and every civil structure nowadays requires HVAC assistance, and one can’t go wrong in making a career in this field!