What HVAC Means – Learn the Parts of Your System

HVAC is a frequently used acronym, but there are many who do not know what it actually means. HVAC refers to the interconnected parts of a system that work together to provide heating and cooling for our buildings and vehicles. In addition, these systems are meant to provide us with good air quality. The HVAC system includes your packaged systems, air conditioner, boiler and furnace.

Heating

This refers to the parts of your system that are used to generate heat. This is generally accomplished using a central heating system via a heat pump, boiler or furnace. The heat is distributed by radiant heat, steam or hot water radiators, or more commonly by forced air through a ductwork system.

Ventilation

The Ventilation aspect of your system is responsible for maintaining good indoor air quality by removing pollutants or harmful substances, reducing humidity levels, maintaining comfortable temperatures, and overall providing good, breathable air. For those who have a forced air heating system, indoor air is circulated through the system’s air filter, which removes many contaminants to keep your air clean. Air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and ventilators are among the systems that help to improve indoor air quality year-round.

Air Conditioning

As with heating, air conditioning is generally accomplished by forcing air throughout a building from a central location via a system of ducts. An alternative is a ductless system which can be mini split or multi-split depending on the number of units used, or variable refrigerant flow systems. Other cooling options include portable AC units and window units. All work similarly by using refrigerant in a process that removes hot air from the home and returns cool air.

Routine maintenance is key to getting the most from your HVAC system. Regularly scheduled checks will keep your system in good working order, and will allow your technician to identify and avert potential problems.

Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning has the HVAC systems and expertise you need for air quality management and temperature control in your Woodbridge home or office. Call us today at (703) 491-2771 . Almost forty years in the HVAC industry means service and support you can trust.