HVAC and Air Conditioning – What’s the Difference?
When you think of air conditioning and heating, you probably hvac contractors NC picture furnaces and heat pumps. However, they are not the same. While some contractors may use the terms interchangeably, the two actually refer to two different types of units. HVAC is more than just a cooling system and includes other components as well, including ductwork, thermostats, and evaporator coils. Here are some basic differences between AC and HVAC. Here’s what they mean:
An HVAC system takes in outdoor air and heats or cools it to a desired temperature and humidity level. It then blows that air into an indoor space, which could be a room or an entire structure. HVAC systems can be installed in virtually any building or structure, and the individual components may serve dual purposes. For example, a home HVAC system might include a dedicated air conditioner and furnace. There are also heat pumps that serve both heating and cooling functions.
The selection of an HVAC system depends on several factors, including climate, age of the building, and the building’s architectural design. HVAC engineers are usually members of ASHRAE, an international technical society. They may also be EPA-certified and/or local-certified. Building codes may not be comprehensive enough to address HVAC design issues, so reference materials and professional organizations are essential to help make decisions. For example, building permits and code compliance inspections are usually required for all sizes of buildings.