What is the difference between HVAC and air conditioning?

Posted by Marry Grover on March 30th, 2023

Generally, people around the world use the terms air conditioning and HVAC interchangeably. But, do you know what HVAC stands for or its exact meaning? Are you aware of how the HVAC system factors into your home and business and its need? For those of you who do not know the answers, we have collected all the vital information regarding HVAC systems in our following sections. To understand what, if anything, is the difference between them and AC units, read further!

What is HVAC?

Before going in-depth, let us first understand that HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is an umbrella term that includes AC units and all other types of interrelated air control systems. An HVAC unit is responsible for cooling your house or office space and covers heating and ventilation. 

It can take in many shapes and sizes depending upon the design and space of the interiors. They can include any combination of the following units-

• Ducts and moisture vents

• Air conditioning

• Boiling

How does HVAC work?

In an HVAC system, components can work independently or alongside each other. However, you need to remember that HVAC is more than just a way of heating or cooling your house. Instead, it is a method that completely transforms your indoor air quality and creates a comfortable space for everyone residing inside.

In HVAC systems, the process begins from outside when the fresh air is brought in from the outdoors using a process called ventilation. It can go about in two ways-

1. Natural Ventilation-

Used in most houses, natural ventilation does not rely on any machine or specialized equipment for bringing in air. Rather the air circulation happens on its own through any entry or exit point in the building. So, when the outdoor air enters your building through a window or door, that’s natural ventilation. It comes in handy for replenishing oxygen levels, reducing carbon dioxide levels, and getting rid of odours.

2. Mechanical Ventilation-

Mechanical systems help in transporting air both inside and outside of the building. They are most appropriate for modern houses that are tightly sealed. In such structures, the air is bought in using a specially designed air inlet. Then, it is filtered and to specific areas where it is used for the heating and cooling process. It is carried through a network of ducts.

A complete HVAC system is also responsible for heating the interiors. The system generally relies on heat pumps, one of the most powerful central heating solutions for this purpose. These are available as packaged or split units. Besides this, a natural furnace is another method used by HVAC systems to heat homes. Here, fuel is burnt to create warmth.

Lastly, an air conditioning or AC unit is also a part of an HVAC system. Basically, two types are the most common: window units and central AC. While the window AC cools a single room and is less powerful, a central AC is designed to cool the entire house and controls cool air in different ways. Also, an AC can be combined with a furnace to provide heating in winters and to cool in summers.