What is an HVAC contractor & what do they do?

When homeowners think of HVAC systems and the HVAC industry, they are likely to think of heating and cooling first. Heating and cooling provide immediate and tangible comfort and are the most talked about components of an HVAC system.

What Does V Stand For?

The “V” in HVAC is for ventilation. It is a major, and perhaps the most important, part in all HVAC systems. But first, let’s talk about the comfort in HVAC.

Comfort

Why HVAC is important will differ in each of its applications, but the goal for most residential and commercial HVAC customers is comfort, especially in parts of the country with extreme weather. Offers near-perfect weather year-round with only a few months out of the year seeing extreme heat and cold. Because the seasons offer mostly bearable, if not great, weather, heating, and cooling are not always a necessity, but are always welcome respite during the hot summer days and cool winter nights, especially in the inland areas.

There are many great options for homeowners when choosing a new heating and cooling system. Whether you’re investing in an HVAC solution for a larger home, commercial building, small condo unit, craftsman style home without ducting solutions, or any other manner of residential and commercial space, an HVAC installation can produce massive benefits when it comes to temperature control and energy efficiency.

Traditional Split Systems

For most residential and some commercial spaces, a traditional split system is the best option. They can be installed in ready-made spaces or replace outdated inefficient systems.

A split system refers to a heating and cooling solution that has an outdoor condenser for air conditioning and an indoor air handler and furnace, all working together providing relief from the summer heat and warm comfort in the winter months. While homes and businesses can have a forced air heating system alone, air conditioning relies on the indoor furnace component.

The outdoor condenser houses the compressor, fan motor and refrigerant components. The compressor and fan motor work to expel the heated air, while the refrigerant works with the indoor air handler to pass cool air into the home.

The indoor air handler or furnace contains the evaporator, return air register, and indoor fan motor.

A common misconception about air conditioning is that it cools the air. In fact, it simply removes the heated air and humidity, redistributing the air that passes over the refrigerated coil back into the home. Air conditioning was a “happy accident.” Invented by Willis Carrier in 1902, what we know of as modern air conditioning was in fact designed to remove moisture in the air of a New York printing company. The printers were losing money because of the hot humid New York summers, as it was ruining printing projects with all of the humidity. The byproduct of Willis Carrier’s invention was cool air.

Most homeowners begin looking to replace their traditional split systems when they are no longer cooling, have a refrigerant leak, or to upgrade to a higher efficiency system. With a well-maintained HVAC unit, it should last between 15-20 years.

Ductless Mini-Split

Ductless mini-splits work much like a traditional split system, just without the ductwork. They are the ideal choices for spaces where ducting does not make sense. Ductless mini-splits are also gaining popularity in traditional settings because of their efficiency and zone control.

The components that make up a ductless mini-split are much like traditional systems. There are indoor air handlers and an outdoor condenser. The difference lies in the absence of ducting, a much slimmer condenser, and air handlers that can be placed in up to 15 different locations. They are typically mounted to the walls or recessed in the ceilings.

The indoor air handlers are unique in that they can control the temperature in each space they are installed, making it easy to heat or cool desired and used spaces, while leaving unused spaces off for efficiency. They are also programmable to run automatically and are the most efficient way of heating and cooling large and small spaces when installed and programmed correctly.

While traditional systems are becoming more efficient at controlling temperature and providing air flow, they still cool all the spaces with venting regardless of use. Homeowners with larger spaces or multiple stories often choose to install multi-zone traditional systems to gain a bit more control over their use.

There are many other options for residential and business spaces, and we cover them in this article (types of AC).

Ventilation

Ventilation is perhaps the most important component in the HVAC equation, yet the least talked about.

Proper ventilation is required for heating and cooling comfort and improved indoor air quality. If a home or commercial building has poor ventilation, people may experience foul odors, stale air, heightened allergies, and in worst-case scenarios, major health issues.

How is Ventilation Achieved?

In residential applications, ventilation occurs naturally through the homes’ build. In most older homes, and/or homes built prior to 2000, there are natural cracks, crevices, ducts, open seals, etc. that allow fresh air into the home, a way of the home “breathing.” Forced air systems and air conditioning units (traditional ducted systems) circulate the air through the ducting as they heat and cool the home.

The downside to natural ventilation is that the heated or conditioned air also escapes through these cracks. This can cause many inefficiencies in a home or commercial building. Homeowners can recoup some of this lost energy through insulation and ensuring that the ductwork is properly installed with no kinks, bends, holes, or leaking seals. Hiring a professional and experienced HVAC company will help you save on HVAC installation and energy bills. Routine maintenance is also recommended for the efficiency of any HVAC system. Preventative maintenance can help keep a system running at its optimal level and maintain the manufacturer’s warranties.

In commercial spaces, ventilation is even more important and they require at least 20 percent fresh air. This is achieved through a fresh air vent system, known as mechanical ventilation.

Many newer homes and buildings are being built with energy efficiency and energy savings in mind. They are essentially sealed up tight, making natural ventilation impossible. These homes require mechanical ventilation and a fresh air intake vent. This also provides some of the best HVAC and energy efficiency in the home or commercial building with no lost air.

Why HVAC Maintenance is so Important

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning maintenance is integral to the life of the system as well as the homeowner’s pocketbook for peak efficiency, the manufacturers warranty and safety. Homeowners and business owners should hire a licensed HVAC contractor with experienced HVAC technicians once per season for each heating and cooling system. It is recommended that maintenance be performed in the spring prior to running the air conditioner, and in the fall prior to running the furnace.

Regular maintenance will keep the system clean from dirt and debris, ensure all of the mechanical parts are oiled and working properly, and ensure the safety of all the components, including proper ventilation. This will keep homes and businesses free of harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals) in the air, helping seasonal allergy problems and improved health. During maintenance visits, the licensed HVAC contractor will also provide recommendations if more measures need to be taken for the best indoor air quality, such as UV lights or air purifiers.

Choosing the Right Contractor

When it comes to HVAC, it is imperative that home and business owners choose a contractor with HVAC equipment that understands all of the heating ventilation and cooling components of the system.

There was a time when “HVAC” really was a term thrown about only by industry professionals and those wealthy enough to pay for it. Now, however, the entire industry has opened up. Google is littered with “what is HVAC” searches.

It’s become an almost generic term for air conditioning, used synonymously by people in all environments. But what does HVAC mean, exactly? How does it factor into your home or business, will it be heating or cooling? And what, if anything, is the difference between it and air conditioning?

These are the important questions, as we move into a world of better and better air control systems for spaces of all shapes and sizes. Because, ultimately, even with dozens of options to choose from, the only way to make a truly informed decision is to be, well, truly informed.

So join us, as we define HVAC, define air conditioning, and break down the differences between these two concepts.

WHAT IS HVAC?

Let’s start right off with an important question: “What does HVAC stand for?”. Short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, HVAC is responsible for heating and cooling a building. It’s also a source of proper ventilation, allowing for moisture to escape.

HVAC units can take on many shapes and sizes, all offering different benefits depending on their design and the spaces they’re being used in. Units may include any combination of the following:

• Boilers
• Air conditioning units
• Ducts and moisture vents

Not all HVAC units are air conditioning units, even though AC units are included under the HVAC umbrella. As outlined above, what’s important to understand is that it’s actually a larger term. Think of it as an umbrella term that applies to all sorts of interrelated air control systems.

A CLOSER LOOK: HOW DOES YOUR HVAC WORK?

There are instances where the HVAC components may operate independently of each other. What’s more common, however, is for each component to work alongside the others. These so-called “combined systems” include both central heating and AC systems.

But make no mistake: your HVAC system is more than just a convenient way to warm up or cooling the space you live or work in. It’s a way to fully transform your indoor air quality and create a comfortable environment for everyone inside.

HVAC systems are available in several different variations. However, even with that said, at their core, they’re all based on the same essential build concepts. And it starts outside, not inside.

Fresh air is sourced and brought in from the outside environment by way of a process called “ventilation”. This can be carried out in one of two ways.

NATURAL VENTILATION

Ventilating your space naturally is done without specialized equipment, construction, or add-ons. We see this present in most homes, actually, in the form of any entry and exit points into the building. When the natural air outside moves through your windows, doors, and vents of its own accord, that’s natural ventilation.

Where is this most useful? Natural air exchanges like this are important in replenishing your oxygen levels, for starters. It’s also useful in removing odours and excess moisture from your home, as well as filtering out carbon dioxide.

MECHANICAL VENTILATION

Next, we have mechanical ventilation. This is a system that uses mechanical systems to transport air both into and out of the building. Old-fashioned architecture made it so most buildings had ready access to natural ventilation. Most homes, businesses, and official buildings made use of doors and windows to bring natural air from the outdoors, indoors.

Modern architecture is different, however. Contemporary builders opt for creating much more tightly-sealed homes, in general. This is a design philosophy that makes mechanical ventilation all the more important in households with HVAC systems.

Air enters the building using a specially designed air inlet unit, where it is immediately put to work. Air enters via the filter and is routed to different areas where it will be most needed. Specifically, it will be used in removing dust and dirt, allergens, and various other particles. This same air is used both in heating and cooling processes, and also works against excess humidity in the air.

Finally, once the air has been filtered and brought up or down to the appropriate temperature, it is headed home. In the case of a central system, this movement takes place via a network of ducts, allowing the air to travel wherever it is needed.

WHAT IS AIR CONDITIONING?

An air conditioner or AC system is specifically designed to cool or heat the air. In some circles, a contractor may call any unit that controls the air, whether hot or cold, an air conditioner.

For our purposes, however, and to keep the process as uncomplicated as possible, we won’t be using this convention. We’ll break it down like this: a system designed to condition the air is an air conditioner. Any system that works to cool or heat up the air while pushing out moisture via air vents would be referred to, specifically, as an HVAC unit.

We need to be careful here, most if not all AC units heat as well as cool these days, they refer to this as a “heat pump” which in essence is reversing the refrigeration cycle to provide heat, more and more these days buildings are dispensing with traditional “wet” systems as air conditioning systems have become more reliable and more importantly very efficient against fossil fuels.

A CLOSER LOOK

There are different kinds of air conditioning and HVAC systems. Let’s take a closer look at some of the options available;

Window Unit

A window air conditioner or heater is a small unit that is installed in and sits on the inside of a window sill. These AC units are usually smaller but actually offer a pretty powerful output. In spite of this, however, they are best used in small spaces for maximum efficacy. Studio apartments and small rooms work best, in this regard.

One big benefit of window units is their price. For the budget-conscious, this is one of the cheapest cooling options out there, especially for the quality of the product. Expect to pay only a few hundred pounds at a time, both for the unit itself and for installation.

Central Air (Air Handling Unit, AHU)

Central air conditioners are commonplace for cooling and heating. They’re especially useful in large spaces, where the interconnecting air ducts guide and release air to the rooms where it is needed.

The system itself will include both outdoor and indoor parts. Because of the size of the installation, these tend to be lifelong investments, put into buildings that owners own for many years.

They also involve big investment, initially. The system itself, however, is one of the most effective and has been known to last up to 20 years or more under the right circumstances.

The Mini Split System

The mini-split system is quite similar in design to central air. The big difference is the fact that the ductwork is largely removed and in its place refrigeration pipework is installed.

One of the biggest draws when it comes to ductless systems such as these is in the reduced cost of operation.

The system is more aesthetically pleasing than some other options, since there is no need to install complicated ducts.

And Now You Know…

When we try to define HVAC, air conditioning, and the differences between them, we immediately run into a problem. The idea of “what is HVAC” and “which one is air conditioning” has a simple answer: there is no real difference. Air conditioning is a subsection of HVAC, with units focusing more on moving air through a space.

Your ventilation system in your home is one of the key elements of your family’s health. The air in your home can be filled with contaminants like airborne spores and germs and can be prone to mold and mildew. Poorly ventilated homes are far more susceptible than those with air conditioning and ventilation systems.

For allergy and asthma sufferers, poor ventilation is a well-known trigger, and creates a very unhealthy environment, causing unnecessary illness. By reducing dampness in the air, by lowering condensation levels, and removing dust and pollen from the air, ventilation systems makes the air cleaner, and your family healthier.

Ventilation systems undoubtedly improve the quality of the air you breathe and can also save you a lot of money. One important thing to know about ventilation systems is that with regular use, comes the requirement to maintain it. Maintenance can include cleaning filters, and general servicing to clean and ensure the system is working to its full capacity. There are of course many other reasons you should service your ventilation system.

Here are 4 Reasons You Need Your Ventilation Systems Serviced:

Preventative maintenance

The thermostat that helps to monitor the temperatures of your home is a critical part of your heating, cooling and ventilation system, and without regular maintenance the thermostat can stop working at the capacity or stop working altogether. This can cause your home’s temperature to become out of balance, resulting in the loss of your preferred thermal comfort levels. Preventative maintenance will pick up any small thermostat issues early, allowing you to replace it before it is too late.

Dirty Filters

Regular maintenance includes the cleaning or replacement of dirty or faulty filters. Dirty filters mean air flow will be restricted and the air will not be cleaned as it should be. The only way to ensure the filters are doing the job they are designed for is through maintenance. Filters should be cleaned seasonally, and if you are in a dusty area, it might pay to purchase an extra set of filters to keep in clean storage to replace between seasonal servicing. Dirty filters also reduce the efficiency of the system, forcing the system to run harder and cost you more.

To Rectify Improper Installations or Imbalanced Dampers

Sometimes installation can be rushed or not correctly carried out for many reasons, however servicing your ventilation system allows the technician to find and repair any errors that were previously made upon installation or adjustments. Your ducting can often become unattached inside your roof or walls if it isn’t installed correctly, which can cost hundreds of dollars a year on air going inside your walls rather than where you need it to be.

Incorrectly balanced ducting can also lead to hot or cold spots in areas of the home and servicing the system can easily rectify this problem. Ducting balance can also be altered for the seasons. You house position has a big impact on how the heat is circulated through your home, and some parts are almost always hotter or colder than others naturally. Your service technician can alter the ducting and rebalance it to suit the seasons, to ensure your home is a consistent temperature throughout, all year round.

To Ensure It Runs at Optimum Capacity

For your system to run at its peak performance level, a service technician needs to be able to find and fix problems or faults. This enables your system to run at its best all year. Maintenance is a cost that you might be hesitant at paying for, however when you think about costs of maintenance versus costs of repairs, the money really is worth spending. Just like you service your car, you should service your ventilation system to prevent large costs when something breaks.