Many people have heard the term “HVAC,” and they may use one of these systems in their home or at their business without really knowing what it means. Every home or business needs a system that handles heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, and this is collectively known as an HVAC system. This allows the user to keep their home or business at a consistent and optimal temperature throughout the year regardless of the external conditions. Let’s take a closer look at HVAC systems, how they work, how they are used, the benefits of HVAC, and the commercial applications.
A Brief HVAC Primer
When the indoor temperatures are maintained at a comfortable level, it ensures that the occupants can relax, and a business will have consistent productivity. Every HVAC system has both internal and external systems in place to draw fresh, clean air in and treat it to make the indoor spaces more comfortable. The fresh air is passed over coils that can heat or cool the air in a reverse cycle system, and the treated air is then distributed via a network of ducts. The air is delivered to registers in each room, and these can be opened or closed as needed. The brain of the system is the thermostat, this is usually programmable, but smart thermostats are increasingly popular.
How Are HVAC Systems Used?
There are many different makes, sizes, and styles of HVAC systems available for domestic and commercial use. The HVAC system must be carefully matched to the spaces using a complex load calculation to ensure maximum performance and energy efficiency. If the HVAC system is too small, it cannot treat the air in the space effectively, the equipment is overworked, and this can lead to premature failure. If the HVAC system is too large, it can cool or heat the space too quickly. This confuses the thermostat, and the system can turn off and on quickly, which is known as “short cycling.” If the HVAC system is short cycling, the equipment is put under extra strain; this can lead to unnecessary repairs and premature equipment failure.
When the appropriate type and size of HVAC system is installed in the home or business, it’s extremely effective at treating the indoor air. It’s easy to keep the air at a comfortable 72º all year round without worrying about the temperatures outside. The temperature can be adjusted as needed; in a more advanced system zones can be established where the temperature can differ depending on the time of day. This is a great way to heat or cool rooms that are only needed at certain times, and a prime example of this would be bedrooms.
We mentioned thermostats earlier, and it’s important to understand how these can be used to control the system. In the past, a thermostat would have been a simple temperature dial, and this had to be adjusted manually throughout the day or night. Then we moved to programmable thermsotats that many people still use to this day. The latest programmable thermostats allow you to easily set the temperature and how it changes at set times. But, this system cannot be adjusted, and this makes it a less flexible option when compared to the latest smart thermostats. As the name would suggest, a smart thermostat can be controlled via an app on your smartphone, mobile device, or a computer remotely. So, if you’re going to be delayed getting home from work, you can adjust the temperature to raise later and avoid unnecessary heating. A smart thermostat offers unparalleled levels of control, and it can give you detailed information on how well your HVAC system is performing.
What are the Benefits of an HVAC System?
If you have a professionally installed HVAC system, you can save a significant amount of money on your heating and cooling bills. It’s estimated that around half of the energy used each year in U.S. homes is consumed by heating and cooling. So, any savings that we can make in these two areas without compromising on indoor comfort is a sound investment. A well maintained HVAC system can last for up to 20 years, and the latest units are extremely energy efficient.
Installing a Commercial HVAC System
We spend a great deal of our day at work, and it’s important to keep employees happy if you want to maintain productivity. The ambient temperature in any space can have a dramatic effect on how a person acts and reacts to various stimuli. If the space is too hot, the employee can quickly become tired and listless. If the space is too cold, people have trouble concentrating, and they are distracted easily. The best way to ensure that employees are kept happy is to keep the temperature at a consistent level all year round.
We’ve spoken about the benefits of an HVAC system for employees, but what about visitors to the business. Customers will not stick around for long if the commercial spaces are too hot or too cold. If you run a retail operation, it’s important to make the potential customer comfortable because if they stick around, they are more likely to make a purchase.
The most efficient HVAC system for a commercial location is usually a central air unit. This is typically more expensive to install, but it’s energy efficient, and this will help to keep the energy costs down. Many business owners install a rooftop unit, and this is often paired with boilers. Solar boilers can be used to pre-heat water, this reduces the amount of energy needed to bring the water up to temperature, and this is another way to boost energy efficiency.
If you want to learn more about installing a new HVAC system for your home or business, contact your local HVAC specialist for expert help and advice. They can help you with a comprehensive load calculation to accurately assess your heating and cooling needs. A professional installation is essential if you want an HVAC system that’s both effective and energy efficient to use every day.