Put simply, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning — commonly abbreviated as HVAC — refers to the technology we use to control the temperature and air quality of indoor environments and containers. Air and water heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, dehumidification, and air filtration are all examples of common HVAC technology.
For the layman, this mostly means flipping a switch or turning a dial. For HVAC professionals and mechanical engineers, HVAC is a method that combines complicated scientific laws and theories such as thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics to control a wide range of environmental factors, including room temperature, water temperature, humidity level, and air quality. It’s easy to take advantage of this technology, but understanding the different types of HVAC systems available and their specific uses can help users determine the appropriate solution for a given application.
The following types of HVAC systems are commonly used in most buildings and commercial, residential, and industrial applications:
Heat
Many types of heaters exist, powered either by liquid, gaseous, or solid-state fuels or electricity. This equipment heats our office buildings, factories, and homes to optimal temperatures for occupation by humans. Heating technology covers any number of heat generators such as portable heaters, electrical heaters, and heat pumps. Some systems merely heat the air directly, while others may heat water or steam, which then heats the air around it.
Ventilation
Ventilating indoor spaces serves many purposes. This can be used as a method to control temperature, but also to filter out particulates, pollution, allergens, odors, bacteria and viruses, and humidity from the air in a given space. Fans and windows are the simplest forms of natural ventilation, while more complex ventilation or exhaust applications may involve specialized filters and wind tunnels that can fully change out and/or purify the air in a space through a controlled process.
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
The opposite of heating units, air conditioners manipulate the air in a room to provide cooler temperatures and humidity reduction. Typically, fresh air is drawn into a space from outside and then cooled to the desired temperature. In contrast, refrigeration takes warm air and transfers it outside. This process is more complicated than standard air conditioning, and uses a refrigerant gas (such as Freon) pumped through a compressor and a heat exchanger to force cool air rapidly. These systems usually also involve valves or meters to control the flow of the refrigerant chemical.
HVAC Equipment: Repair or Replace?
The following issues are common with HVAC equipment, and may cause them to work improperly or stop functioning altogether:
- Leaks
- Clogs
- Electrical/ignition issues
- Damaged or worn parts
Performing preventative maintenance checks and services on your HVAC equipment can limit downtime and avoid catastrophic failures. In addition, regularly serviced HVAC equipment can reduce energy bills and avoid more expensive repair or replacement costs. In the event that your HVAC system does stop working, however, here are some factors to consider when deciding if you should repair or replace:
Equipment Age
It’s an unfortunate reality that HVAC systems will eventually just wear out. It’s possible to stave this off for quite some time by identifying and replacing worn-down components and spot-fixing issues as they arise. However, if you’re suffering from frequent repair bills and your HVAC equipment is somewhere between its first and second decade of life, you might save more in the long run by just buying a new system. Energy Star recommends replacing HVAC systems every 10 to 15 years. Anything younger than a decade is still probably worth the cost of repairing.
Operating Cost
Compare your energy bills with previous years. If possible, factor in the changes and fuel prices. If your current energy bill is substantially higher than years past, that means your HVAC equipment isn’t operating as efficiently as it should. It’s possible that you could restore that efficiency through repairs, but again, if your equipment is old, additional repairs might be cost-prohibitive.
Changes in Operation/Function
When it was initially installed, your HVAC equipment served a specific purpose. If your needs or operation have expanded significantly since that installation, your HVAC equipment is probably struggling because it’s no longer powerful enough to keep up with the additional space or heating/cooling requirements you’ve placed on it. If you’re suffering from frequent repairs or component replacements when your system is less than a decade old, consider what it was designed for against what you currently use it for.
Why You Need a Preventative Maintenance Contract
Unless you plan to hire on an on-site HVAC professional to keep on hand in the event of an equipment failure, the best way to ensure your equipment stays in shape is a preventative maintenance contract with a qualified service provider. While the do-it-yourself approach may seem like the cheapest option, an untrained eye can often miss a worn part, leak, electrical problem, or clog.
Scheduling regular service visits through an established preventative maintenance contract can greatly improve your odds of avoiding a catastrophic equipment failure. Trained HVAC technicians know what to look for and where to look. Their experience means they will conduct preventative maintenance faster and more efficiently, minimizing your downtime and allowing for a better bottom line.
Resources:
- https://www.marshallindtech.com/services/preventive-maintenance.php
- http://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/ourwork/interactives/protecting_building_occupants/hvac_basics.html
- https://facilityexecutive.com/2017/12/repair-versus-replace-hvac-equipment/
- https://www.buildings.com/article-details/articleid/1489/title/hvac-repair-or-replace-
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