Most homes have an HVAC system, and many people are not fully aware of the inner workings of that big hunk of metal.

Did you know that…

  • At least 84 percent of all homes in the United States have some kind of formal HVAC system.
  • In 1902, the New York Stock Exchange was one of the first air conditioned buildings.
  • It’s more common in U.S. homes to have an air conditioning unit than a dishwasher, garage, or dining room.
  • By 2020, over 25 billion HVAC devices will incorporate Smart technologies.

You know that the HVAC in your home provides you warm air when it becomes chilly outside and cool air when those hot months arise; but do you really know what else it does? Or the actual purpose of an HVAC system?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning. Many years ago, before the industry became more technologically advanced, the main goal was to have an air-conditioner and be able to cool off when needed. The purpose of HVAC systems has changed drastically since then and according to experts:

The objective of HVAC are to control the temperature of air inside the designated “air conditioned” space along with control of moisture, filtration of air and containment of air borne particles, supply of outside fresh air for control of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the air conditioned space, and finally control of the movement of air or draught.

While there are various “HVAC system designs and operational approaches to achieving proper system functionality”, there are a few parts that basically every design has:

  • Outside air intake
  • Air handling unit—a system of fans, heating and cooling coils, air-flow control dampers, air filters, etc.
  • Air distribution system
  • Air exhaust system

Next, there are the processes of an HVAC system:

  • Heating: To increase the temperature by adding thermal energy to a space.
  • Cooling: To decrease the temperature by removing thermal energy from a space.
  • Humidifying: The process of increasing the relative humidity of a space by addition of water vapor or steam.
  • Dehumidifying: The process of removing the water vapor or humidity of a space.
  • Cleaning: The process of removing dust, pollens, smoke and contaminants from air inside the space.
  • Ventilating: The process of adding external air to freshen up the air and maintaining gas ratio.
  • Air movement: To control the movement of the supplied air so that the inhabitants of the space do not feel discomfort.

And to think that this complicated system started out in 1851 with the patent for a ‘refrigeration machine!’

Learning about systems within your home that affect you on a daily basis is important. In doing so, you will have a better understanding when something goes wrong with your HVAC, you will feel more in control when a situation arises, and you will hopefully have more appreciation for what that hunk of metal actually does.

If you have any questions about how your HVAC system can help you to have optimal air quality, be sure to contact a professional like Dale Heating Cooling and Sheetmetal in Santa Rosa and make the most informed choice for your home’s specific needs.