HVAC system has revolutionized the whole concept of heating and cooling

After the digital boom, use of computers and electronic gadgets has increased drastically in companies, commercial zones and in households. With this trend, the need of heating and cooling via air conditioning has also been on a rise. Every physical hardwire device requires an environment of regulated heat and humidity. Hence HVAC systems have been introduced which regulate the heat, ventilation and air conditioning.

Importance of HVAC systems

HVAC system’s primary work is to provide thermal comfort. Additionally it maintains the air quality of the building by controlling the air flow. They have become very popular in the last decade with large industries and office buildings opting for them. They have become common in hospitals, ships and submarines. Single family homes and apartments are also opting for HVAC for premium comfort. Ventilation is a key factor in regulating moisture, smoke, odor and heat in these buildings. The air is periodically replaced to ensure sufficient amount of oxygen is being provided inside and temperature is optimal. It also includes the task of circulation of air inside the buildings.

How HVAC system works

For air conditioning to work optimally, the windows of the buildings should be closed. The conditioning system maintains the temperature and humidity inside the building. Fresh air is drawn in by a vent from the outside and circulated inside the building to create a positive air pressure. The refrigeration of the air is ensured by removing heat through radiation and convection. Refrigerants like water and ice is used in a heat pump and circulated all over for cooling purpose. The compressor of the system pumps the refrigerants to high pressure. Then the gas enters a heat exchanger where is loses all the heat and the cool liquid is spread in the building with the help of an expansion valve. After sometime, when the refrigerant starts to acquire heat, it is again absorbed by an evaporator which again returns it to the compressor after minimizing the heat. This is called the refrigeration cycle which every air conditioning device uses.

Types of cooling systems

Two types of cooling systems are currently available in the market.

Type 1 - Central Air conditioning:

Central air conditioning systems which are also called package systems which come with a condenser unit have become very popular in North America. But they have one downside. Bulky air ducts make them difficult to install. Hence all over the world bar North America, use of split system has become famous. 

Type 2 – Split Air Conditioning:

Split systems employ separate indoor and outdoor coils. Unlike package systems, they don’t duct air directly from the outdoor system. Split systems connect the evaporator coil with a remote condenser unit via a refrigerant pipe. Hence they are way more efficient than package systems. However, package systems tend to have lower indoor noise levels.

Proper maintenance of the system is essential 

Air conditioning units need to be maintained periodically for optimal performance. The internal air filters need to be replaced over time else they can lead to lower heat exchange which will in turn cause higher energy bills. Similarly, we should be careful about cleaning the condenser as unclean condenser can affect the compressor.