HVAC in Buildings – Importance & Types

It’s almost Summertime again and the need for air conditioning in buildings is greater than ever. Of course, HVAC doesn’t tackle cooling systems alone, as we mentioned in a previous blog, heating and ventilation are also essential in maintaining good air quality in the building so that occupants can work healthily and happily. So if you have a construction project launching soon, this is your guide to the right HVAC systems. This blog also covers essential tips for first time HVAC subcontractors on their first-ever installation.

Heating and cooling are two of the main enemies of wise energy consumption in buildings. During the summer, cooling can use power at a ridiculous level while heating in winter also does the same. If they aren’t properly installed or chosen, then they can drive up the occupants’ energy bill way too quickly.

In fact, statistics show how HVAC consumes about 48% of the total bill used in a typical American home. Looking at it, the use of HVAC makes up almost half of the total bill paid monthly. And it can’t be avoided most especially during the summer and winter.

The more modern HVAC units are already energy-efficient. They may be more expensive but the savings accumulated in the long run can make up for the initial cost.

Being an HVAC subcontractor, it is your responsibility to make the client realize this advantage. Protecting your credibility too, you’d want to have a smooth and worry-free installation where you wish to skip the part where you feel guilty about making a poor recommendation.

Being a successful HVAC subcontractor in this saturated industry isn’t that difficult. Even startups can climb their way up fast to being the most preferred HVAC installer when you do your business the right way.

But before we get to those tips on how to become one, let’s first look into the reasons why every building in the United States should already have their own HVAC installed.

Importance of HVAC in Buildings

HVAC units, like we already discussed, are systems to regulate the flow of air, heat, and ventilation in a building. Overall, the main objective of having an HVAC in a building is to make occupants in a building feel comfortable for them to become healthier, happier, and more productive. And you know that these are what employers need their workers to become if they want their businesses to be more profitable.

Moreover, buildings need HVAC installed in them because:

• HVAC systems are used for controlling the overall climate in a building. This means that when it’s warm outside, it balances the temperature to make the inside cooler or warmer during the cold season. The air conditioner works during the warmer days while boilers or heaters are turned on during the colder days.
•         HVAC fosters enhanced productivity in offices as they feel comfortable. And when they are comfortable, their minds and body tend to function better, leading them to deliver better job results.
•         HVAC improves air quality in the building, helping make it appropriate for human breathing and comfort. It reduces humidity so occupants can enjoy a better atmosphere. This is most especially useful in buildings or underground spaces where ventilation is limited.
•         HVAC systems help you achieve more savings when it comes to energy bills. Gone are the days where we used fans and old-school air conditioners to feel cooler inside a building or fireplaces to keep us warmer. We also don’t have to waste energy when we forget to turn them off at night because modern HVACs are now automatic. Schedules and conditions can now be set. For instance, the newer air-conditioner will stop working when it senses the temperature desired is already achieved and will start working again when it senses a drop in temperature. Some units can even tell when the occupants already left the premises and automatically shuts down. Since the air conditioner won’t work continuously, more energy can be saved.

Types of HVAC Systems in Buildings

The installation of HVAC can be decided as early as the planning stage of construction since the placement of ducts and pipes for air and the pipes should be prepared before every floor gets a ceiling.

Review the building design with the planner and take a tour at the site for checking the air condition. Then the next step should be choosing the right HVAC system to use.

You may encounter different models in the market but they should belong to one of these HVAC system types:

1. Constant Volume System

The constant volume HVAC system is usually used in larger buildings because of its ability to regulate constant air flow. It cools or heats the air as needed. It draws air from the outside and through the ducts attached to it.

This is a preferred system by most commercial buildings where there is a lot of foot traffic like malls, airports, supermarkets, and so on.

2. Variable Volume System

The variable volume HVAC system is another option for commercial building usage. Its main function is to increase or decrease the flow of air which has been pre-heated or cooled by the unit before being pushed through the ducts and into the building.

3. Hybrid Heat Split System

A hybrid heat split system is composed mainly of ducts, furnaces, and evaporator coils. It is also equipped with a heat pump for heating and cooling. But unlike the traditional split system, a hybrid unit uses electricity to start cooling or heating activities.

4. Packaged Heating and Cooling System

Like its name suggests, the packaged heating and cooling system is extremely compact. It combines heating and cooling in one unit and is a great option for small spaces like individual office rooms, a meeting room, or house rooms.

5. Heating and Air Conditioning Split System

This system is most commonly used in small buildings or houses. Its components include cooling refrigerant and gas furnaces and can be controlled by a thermostat.

6. Heat Pumps

Heat pumps can be used in buildings and homes. They are both energy-efficient and environmental-friendly, hence a popular choice for practical owners. These units extract the heat from cold air, process them with a refrigerant, and pump out heat into the interior of a building.

7. Forced Air System

The forced air system works by sucking the air out of a building, cools or heats the air, and pushes it back to the inside through the ducts. Its components include fans, air conditioner, and furnace coils.

8. Multiple Zone HVAC System

This type of HVAC system is excellent for offices. Various controls are provided so you can adjust the temperature exactly how you want it to be. It isn’t centralized so you can change the temperature in one room without affecting the temperature in other rooms.

As you can see, HVAC has a lot of variations so it’s not that simple to recommend a unit. The basic understanding of these HVAC systems will help you make an informed decision. And as we mentioned earlier, the other keys to choosing the right type of HVAC to install is to review the building design, check the objectives, and inspect the site.