What is a HVAC System and How Does It Work?

Not quite sure what an HVAC system is or how it functions? Whether you’re interested because of new home ownership, or a weekend hobby, here is a simple breakdown of what it is and does.

What Does HVAC Stand For? HVAC stands for: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. According to Sobieskiinc.com, an early form of HVAC as we know it was established in 1861 by William Siemens. His device included resistance coils that were heated through electricity. Air was then blown through those coils with an enclosed fan.

The HVAC’s ancestral designs date back to the ancient Romans. The Roman invention of the hypocaust used an open area under flooring to warm the room above with smoke from fires. They used this process to warm northern territories in the winter.

HVAC is an umbrella term describing equipment, systems, and technology used in both residential and commercial buildings. A singular unit contains an air conditioner, furnace, a duct system, and a thermostat operating on one device.

It controls the heating and cooling environment indoors. It is a combination of an air conditioner, a furnace, a duct system, and a thermostat all operating in one device. Modern HVAC units have three main elemental components.

1. A source of warm and cool air (A furnace and air conditioner)
2. An air distribution system (Air ducts or pipes)
3. A control unit to regulate the systems (Thermostat)

The HVAC system enhances our comfortability in our homes, workspaces, and anywhere that has them installed. If you have questions or need to have your HVAC system checked, don’t hesitate to reach out!