HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning)

The heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) system of any building is like the respiratory system of a human being. It controls the movement, quality, and temperature of the air to ventilate, warm, and cool the organism. Energy is consumed by the parts of the system that heat and cool the air and movement of air with fans requires energy. Air or water is heated or cooled using direct contact with heat or refrigerants and pushed through pathways (ducts or tubes), escaping through outlets or vents until it travels throughout the structure.

The air or water then returns to its origin to be heated or cooled again. Well-engineered ventilation patterns aid circulation, introduce fresh air and controls the buildup of carbon dioxide (a byproduct of human respiration), carbon monoxide (from combustion sources), and miscellaneous toxic gases from building materials and household activities. Well-designed HVAC systems, passive filters, insulation, and gravity make the system more effective and efficient. New conservation practices and systems using alternative energies are being designed to improve efficiency.