What does the V in HVAC mean?

When you hear HVAC, you know that H refers to H-eating and AC refers to A-ir C-onditioning, but few people know that V stands for V-entilation. Do you know what ventilation means and how it affects your comfort?

The Commercial HVAC System is responsible for heating, cooling, cleaning (remember the filters?), ventilating, and dehumidifying the indoor air of a building. The heating and cooling functions are easily understood, but let’s fill you in on how ventilation works.

Ventilation first removes some air from indoor spaces, say from bathrooms or kitchens, for our comfort. Whenever air is removed it, of necessity, must be replaced with fresh air. Without ventilation, buildings accumulate odors, traps toxins and contaminants, and the air becomes stagnant.

Indoor air quality standards for indoor spaces (both the quantity and quality) is set by an organization called the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. These standards ensure indoor spaces are safe and comfortable.

Old buildings depend on passive ventilation. When air is removed from a building, it creates a vacuum that pulls in outside air through leaky ducts, poor insulation, and unsealed windows and doors. This happens without added equipment or cost but negatively affects energy efficiency.

Weatherizing to improve energy efficiency may need to compensate for the original passive ventilation.

Newer buildings are designed to be energy efficient and often have active ventilation designed into the Commercial HVAC System. Fans that push air out of the building activate fans that bring fresh air into the building to ensure air quality and HVAC comfort. Active ventilation systems control the amount of fresh air for balanced airflow.

Positive air pressure fights against the Commercial HVAC System and pushes doors open. The negative air pressure also strains the HVAC, but make opening doors harder. Engineers balance the ventilation system to ensure the building “breathes” without preventing movement in addition to energy efficiency.

Well-designed ventilation systems also take into consideration where the air is exhausted and collected. Bathroom and kitchen odors should not exhaust in the vicinity of building entrances or exits, for obvious reasons. If a building is flanked by a gas station or restaurant, the air intake will be designed away from the odor source.

COMPANY is a professional HVAC firm that knows Houston and knows how to service building ventilation systems. They provide services for both commercial and residential buildings, whether active or passive ventilation systems. They will give you the best indoor air quality and comfort throughout your building.

Questions about Commercial HVAC System Maintenance?

Our technicians can provide a thorough inspection of your heating and air conditioning system to identify any potential problems.

Replacing worn or improperly configured Commercial HVAC System components can significantly improve the efficiency of your furnace.

Our technicians are thoroughly trained and certified to repair or design any improperly installed ductwork systems.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or heating systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC maintenance information page.