The Basics of Construction HVAC
The Basics of Construction HVAC
In layman terms, an HVAC system is essentially a heating, cooling, and ventilating system that regulates the temperature and air in buildings or homes. Its main purpose is to ensure a comfortable indoor environment. To better understand how HVAC systems work, let’s take a look at some of the basics.
Table of Contents
The Basics
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Gas, oil, coal, and electricity enable heating
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Chiller, gas air conditioner, electric air conditioner, and electric heat pump allow cooling
Now that you understand some of the basic components of construction HVAC let’s go over some of the most common types of units.
These systems include:
1.Constant Volume System
A constant volume system is most commonly used in larger buildings due to its constant air flow. It works by heating and cooling the air that is flowing through its ducts. This is a good choice for commercial buildings with a large number of people because of the exceptional airflow it provides.
2. Variable Volume HVAC System
A variable volume system is also commonly used in commercial buildings. It operates by increasing and decreasing the flow of cool or heated air pushed through its ducts.
3. Hybrid Heat Split System
Similar to traditional split systems, hybrid heat systems us ducts, furnaces and evaporator coils. Unlike traditional split systems, it has a heat pump that enables electricity-powered heating and cooling possible.
4. Packaged Heating and Cooling System
If you are tight on space, packaged heating and air conditioning systems are a great option. They combine two units into one, making it extremely compact!
5. Heating and Air Conditioning Split System
One of the most common HVAC systems, these split units include cooling refrigerant and gas furnaces. In this type of system, multiple parts are both outside and inside the building or home. It can be controlled and adjusted by a thermostat.
6. Heat Pumps
Heat pump systems are both environmentally friendly and efficient. They extract heat from the cold air, use refrigerant, and then pump heat throughout a building or home.
7. Forced Air System
A forced air system circulates air through its ductwork and fans. Air is sucked out of a building, cooled or heated, and then pushed back through the duct system. This system uses an air conditioner and furnace coils.
8. Multiple Zone HVAC System
A multiple zone system is an excellent choice for an office building. There are various controls that allow you to adjust the temperature in certain rooms and floors without changing the temperature in other rooms and floors.
As you can see, there is quite a variety of systems available on the market today, and these are only a few of the options! There is no simple answer when deciding what type of HVAC system is right for what building. Often there are multiple options that are a good fit. The first step in determining the right choice for your building is to educate yourself. Once you have a basic understanding of HVAC systems, you’ll be able to make an informed well thought out decision. Make sure your next installation goes to plan with eSUB’s HVAC project management software.
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