If you are a homeowner, you have likely heard the term “HVAC” used at one time or another. However, you may be wondering what exactly this term entails. It is important for homeowners to understand what HVAC means, as it is vital to the comfort and air quality of their home.

Meaning

The acronym HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In its essence, it is the technology used indoors to control environmental comfort and indoor air quality. The design of an HVAC system is a mechanical engineering subdiscipline that uses the areas of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. HVAC systems and their designs are important in the design of homes as well as industrial environments, and office buildings. Since the 1980s, manufacturers of these systems having been working towards higher energy efficiency. Energy efficiency originated with the goal of decreasing rising energy costs, but has now shifted to include environmental benefits.

Air Quality

Ventilation refers to replacing and exchanging air in the given space to increase the indoor air quality. This process involves several different aspects, including temperature control, replenishing oxygen, and removing carbon dioxide, airborne bacteria, dust, heat, smoke, moisture, and odors. Ventilation is as important as controlling the environmental temperature. It keeps indoor air circulating and helps in the removal of unpleasant smells.

Maintenance

Homeowners need to be diligent about changing the air filters in their HVAC systems and performing regular maintenance. In general, the air filter should be changed about every three months. Not changing the filter as often as necessary can result in poor indoor air quality, increased wear and tear on the HVAC system itself, and higher energy bills for the homeowner. In addition to changing the air filter, homeowners will need to have their HVAC system professionally serviced at least once per year. These inspections can help catch problems before they occur, make your HVAC system more efficient, and decrease the need for emergency HVAC services.

Learn More

To learn more about HVAC systems, energy efficiency or to get a free quote on insulation, contact USI online to find a branch near you. USI believes that excellence in every step of the process and ensures timely completion and quality of service, time after time.