HVAC Systems
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Very often, you will find all three of these functions combined into one system in modern houses and buildings. It is a series of air ducts in which conditioned air is distributed across the system. In general, HVAC systems tend to use up a large portion of a home or office’s energy usage. However, HVAC technology is becoming more and more energy-efficient and less costly. HVAC systems can contain air purification systems and must undergo thorough duct cleaning on a regular basis. Professional air quality companies such as AirQualité are regularly involved in determining the air quality of a ventilation system.
How do HVAC systems work?
Typically, heating and air conditioning systems often have two units (outdoor and indoor) working together so that heat or cold air can be transferred from one to the other.
A refrigerant is a substance that is involved in carrying heat from one area of the ventilation system to the other.
A compressor in the outdoor unit increases the temperature of the refrigerant, causing it to become a high pressure gas. This high pressure gas flows through the outdoor coil, it rapidly loses heat. The refrigerant is forced to condense, increase in temperature and become a high pressure liquid that flows into the evaporator coil.
From then on, the refrigerant expands and becomes a low temperature and low pressure gas. This gas absorbs heat from the air in the ventilation system, causing the system to cool down. The cool air is dispersed throughout the ventilation system and thereby the entire building or home. The refrigerant cycle then repeats itself to provide more cool air.
The process works in reverse for heat pumps. Heat is taken out of cold air, transferred into the ventilation system and cycled throughout the building.
Harmful Contaminants
Over time, as the HVAC system cycles through heating and air conditioning, harmful contaminants may build up within the vents. Toxic mould, dust, bacteria and other substances can build up and easily spread throughout the entire house or building. The harmful contaminant acquires easy access to every room in the building, putting the health of all occupants at risk.
For this reason, ducts should be thoroughly examined by professionals if they have never been inspected in the past. Regular duct cleaning and air purification maintenance is also recommended.
