HVAC, or heating and air conditioning, is a form of home comfort system that uses heat or cool to keep a home comfortable. This system includes a furnace, water heater, humidifier, and thermostat. To keep a home at the appropriate temperature, heat pumps and furnaces work together to produce cool or warm air, depending on the season.
The HVAC system is an essential part of homes, large office buildings, medium industrial buildings, and hospitals. It also plays a major role in vehicles, marine environments, and many other areas. These systems heat and cool a space, while at the same time controlling humidity and temperature by using the fresh air that comes from the outdoors.
Different types of HVAC systems use different technologies to control the quality of indoor air. This helps provide thermal comfort and acceptable air quality. The engineering behind HVAC system design is based on thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. HVAC is often abbreviated as “heating and ventilation,” but these terms don’t always correspond.
HVAC technicians undergo a formal education in order to become certified and licensed. Training programs are typically offered at vocational schools and community colleges. These programs typically last between six and 24 months and are intended to meet the growing demand for HVAC technicians.