Knowra Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems regulate indoor temperature, humidity, air movement, and air quality through equipment and controls.
Vapor-compression refrigeration : A refrigeration cycle that transfers heat using a circulating refrigerant, compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator. This cycle powers most air conditioners and heat pumps.
Thermal comfort : A condition of satisfaction with the thermal environment, shaped by temperature, humidity, air speed, clothing, and activity. HVAC performance is judged partly by whether occupants feel comfortable.
Variable refrigerant flow : An HVAC system that varies refrigerant flow to serve multiple indoor units, often with independent zone control. It provides zoned heating and cooling in large or multiroom buildings.
Indoor air quality : The condition of air inside buildings, including its pollutants, ventilation, temperature, and humidity. Ventilation and filtration decisions directly influence indoor air quality.
Evaporative cooler : A cooling device that lowers air temperature by evaporating water directly into it. It cools without a vapor-compression cycle but adds moisture to the air.
Air handler : A unit that circulates and conditions air using components such as a fan, filter, and heating or cooling coil. It distributes conditioned air through many central HVAC systems.
Heat transfer : The movement of thermal energy through conduction, convection, or radiation. HVAC equipment ultimately controls indoor conditions by moving heat.
Radiant heating and cooling : A system that conditions spaces mainly through heat exchange between occupants and heated or cooled surfaces. It offers an alternative to conditioning rooms primarily with blown air.
Ventilation rate : The volume of outdoor air supplied to a space per unit time, often normalized by floor area or occupancy. Outdoor-air delivery is a central design choice for dilution and comfort.
Boiler : A vessel that heats water or produces steam for use in heating or process systems. Boilers provide heat but do not themselves manage ventilation or cooling.
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