HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, the three indispensable air regulating functions required in any home, office or building in general. Popularly pronounced “H Vak”, it serves the purpose of regulating the room temperature, air flow and the humidity so that the occupants of the room feel comfortable due to effective climate control.

The history of climate control techniques goes back to the ancient Greeks who built their towns with a layout that could conserve solar energy. Houses were built with ornamental drapes and hangings to shade the living space from the hot sun.

Centuries later, with the industrial revolution, various components for climate control were invented and developed. Over the decades these components have become more sophisticated and more efficient.

Today, there are dozens of major producers of HVAC components all over the world. Billions of dollars are spent every year on research and development in this field. In order to achieve better results, several regulating and standards organizations exist to support, encourage and regulate the HVAC industry.

As its name indicates, there are primarily three functions of an HVAC system, namely heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Heating is either local or central or some comination of the two. A central system has one heating unit (usually a furnace) that pumps hot air through vents into the entire building. A local system has individual heaters in each room or living space. Central heating using a furnace, radiator or heat pump, is most often used. This is because central heating is more economical than local heating.

The second function of an HVAC is ventilation. This is very significant because this is how polluted carbon dioxide goes out and the fresh oxygen is brought in. Stagnant air can give rise to numerous airborne diseases thus effective ventilation is necessary in any house.

Air conditioning is the third important function of an HVAC system. In many cases air conditioning takes care of both heat control and ventilation. Since air conditioners require large ducts, it is important to ensure that the ducts can be installed in the house or the building concerned by the air conditioning contractor. Besides, proper and timely cleaning of these ducts is also necessary to remove dirt, dust and any harmful pathogens that may be stuck in them.

Unless the heating or the air conditioning system is of appropriate size, the result will be inefficient heating or cooling of the place. Your HVAC contractor can advise you on the appropriate size system for your home or business. It should have sufficient capability to both heat and cool the living space adquately when required to do so.

In some cases an older home may have unnecessarily large HVAC systems for heating and cooling. Older systems were generally less efficient, and the building itself was generally more poorly insulated. When an older home is large but has had significant upgrades such as new windows, insulation, and weather-stripping, it is often possible to install a smaller more efficient HVAC system.

Since 1979 Service Specialties Inc. have been serving the Northern Virginia Area, providing fast, friendly, reliable and affordable McLean Virginia air conditioning repair service. If you live in or around Fairfax, Ashburn, Leesburg, Gainsville, Centreville or Chantilly, VA and have heating and cooling needs, contact us today.