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HVAC Fundamentals for Construction
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BTU (British Thermal Unit)
The BTU is a unit of heat and is used to describe the heating or cooling capacity of a system. It defines the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
SEER is a measure of the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the unit is, which can lead to lower energy costs.
HVAC Zoning
HVAC zoning involves dividing a building into different zones each controlled separately by a thermostat, improving comfort and energy efficiency by heating or cooling only the areas that need it.
Variable Air Volume (VAV) Systems
VAV systems allow for the volume of air delivered to spaces to vary, maintaining constant temperature but improving comfort and energy efficiency compared to constant air volume systems.
Ductwork
Ductwork refers to the system of ducts used to circulate air throughout a building, either from the HVAC unit to the rooms or from rooms back to the unit. Proper design optimizes airflow and efficiency.
Thermal Load
Thermal load is the amount of heating or cooling required to maintain a building at a specified temperature, dictating the size and type of HVAC system needed for a building.
Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems that absorbs heat during evaporation and releases heat during condensation, enabling the refrigeration cycle.
Air Handler
An air handler is a device used to regulate and circulate air as part of the HVAC system, often containing a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks, and dampers.
Chiller
A chiller is a machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle. This liquid can then be circulated through a heat exchanger to cool equipment or another process stream.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is an HVAC device that transfers heat from a colder area to a warmer area using the refrigeration cycle, effectively providing both heating and cooling to buildings.
HVAC
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, it is the technology for providing thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality in buildings.
Thermostat
A thermostat is a device that monitors and regulates the temperature of a space by controlling the operation of heating or cooling equipment based on the user's desired settings.
Condenser Coil
A condenser coil is a component of the HVAC system where refrigerant gas is condensed back into a liquid, releasing the heat it absorbed from the indoors when evaporated.
Evaporator Coil
An evaporator coil is used in air conditioning systems to absorb heat from the indoor air through the refrigerant evaporation, leading to cooled air that can be circulated through the space.
Humidifier
A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help improve air quality and comfort in a building, particularly in dry climates or during the winter.
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier reduces the level of humidity in the air, which is beneficial for preventing the growth of mold, dust mites, and other allergens, as well as improving comfort.
Economizer
An economizer is used in HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption. It draws in cool outside air when conditions are suitable, to reduce the need for artificial cooling.
Diffuser
A diffuser is an outlet which discharges supply air in a distributed pattern. It optimizes the airflow in the room, providing even distribution and climate control.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
AFUE is a measure of a heating system's efficiency, given as a percentage. It indicates the ratio of the annual heat output compared to the total annual fossil fuel energy consumed by a furnace or boiler.
Compressor
In HVAC systems, a compressor is the component that increases the pressure of the refrigerant to facilitate heat release in the condenser coil.
Damper
Dampers are used in ductwork and air-handling systems to regulate airflow. They can adjust the amount of air flowing to different parts of the building, aiding in efficient heating and cooling.
Radiant Heating
Radiant heating is a method of heating where infrared radiation heats objects and surfaces within a space directly, rather than heating the air itself. This can include underfloor heating systems.
Hydronic Heating System
A hydronic system is a heating system where water or another fluid is the heat-transfer medium in heating and cooling systems. It is often used in radiant floor heating, baseboard radiator heating, and chilled water cooling.
Split System
A split system HVAC consists of an outdoor unit containing the compressor and condenser, and an indoor unit which typically holds the evaporator coil and air handler. Allows for flexible installation and efficient space conditioning.
Forced Air Systems
Forced air systems use air as the heat transfer medium. They include components such as blowers, air ducts, and vents to force air movement for providing heated or cooled air throughout the building.
VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow)
VRF systems are large-scale ductless HVAC systems that use refrigerant as the cooling and heating medium, precisely controlling the temperature in each zone by varying the flow of refrigerant.
Packaged Units
Packaged units are HVAC systems where all components, including the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, are housed in a single unit, often placed outdoor or on the roof, making installation and maintenance more streamlined.
ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator)
An ERV is a type of ventilation equipment that recovers energy from exhaust air and uses it to precondition incoming fresh air, improving energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling loads.
HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator)
HRV is a ventilation device that captures heat from outgoing stale air and transfers it to incoming fresh air. It is similar to an ERV but generally only transfers heat, not moisture.
Mini-Split Systems
Mini-split systems are ductless, small-scale HVAC systems ideal for heating and cooling individual rooms. They consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser and one or more indoor air handling units.
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