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What is The Difference Between AC and HVAC System

Posted by Pinoy Eplans on October 29, 2023
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If you are looking for the difference between AC and HVAC, you are in the right place. Both AC and HVAC are different terminologies used to define different cooling and cooling systems.

As we all know, AC is known as Air Conditioning. While on the other hand,  HVAC is known as Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning. Unfortunately, so many people may think there are no differences between AC and HVAC.

Meanwhile, in reality, there are actually some differences here and there. In addition, there may also be a few similarities that exist between the two, and we will find out in this article.

So, without wasting much of your time,  let’s get started with the subject matter of this article,  shall we?

AC vs HVAC: What is the Difference?

Before we go any further into the article,  it would be best if we first understand in-depth what the difference between AC and HVAC is.

In a nutshell, the biggest difference between the two is that while AC only cools the air in a room, HVAC can both cool and heat the air in a room.

Another instance to sight is that AC typically only cools one room or area of a home, while HVAC, on the other hand, can cool and heat an entire home.

HVAC systems also typically have additional features, which may include air filtration and humidity control.  Lastly,  AC systems are generally less expensive to purchase and install compared to HVAC, which can be more costly.

With these, you can spot the several differences between AC and HVAC and decide on which you prefer for your home or workplace.

What is AC?

As we all know, AC stands for “air conditioning.” It’s a system that’s designed to cool the air inside a building or home.

It typically consists of an outdoor unit called a condenser, an indoor unit called an evaporator, and a series of ducts that move the air between the two units.

The air conditioning system also has a thermostat that controls the temperature of the air that’s being cooled.

Meanwhile, a well-functioning Air Conditioning is made up of the following components:

  • A condenser that transfers heat from the refrigerant to the outside air.
  • An expansion valve that reduces the refrigerant pressure.
  • An air filter that cleans the air before it enters the evaporator.
  • A set of air ducts that move the air from the evaporator to the room.
  • A blower fan that pushes the air through the ducts and into the room.

What is HVAC?

HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.” It’s a system that can both heat and cool the air inside a building or home.

It typically consists of a furnace, an air conditioner, and a series of ducts that move the air between the two units. The HVAC system also has a thermostat that controls the temperature of the air that’s being heated or cooled.

HVAC systems are often found in larger homes or buildings, where there’s a need for both heating and cooling throughout the year, and can be expensive because of the functions they perform.

Here’s a list of the various components of an HVAC:

  • A furnace that heats the air that is distributed by the HVAC system. Call-On-Demand oils are essential for the furnace. Know if the current COD oil prices in the market are favorable
  • An air conditioner that cools the air that’s distributed by the HVAC system.
  • An air filter that cleans the air before it enters the HVAC system.
  • A set of air ducts that move the air from the furnace or air conditioner to the rooms in the house.
  • A thermostat that controls the temperature of the air that’s distributed by the HVAC system.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Both AC and HVAC

Now that we know what both AC and HVAC are and understand the differences that exist between the two systems.

Let’s also consider the pros and cons associated with each system to help you make an informed decision on which is best:

Benefits of AC

One good thing about AC is that it can keep your home or workplace at a comfortable temperature during hot weather.  So you don’t have to worry about the summer as your comfort will still be preserved.

What air conditioning does is remove humidity from the air, which can make your home feel more comfortable and relaxing even if you live in a hotter region.

This can help improve air quality by filtering out dust,  pollen, and other allergies from the room. With all of these in place,  your home’s resale value can also increase impressively by a good margin.

Drawbacks of AC

On the flip side of things, some potential downsides of air conditioning systems may include that it can be naturally expensive to install and operate, especially for those who may be new to the system.

Undermining that,  it can require regular maintenance and repairs, which in turn can use a lot of energy and increase your utility bills in the long run.  In addition, since air conditioning units are often located outside the home, they can be a target for thieves or vandals.

Lastly,  air conditioning systems are known to emit greenhouse gases, which scientifically have been proven to be a major factor behind climate change and the defect of the Ozone layer.

Benefits of HVAC

HVAC systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of your home. For example, you can choose a system that’s optimized for energy efficiency or one that’s specifically designed for homes with allergies or asthma.

Moreover, HVAC systems can help improve your home’s overall efficiency. By regulating the temperature and humidity levels in your home, an HVAC system can help your appliances run more efficiently.

Your refrigerator and freezer won’t have to work as hard to maintain the proper temperature. In the long run, this can help reduce wear and tear on your appliances and save you money on your energy bills.

Drawbacks of HVAC

There are a few potential downsides to HVAC systems as well. One of the biggest problems attached to it is the initial cost of installation, which, to so many, can be costlier to afford.

HVAC systems can be quite expensive to purchase and install, and they also require ongoing maintenance to keep them running efficiently for as long as possible.

In addition, some people may find that HVAC systems can be noisy and disruptive, which can lead to discomfort and decreased energy efficiency, contradicting its function and purpose of creation.

Let’s also not forget that HVAC systems can sometimes experience breakdowns, which can be costly and inconvenient to repair as you may have to pay for emergency service if the breakdown happens outside of regular business hours.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while both terminologies (AC and HVAC) may serve the same purposes, there are actually some slight differences that exist between the two.

As for AC (Air Conditioning),  it is a simpler system that cools the air, while on the other hand, HVAC (Heating, Ventilating,  and Air Conditioning) is a more complex system that does not only cools but also heats, ventilates,  and filter the air.

So far, with the help of this article,  you should be able to differentiate and make an informed decision on which is the ideal option that best suits your needs, depending on where you live and what you need.

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