As an expert in the air conditioning industry, I have encountered many people using the terms HVAC and AC interchangeably. However, it is important to understand that there is a significant difference between the two. While both systems are designed to maintain indoor air comfort, they serve different purposes and have distinct components. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, while air conditioning simply refers to the process of cooling the air in a building. HVAC is a comprehensive system that includes heating, central air conditioning, and ducts that work together to maintain indoor air quality and temperature in all seasons. One of the main functions of an HVAC system is to ensure indoor air quality.
As the air conditioner or heater runs, the ventilation system draws in air from the interior and mixes it with outside air. This process also involves filtering the air to remove any contaminants that can cause health problems for some individuals. The main difference between HVAC and AC is that HVAC refers to the entire heating, cooling, and ventilation system of a building, while AC typically refers to refrigeration systems. In simpler terms, HVAC is a broader term that encompasses all aspects of indoor air comfort, while AC specifically focuses on cooling.
