Construction Installation

Whenever you consider an HVAC system, begin with a few basic questions.

1. What is the fuel used for heating? Gas, oil, coal, electricity, etc.
2. What is the type of cooling? Electric heat pump, electric air conditioner, chiller, gas air conditioner, etc.
3. How the heat or cooling is delivered to the occupant space? Hot and cold ducted air system, hot and cold water system (hydronic or steam), radiant heat system, etc.
4. What is the ventilation? Summer ventilation with intake louvers and fans, supply and return air with outside air introduced for ventilation, dedicated ventilation system, etc.

Unfortunately, answering the questions above doesn't lead you right into understanding the HVAC system because of the many options. Answering the questions above puts you on the right track for beginning to understand the system, though. The next step is to know about a few basic systems and recognize a common HVAC system when you see it.