Comprehensive Guide of The Key Parts of HVAC System

In the following section, a brief introduction of the basic must-know of HVAC system will be shown, together with its types and structure.

What is HVAC system?

So before we start to explore the different parts of HVAC system, firstly, we have to know what exactly a HVAC system is.

HVAC system stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It is a comprehensive environmental control system used to maintain temperature, humidity, air quality and airflow inside a building to ensure the comfort and health of occupants or users.

The basic functions of a HVAC system can be classified in three dimensions.

First, a HVAC system is responsible for heating. In a cold environment, HVAC systems are capable of providing necessary heat to keep the moderate temperature indoor.

Second, for ventilation, it can bring in fresh air and expel stale air from the room, helping to control odor, humidity, and the discharging of pollutants in the air.

Third, HVAC systems are able to conduct air conditioning, that is, in hot summer or warm environments, the system will decrease the indoor temperature through a cooling process and control humidity to provide a comfortable environment for users.

Understanding HVAC system components

In this section, let us move on to the discussion concerning the parts of HVAC system. What are the key components inside this mysterious system and how do they function with each other?

Air handling unit (AHU)

The air handling unit is the heart of the HVAC system, which is responsible for regulating and purifying the air entering the room. AHU typically contains key components such as air heaters, coolers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air filters. These devices work together to ensure that the air meets the setting temperature, humidity and cleanliness standards before it is sent into the room. In addition, the AHU also has mixing, filtration, cooling, heating, humidification, dehumidification, noise reduction, pressure conveying and other functions to meet the needs of different environments.

Cold and heat source system

The cooling and heat source system is a key part of the HVAC system that provides cooling and heating capabilities. Common cold and heat sources include chillers, heat pumps, boilers and so on. Chillers absorb and expel heat through refrigerant circulation, thereby reducing the indoor temperature. The heat pump can absorb heat from the outside in winter and expel heat from the outside in summer to achieve cooling and heating functions. Boilers generate heat by burning fuel, which is used to heat indoor air or hot water.

Air supply and exhaust system

The air supply and exhaust system is responsible for sending the treated air into the room and discharging the dirty air in the room. The air supply system usually includes components such as fans, air ducts, tuyere, etc., which evenly distribute the air treated by the AHU to all corners of the building. Exhaust system through exhaust vents, exhaust fans and other equipment, the indoor exhaust gas, moisture, pollutants, etc., to keep the indoor air fresh and clean.

Control system

The control system is the brain of the HVAC system, which is responsible for monitoring and controlling the operation of the entire system. Modern HVAC systems usually use advanced sensors, controllers and actuators to monitor indoor temperature, humidity, air quality and other parameters in real time, and automatically adjust the operating state of the system according to the set value. The control system can also realize the functions of remote monitoring, fault alarm and data analysis to improve the efficiency and reliability of the system.

Ventilation and smoke extraction system

Ventilation and smoke extraction systems play an important role in ensuring building safety. Ventilation system through natural or mechanical means, the outdoor fresh air into the room, and the indoor dirty air out, to maintain indoor air circulation. The smoke exhaust system can quickly eliminate smoke and harmful gases in emergency situations such as fire, providing favorable conditions for personnel evacuation and fire fighting.

How much does a new HVAC system cost?

The cost of a new HVAC system can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the type, size, brand, complexity of installation, and location. Here are the approximate cost ranges for a new HVAC system for your consideration.

Cost ranges for different types of a HVAC system
Types	Cost (Unit: US Dollar)
Portable air conditioning	100-500
Window air conditioning	200-1,300
Ductless small split air conditioning	2,000-14,000
Central air conditioning (excluding new piping installation)	3,700-7,400
Central air conditioning (including new plumbing installation)	5,000-11,700

For purchasing a new HVAC system, there are some factors affecting cost.

To begin with, different types of HVAC systems cost differently, such as portable, window, ductless small split or central air conditioning, which varies significantly which are shown above.

Besides, the larger the size and power of the system, the higher the cost usually. And sometimes the brand and quality are closely related. For example, well-known brands or high-quality HVAC systems usually come at a higher price.

Moreover, according to installation complexity, costs may increase if a new piping system or complex installation work needs to be done. And the labor costs and material prices in different regions also affect the total cost of a new HVAC system.

In addition to the cost of the HVAC system itself, there is also the cost of maintenance, possible upgrades or replacement parts to consider. Maintenance costs include regular inspection, cleaning and replacement of filters, etc.

Recommendation: where to buy the best parts of HVAC system

Purchasing the best HVAC system components is the key to ensuring efficient and stable operation of the entire system. Determine the type and scale of your new HVAC system required based on factors such as building type (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.), size, geographical location (climatic conditions), and frequency of use.

It is recommended to choose brands that have a good reputation and are widely recognized in the HVAC field, such as Goodman, Lennox, Carrier, etc. And in the following section, we will have a deeper look at Goodman, Lennox, Carrier.

Goodman

Goodman products are favored by consumers for their efficiency, reliability and ease of installation. The company's HVAC system uses advanced technologies, such as Copeland high-efficiency scroll compressors, which can be equipped with approximately 30% less than multi-line in the same cooling and heating area, and energy savings are inevitable under the premise of enjoying comfort. In addition, Goodman system also has the function of a fresh air system, which can continuously introduce outdoor fresh air into the room after filtration and purification and temperature and humidity treatment, and continuously discharge dirty air to the outside to continuously improve indoor air quality.

Lennox

Lennox International Inc., a leading global provider of temperature control devices, designs, manufactures and sells products for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) market. Its products have occupied a vast market in more than 70 countries around the world, and it is the first imported high-end brand in North America and China's high-end market share, and one of the top 500 enterprises in the United States. Lennox's HVAC systems are widely used in residential, office, shopping malls, hotels and other places. Its products not only provide stable temperature control, but also effectively improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks caused by air pollution.

Carrier

Carrier Global was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA. The company was founded by Willis Carrier, the inventor of the air conditioning system and known as the "father of air conditioning." Carrier pioneered modern air conditioning technology and solved the problem of humidity in the printing process, thus greatly promoting industrial production and product quality. It is a multinational company with a long history and leading technology, specializing in a variety of areas such as HVAC system, refrigeration, fire and security. The company has an extensive business network and strong technology research and development capabilities worldwide. Through continuous innovation and strategic market expansion, Carrier occupies an important position in the tide of energy conservation, emission reduction and sustainable development.

The End

A HVAC system is a complex and efficient equipment that contains several key components, each of which plays an irreplaceable role. By gaining a deeper understanding of how these components work and how they work together, we can better understand and apply HVAC systems to provide a more comfortable, healthy and safe environment for humans.