Mechanical system

 Any building service using machines. They include plumbing, elevators, escalators, and heating and air-

conditioning systems. The introduction of mechanization in buildings in the early 20th century brought about major
adjustments; the new equipment demanded floor space, and the design team began to include electrical and HVAC
(heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) engineers. Heating and cooling changed dramatically. Modern buildings, with their
large heat gains, turned central heating into little more than a supplement. Heat removal is a much more serious burden,
especially in warm weather. The roofs of high-rises are occupied by cooling towers and mechanical penthouses; entire floors
are often dedicated to the containment of blowers, compressors, water chillers, boilers, pumps, and generators.

What is HVAC?
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment perform heating and/or cooling for residential,
commercial or industrial buildings. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing fresh outdoor air to dilute interior
airborne contaminants such as odors from occupants, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) emitted from interior furnishings,
chemicals used for cleaning, etc. A properly designed system will provide a comfortable indoor environment year round when
properly maintained.

Theories of heat
At the beginning of the 19th century, there existed two rival theories of heat- The Calorific Theory and Mechanical
theory. But the modern scientists hold the microscopic view of heat.

1. Caloric theory of heat

According to this theory, heat was a fluid substance called caloric. This caloric was assumed to be invisible and
weightless fluid that could neither be created nor destroyed. According to this theory, every object contained a certain
amount of caloric at a given temperature. If more caloric flowed into the object (body), its temperature increased and if
caloric flowed out from an object, then its temperature decreased. Also, according to this theory, when the matter was
broken a part, such as during burning, a good amount of caloric (or fluid) was believed to be lost.

2. Mechanical theory of heat

Count Rumford rejected the caloric theory by doing an experiment in 1798 and he proved that heat could be
produced by friction or by doing mechanical work. In his experiment, he observed that boring-up of cannon barrels. Water
was kept circulating during the cutting process. After some time the circulating water around the barrels started boiling.

The “caloric” that caused the boiling of water was assumed to be due to breaking apart of the metal. But Rumford
observed that a large among of heat was produced by boring the barrel of a cannon even with a blunt borer that did not cut
the metal. Thus, caloric was being released, though the subdivision of matter was not occurring. Therefore, Rumford rejected
the idea that an object contains a definite amount of caloric in it.
3. Heat as energy in transit
From the experiments performed by Joule and others, the scientists came to interpret heat not as a flow of
substance, and not even as a form of energy, but as the transfer of energy. When heat flows from a hot body to a cold body,
it means that energy is being transferred from the hot body to a cold body. Thus, heat is the energy transferred from one
object to another due to the temperature difference between two objects. This transfer of energy continues until the two
objects reach the common temperature. The system is then said to be in thermal equilibrium.

4.Modern Microscopic view

This view nicely explains the idea of heat as a transfer of energy. The molecules of a substance move always. In case
of solids, the molecules vibrate about their mean position, but in liquids and gases, the molecules travel from here and there.
Due to this motion, the molecules have kinetic energy. According to the modern microscopic view, the thermal kinetic energy
of the molecules increases with an increase in temperature.
For example, consider a pot of water placed on a stove burner. The molecules of the stove burner have much more kinetic
energy on the average than those of cold water in the pot. The fast-moving stove molecules transfer some of their kinetic
energy to the slow-moving pot molecules through collisions with them. The fast-moving pot molecules, in turn, transfer some
of their K.E through collisions with the slow-moving water molecules. As a result, temperature of the pot and the water rises.
Thus, we see how heat flow is the transfer of energy.

When an object is heated, the heat increases the translational kinetic energy, rotational and vibrational kinetic
energy of the molecules. Thus, the total energy of molecules in a substance is the sum of the translational kinetic energy, the
rotational kinetic energy, and the vibrational kinetic energy.

How is heat transferred?

Heat can travel from one place to another in three ways: Conduction, Convection and Radiation. Both conduction
and convection require matter to transfer heat.If there is a temperature difference between two systems heat will always
find a way to transfer from the higher to lower system.

1.CONDUCTION
Conduction is the transfer of heat between substances that are in direct contact with each other. The better the
conductor, the more rapidly heat will be transferred. Metal is a good conduction of heat. Conduction occurs when a
substance is heated, particles will gain more energy, and vibrate more. These molecules then bump into nearby particles and
transfer some of their energy to them. This then continues and passes the energy from the hot end down to the colder end of
the substance.

2.CONVECTION
Thermal energy is transferred from hot places to cold places by convection. Convection occurs when warmer areas
of a liquid or gas rise to cooler areas in the liquid or gas. Cooler liquid or gas then takes the place of the warmer areas which
have risen higher. This results in a continous circulation pattern. Water boiling in a pan is a good example of these convection
currents. Another good example of convection is in the atmosphere. The earth's surface is warmed by the sun, the warm air
rises and cool air moves in.
3.RADIATION
Radiation is a method of heat transfer that does not rely upon any contact between the heat source and the heated
object as is the case with conduction and convection. Heat can be transmitted through empty space by thermal radiation
often called infrared radiation. This is a type electromagnetic radiation . No mass is exchanged and no medium is required in
the process of radiation. Examples of radiation is the heat from the sun, or heat released from the filament of a light bulb.

How does Air Conditioner work?

An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air as is passes over a cold coil surface. The indoor coil is an air-to-
liquid heat exchanger with rows of tubes that pass the liquid through the coil. Finned surfaces connected to these tubes
increase the overall surface area of the cold surface thereby increasing the heat transfer characteristics between the air
passing over the coil and liquid passing through the coil. The type of liquid used depends on the system selected. Direct-
expansion (DX) equipment uses refrigerant as the liquid medium. Chilled-water (CW) can also be used as a liquid medium.
When the required temperature of a chilled water system is near the freezing point of water, freeze protection is added in
the form of glycols or salts. Regardless of the liquid medium used, the liquid is delivered to the cooling coil at a cold
temperature.

In the case of direct expansion equipment, the air passing over the indoor cooling coil heats the cold liquid
refrigerant. Heating the refrigerant causes boiling and transforms the refrigerant from a cold liquid to a warm gas. This warm
gas (or vapor) is pumped from the cooling coil to the compressor through a copper tube (suction line to the compressor)
where the warm gas is compressed. In some cases, an accumulator is placed between the cooling coil and the compressor to
capture unused liquid refrigerant and ensures that only vapor enters the compressor. The compression process increases the
pressure of the refrigerant vapor and significantly increases the temperature of the vapor. The compressor pumps the vapor
through another heat exchanger (outdoor condenser) where heat is rejected and the hot gas is condensed to a warm high
pressure liquid. This warm high pressure liquid is pumped through a smaller copper tube (liquid line) to a filter (or
filter/dryer) and then on to an expansion device where the high pressure liquid is reduced to a cold, low pressure liquid. The
cold liquid enters the indoor cooling coil and the process repeats.

As this liquid passes through the indoor cooling coil on the inside of the heat exchanger, two things happen to the air
that passes over the coil’s surface on the outside of the heat exchanger. The air’s temperature is lowered (sensible cooling)
and moisture in the air is removed (latent cooling) if the indoor air dew point is higher than the temperature of the coil’s
surface. The total cooling (capacity) of an AC system is the sum of the sensible and latent cooling. Many factors influence the
cooling capacity of a DX air conditioner. Total cooling is inversely proportional to outdoor temperature. As the outdoor
temperature increases the total capacity is reduced. Air flow over the indoor cooling coil also affects the coil’s capacity and is
directly proportional to the total capacity of an AC system. As air flow increases, the total capacity also increases. At higher air
flow rates the latent capacity of the cooling coil is reduced. Indoor temperature and humidity also affect the total capacity of
the AC system. As indoor temperatures increase, the sensible capacity also increases. Similarly, as indoor relative humidity
increases the latent capacity of the AC system increases. Manufacturers of AC equipment typically provide a “performance
map” of specific equipment to show how total, sensible, and latent capacity change with changing indoor and outdoor
temperatures and humidity.

What type of Air Condition systems are available?

1.Cooling Only Split-System
A split system is a combination of an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor condensing unit. The indoor air handling unit
contains a supply air fan and an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger (or cooling coil), and the expansion device. The outdoor
condensing unit consists of a compressor and a condenser coil. Split-systems are typically found in residential or small
commercial buildings. These systems have the highest energy efficiency rating (EER) of all the available AC systems.
Manufacturers are required to take the EER rating a step further and provide a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) for
use by consumers. SEER ratings vary widely and range from 10 to 20. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC
system operates. If heating is required, an alternate method of heating the interior of the building must be used, usually in
the form of electric or gas heating. 

2.Cooling Only Packaged-System

A packaged system is a single unit combining all the components described in the split system. Since the unit is a package, it
must be placed outside the building and indoor air is “ducted” from the building to the packaged system and back through an
air distribution system. These units typically have SEER rating from 10 to 18. If heating is required, an alternate method of
heating the interior of the building must be used, usually in the form of electric or gas heating.

3.Heat Pump
Heat pumps are similar to cooling only systems with one exception. A special valve in the refrigeration piping allow the
refrigeration cycle to be operated in reverse. A cooling only system cools the indoor air and rejects heat to the outdoors. A
heat pump can also cool the indoor air, but when the valve is reversed, the indoor air is heated. A supplementary electric
resistance heater may also be used to assist the heat pump at lower outdoor temperatures. In colder climates, heat pumps
require a defrost period. During defrost times the electric heater is the only means of heating the interior of the building.
These units are manufactured as either split or packaged systems.

5.Chilled Water System

In a chilled water system, liquid water is pumped throughout the building to “chilled water coils”. Since the liquid water
needs to be at a cold temperature, a “cooling plant” is required. The plant is typically referred to as a chiller plant. Vapor
compression equipment in the plant, similar to that described in “How does my AC work”, cool water to a cold temperature
and pump the cold water to air-to-water heat exchangers where needed.

6.Window Air Conditioners

As the name implies, a window air conditioner is typically installed in a window or custom opening in a wall. The Window AC
can only cool small areas and are not intended to provide cooling to multiple rooms or zones. These air conditioners are
manufactured as cool only or can provide both cooling and heating. An optional damper in the unit can provide fresh outdoor
air if necessary.

7.Packaged Terminal Heat Pump

Packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHP) are are similar to a window-mounted air conditioner. These units are typically installed
in a sleeve passing through the outdoor wall of an apartment, hotel, school classroom, etc. PTHPs are completely self
contained and require only an electrical connection in addition to the opening in the building shell. They use the outdoor air
as the heat source in winter and as a heat sink in summer. They also can provide ventilation air. Flexibility and lower installed
cost are the primary advantages of the PTHP. Disadvantages include in-room maintenance, higher operating cost, relatively
short life, imprecise "on-off" temperature control, and they can be rather noisy.

Types of Evaporators
Different types of evaporators are used in different types of refrigeration applications and accordingly they have
different designs. The evaporators can be classified in various ways depending on the construction of the evaporator, the
method of feeding the refrigerant, the direction of circulation of the air around the evaporator, etc. Here we have classified
the evaporators based on their construction.
1.Bare Tube Evaporators
The bare tube evaporators are made up of copper tubing or steel pipes. The copper tubing is used for small
evaporators where the refrigerant other than ammonia is used, while the steel pipes are used with the large evaporators
where ammonia is used as the refrigerant. The bare tube evaporator comprises of several turns of the tubing, though most
commonly flat zigzag and oval trombone are the most common shapes. The bare tube evaporators are usually used for liquid
chilling. In the blast cooling and the freezing operations the atmospheric air flows over the bare tube evaporator and the
chilled air leaving it used for the cooling purposes. The bare tube evaporators are used in very few applications, however the
bare tube evaporators fitted with the fins, called as finned evaporators are used very commonly.

2.Plate Type of Evaporators

In the plate type of evaporators the coil usually made up of copper or aluminum is embedded in the plate so as so to
form a flat looking surface. Externally the plate type of evaporator looks like a single plate, but inside it there are several
turns of the metal tubing through which the refrigerant flows. The advantage of the plate type of evaporators is that they are
more rigid as the external plate provides lots of safety. The external plate also helps increasing the heat transfer from the
metal tubing to the substance to be chilled. Further, the plate type of evaporators are easy to clean and can be manufactured
cheaply.
The plate type heat exchangers can be easily formed into various shapes as per the requirement. Thus in the
household refrigerators and the deep freezers, where they are used most commonly, they can be converted into the box
shape to form the closed enclosure, where various food can be kept in the frozen state. The plates can also be welded
together forming the bank of the plate type of evaporators that can be used the larger evaporators of higher capacities.

Plate types of evaporators provide excellent shelves in the freezers and similar applications. They can be used as the
as the partitions in the freezers, frozen food display cases, ice cream cabinets, soda fountains and others. Due to various
advantages and flexibility offered by the plate type of evaporators, they are used extensively.

3. Finned Evaporators
The finned evaporators are the bare tube type of evaporators covered with the fins. When the fluid (air or water) to
be chilled flows over the bare tube evaporator lots of cooling effect from the refrigerant goes wasted since there is less
surface for the transfer of heat from the fluid to the refrigerant. The fluid tends to move between the open spaces of the
tubing and does not come in contact with the surface of the coil, thus the bare tube evaporators are less effective. The fins on
the external surface of the bare tube evaporators increases the contact surface of the of the metallic tubing with the fluid and
increase the heat transfer rate, thus the finned evaporators are more effective than the bare tube evaporators.

The fins are the external protrusions from the surface of the coil and they extend into the open space. They help
removing the heat from the fluid that otherwise would not have come in contact with the coil.

For the fins to be effective it is very important that there is very good contact between the coil and the fins. In some
cases the fins are soldered directly to the surface of the coil and in other cases the fins are just slipped over the surface of the
fins and then they are expanded thus ensuring a close thermal contact between the two. Tough the fins help increase the
heat transfer, rate, adding them beyond certain numbers won’t produce any additional benefits, hence only certain number
of fins should be applied on the external surface of the tube.

The finned evaporators are most commonly used in the air conditioners of almost all types like window, split,
packaged and the central air conditioning systems. In these systems the finned evaporator is popularly known as the cooling
coil. The hot room air flows over the finned evaporator or the cooling coil, gets chilled and enters the room to produce the
cooling effect. In window a/c the finned evaporators is located behind the beautifully looking grill. In the wall mounted split
unit it located behind the front grill of the indoor unit.To further increase the effectiveness of heat transfer from the
evaporators, the tubing are also given internal fins. These fins are made by forming different internal cross section shapes at
the time of the manufacture of the tubing.

4.Shell and Tube types of Evaporators

The shell and tube types of evaporators are used in the large refrigeration and central air conditioning systems. The
evaporators in these systems are commonly known as the chillers. The chillers comprise of large number of the tubes that are
inserted inside the drum or the shell. Depending on the direction of the flow of the refrigerant in the shell and tube type of
chillers, they are classified into two types: dry expansion type and flooded type of chillers. In dry expansion chillers the
refrigerant flows along the tube side and the fluid to be chilled flows along the shell side. The flow of the refrigerant to these
chillers is controlled by the expansion valve. In case of the flooded type of evaporators the refrigerant flows along the shell
side and fluid to be chilled flows along the tube. In these chillers the level of the refrigerant is kept constant by the float valve
that acts as the expansion valve also.

Types of Condensers
In condensers the refrigerant gives up the heat that is has absorbed in the evaporator. There are three main types of
condensers: air cooled condensers, water cooled condensers and evaporative condensers.

There are four main parts of refrigerating and air-conditioning systems, these are: compressor, condenser, throttling or
expansion valve and the evaporator. The refrigerant leaving the compressor is in the gaseous state and at a high pressure and
temperature. This refrigerant then enters the condenser where it loses the heat to the coolant, which can be air or water.

After passing through the condenser the refrigerant gets condensed but still remains at high pressure. It comes out in a
partially liquid and gaseous state and then enters the throttling or expansion valve.

1.Air cooled condensers

Air cooled condensers are used in small units like household refrigerators, deep freezers, water coolers, window air-
conditioners, split air-conditioners, small packaged air-conditioners etc. These are used in plants where the cooling load is
small and the total quantity of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle is small. Air cooled condensers are also called coil
condensers as they are usually made of copper or aluminum coil. Air cooled condensers occupy a comparatively larger space
than water cooled condensers.

Air cooled condensers are of two types: natural convection and forced convection. In the natural convection type, the air
flows over it in natural a way depending upon the temperature of the condenser coil. In the forced air type, a fan operated by
a motor blows air over the condenser coil.
2.Water cooled condensers
Water cooled condensers are used for large refrigerating plants, big packaged air-conditioners, central air-conditioning
plants, etc. These are used in plants where cooling loads are excessively high and a large quantity of refrigerant flows through
the condenser.

There are three types of water cooled condensers: tube-in-tube or double pipe type, shell and coil type and shell and tube
type. In all these condensers the refrigerant flows through one side of the piping while the water flows through the other
piping, cooling the refrigerant and condensing it.

3.Evaporative condensers
Evaporative condensers are usually used in ice plants. They are a combination of water cooled and air cooled condensers. In
these condensers the hot refrigerant flows through the coils. Water is sprayed over these coils. At the same time the fan
draws air from the bottom side of the condenser and discharges it from the top side of the condenser. The spray water that
comes in contact with the condenser coil gets evaporated in the air and it absorbs the heat from the condenser, cools the
refrigerant and condenses it.

Evaporative condensers have the benefits of water cooled as well as air cooled condenser, hence it occupies less space.
However, keeping the evaporative condenser clean and free of scale is very difficult and requires lots of maintenance. Hence
they are not favored by HVAC designers.

Types of Compressor
Air conditioner compressor is used to remove the heat-laden vapor refrigerant from the evaporator of the air conditioning
systems. In layman term, the compressor compresses or squeezes the vapor into a smaller volume at high temperature. The
external-drive compressor has a crankshaft that is driven by a pulley and belt system.

An electric motor can also be used to drive it directly. The hermetic compressor has a motor which is sealed inside a housing
with the compressor, hence a crankshaft seal is not required. The motor rotor is located either at the top or bottom of the
unit.
There are basically 5 types of air conditioner compressor that are commonly used in the HVAC industry: Reciprocating, Scroll
Screw ,Rotary ,Centrifugal.

1.Reciprocating Air Conditioner Compressor

The reciprocating compressor uses piston to compressor the refrigerant driven by a crankshaft in a straight line back and
forth motion. This rotary motion is achieved by the use of an electric motor and the construction is quite similar to that of an
automobile engine.
The piston moves up and down inside a cylinder. Vapor from the suction line is moved through the intake valve as the piston
move downward. As the piston moves upward, it compresses the vapor refrigerant which is then pushed through the exhaust
valve into the condenser.The compressor may has more than one cylinder which is also known as multicylinder compressor.
The common ones are the two-cylinder, four-cylinder and eight-cylinder compressors
2.Scroll
A scroll compressor has one fixed scroll which remains stationary and another moving or orbiting scroll that rotates through
the use of swing link. When this happens, the pockets of refrigerant between the two scroll are slowly pushed to the center
of the two scrolls causing the reduction of the volume of the gas. It is then discharged though the center port to the
condenser.
The advantage of scroll compressor is that it has fewer moving parts and less torque variation compared to the reciprocating
compressor. This advantage is translated to a smooth and quiet operation.The scroll compressor is also known as scroll pump
or scroll vacuum pump.

3.Screw
The screw compressor uses a pair of helical rotors where it traps and compresses the gas as the rotors revolve in the cylinder.
In HVAC, they are usually used in systems with 20 ton capacity and above. The male rotor and the female rotor are built
inside the cylinder. The low pressure refrigerant enters one end of the compressor and the resultant high pressure refrigerant
is discharged into the opposite end to the condenser.

4.Rotary
The rotary compressor can be divided into two types. One has blades or vanes that rotate with the shaft. The other type has
the blade which remains stationary and is part of the compressor housing assembly. In both types, the vapor from the suction
line is drawn into the cylinder through the suction port.As the blade rotates, trapped vapor in the space ahead of the blade is
compressed into high pressure gas after which it is discharged to the condenser through the exhaust port. The number of
blades can range from two to eight in a single system.

5.Centrifugal
Centrifugal compressor is usually used in large capacity refrigerating system. In this compressor, the vapor is moved in a
circular motion known as centrifugal force. An impeller which is a disk with radial blades spins rapidly inside this housing
causing the gas to gain velocity.

A diffuser converts this energy into pressure energy and is then discharged into the condenser. The pumping efficiency
increases with speed, hence this type of compressors are designed to operate at high speed.The main advantage of
centrifugal compressor is that there are no valves, pistons or cylinders. The wearing parts that need attention are the main
bearings.

An HVAC designer will recommend different types of air conditioning systems for different applications. The most commonly
used are described in this article.

The choice of which air conditioner system to use depends upon a number of factors including how large the area is to be
cooled, the total heat generated inside the enclosed area, etc. An HVAC designer would consider all the related parameters
and suggest the system most suitable for your space.

Types of Air Condition

1.Window Air Conditioner
Window air conditioner is the most commonly used air conditioner for single rooms. In this air conditioner all the
components, namely the compressor, condenser, expansion valve or coil, evaporator and cooling coil are enclosed in a single
box. This unit is fitted in a slot made in the wall of the room, or more commonly a window sill.
2.Split Air Conditioner
The split air conditioner comprises of two parts: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit, fitted outside the
room, houses components like the compressor, condenser and expansion valve. The indoor unit comprises the evaporator or
cooling coil and the cooling fan. For this unit you don’t have to make any slot in the wall of the room. Further, present day
split units have aesthetic appeal and do not take up as much space as a window unit. A split air conditioner can be used to
cool one or two rooms.

3.Packaged Air Conditioner

An HVAC designer will suggest this type of air conditioner if you want to cool more than two rooms or a larger space at your
home or office. There are two possible arrangements with the package unit. In the first one, all the components, namely the
compressor, condenser (which can be air cooled or water cooled), expansion valve and evaporator are housed in a single box.
The cooled air is thrown by the high capacity blower, and it flows through the ducts laid through various rooms. In the second
arrangement, the compressor and condenser are housed in one casing. The compressed gas passes through individual units,
comprised of the expansion valve and cooling coil, located in various rooms.

4.Central Air Conditioning System

Central air conditioning is used for cooling big buildings, houses, offices, entire hotels, gyms, movie theaters, factories etc. If
the whole building is to be air conditioned, HVAC engineers find that putting individual units in each of the rooms is very
expensive making this a better option. A central air conditioning system is comprised of a huge compressor that has the
capacity to produce hundreds of tons of air conditioning. Cooling big halls, malls, huge spaces, galleries etc is usually only
feasible with central conditioning units.

Air Condition Controls

To provide the comfort conditions throughout the year, the air-conditioning systems are fitted with three controls:
temperature controls, humidistats and airstats that control the temperature, relative humidity and flow of air inside the room
respectively.

The main purpose of the air-conditioning system is to create comfort conditions by controlling the temperature,
humidity and flow of air inside the rooms. To provide the comfort conditions throughout the year, the air-conditioning
systems are fitted with three controls: temperature controls, humidistats and airstats that control the temperature, relative
humidity and flow of air inside the room respectively. Let us see all these in more details.

1.Temperature Control Devices – Thermostat

The temperature control devices maintain the proper temperature inside the room as per our comfort requirements. When
the desired temperature is reached these devices switch off the compressor of the air-conditioning system and when
temperature goes away to certain extent from the desired levels the compressor is restarted. The setting of the temperature
is done by the user manually or automatically using the remote control devise of the air-conditioning system.
One of the most commonly used devise for controlling the room temperature is the room thermostat. It senses the
temperature inside the room and causes the electrical contacts to the compressor open or close depending on the
temperature inside the room. There are various types of thermostats, but the most commonly used is the bimetal room
thermostat. It comprises of two metals which at particular temperature are of same length, but when their temperature is
increased one metal increases in length more while the other increases less due to their different coefficients of expansions.
When the bimetal is heated it tends to get bent which helps in opening or closing of the electrical supply to the compressor.

2.Humidistat
Humidistats are the devices that help controlling the humidification equipment fitted in the air conditioning system. When
the air is heated its humidity is reduced and it may be desirable to add humidity to it. In some cases when the temperatures
are very low, it may be necessary to heat the air and add humidity to it. In certain cases it may be necessary to remove the
humidity from the air. Humidity is usually added in the air washers and it is usually removed by reducing the temperature of
air below its dew point temperature or using some drier. The operation of these equipments is controlled by the humidistat.

The humidistats can be used either on line or low voltage. They consist of the nylon ribbon which is highly sensitive to the
humidity inside the room. The ribbon wound on the bobbin acts as the control for the operation of the humidification or
dehumidification equipment.

3.Airstats
The airstats do not control the flow of the air through the air conditioning systems; rather they act as the fan safety cut-off
devices. There are two types of fans that can be used in the air conditioning systems. The first type of fan absorbs the cool air
from the cooling coil and throws it in the room to be cooled. The second type of fan absorbs the hot return air from the room
and sends it to the cooling system. In the second case, sometimes the temperature of the return air becomes so high that
there may be possibility of occurrence of fire. The airstat stops the operation of the fan in such cases.

The temperature control devise thermostat is used in all the air conditioning systems, while humidistats and airstats are fitted
in equipments based on the type of the air conditioning system being used and its applications.

HVAC SYSTEM BASICS

To fully appreciate building occupants’ risk of exposure to airborne biological threats and what can be done to reduce it, it is
necessary to understand how air enters and moves through buildings.

Ventilation

Building ventilation is the process of bringing outdoor air into a building, circulating it, and later purging it to the
environment.17 The main purpose of ventilation is to provide acceptable indoor air quality by diluting and removing
contaminants from the indoor air.17,18 Building ventilation is achieved by natural or mechanical means, or by a combination
of the two.18
Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation is the use of differences in air pressure that exist between the inside of a building relative to the outside of
it, across the building envelope, to ventilate a building.18,19 These air pressure differences are created by natural forces such
as wind and temperature. Air moves into and out of naturally ventilated buildings through windows, doors, vents and other
openings incorporated into the building design and via infiltration/exfiltration.

Mechanical ventilation
Mechanical ventilation is the use of mechanical air handling systems—commonly referred to as heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) systems—to ventilate buildings.17,18 Most commercial buildings use mechanical ventilation, which is
more controllable and responsive than natural ventilation in providing adequate indoor air quality. However, mechanical
ventilation also can exacerbate infiltration/exfiltration, which can compromise indoor air quality.

Purpose, Design Basics, and Function of HVAC Systems

Purpose
 An HVAC system provides adequate indoor air quality by: conditioning the air in the occupied space of a building in order to
provide for the comfort of its occupants; diluting and removing contaminants from indoor air through ventilation;
and providing proper building pressurization.[17]

Design
While there are many different HVAC system designs and operational approaches to achieving proper system functionality,
and every building is unique in its design and operation, HVAC systems generally share a few basic design elements

 Outside air intake

 Air handling unit—a system of fans, heating and cooling coils, air-flow control dampers, air filters, etc.
 Air distribution system
 Air exhaust system

Function
In general, outside (“supply”) air is drawn into a building’s HVAC system through the air intake by the air handling unit (AHU).
Once in the system, supply air is filtered to remove particulate matter (mold, allergens, dust), heated or cooled, and then
circulated throughout the building via the air distribution system, which is typically a system of supply ducts and registers.

In many buildings, the air distribution system also includes a return air system so that conditioned supply air is returned to
the AHU (“return air”) where it is mixed with supply air, re-filtered, re-conditioned, and re-circulated throughout the building.
This is usually accomplished by drawing air from the occupied space and returning it to the AHU by: (1) ducted returns,
wherein air is collected from each room or zone using return air devices in the ceiling or walls that are directly connected by
ductwork to the air-handling unit; or (2) plenum returns, wherein air is collected from several rooms or zones through return
air devices that empty into the negatively pressurized ceiling plenum (the space between the drop ceiling and the real
ceiling); the air is then returned to the air-handling unit by ductwork or structural conduits

Finally, some portion of the air within is exhausted from the building. The air exhaust system might be directly connected to
the AHU and/or may stand-alone. 

Air cleaning
Indoor air pollutants are unwanted, sometimes harmful materials in the air. Indoor air pollution is among the top five
environmental health risks. Usually the best way to address this risk is to control or eliminate the sources of pollutants, and to
ventilate a home with clean outdoor air. The ventilation method may, however, be limited by weather conditions or
undesirable levels of contaminants contained in outdoor air. If these measures are insufficient, an air cleaning device may be
useful. Air cleaning devices are intended to remove pollutants from indoor air.

Some air cleaning devices are designed to be installed in the ductwork of a home’s central heating, ventilating and air-
conditioning (HVAC) system to clean the air in the whole house. Portable room air cleaners can be used to clean the air in a
single room or specific areas, but they are not intended for whole-house filtration. The following pages will provide
information on different types of air cleaning devices and how they work.

Particle Removal
Two types of air cleaning devices can remove particles from the air — mechanical air filters and electronic air cleaners.
Mechanical air filters remove particles by capturing them on filter materials.

High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are in this category. Electronic air cleaners such as electrostatic precipitators use a
process called electrostatic attraction to trap charged particles. They draw air through an ionization section where particles
obtain an electrical charge. The charged particles then accumulate on a series of flat plates called a collector that is oppositely
charged. Ion generators, or ionizers, disperse charged ions into the air, similar to the electronic air cleaners but without a
collector. These ions attach to airborne particles, giving them a charge so that they attach to nearby surfaces such as walls or
furniture, or attach to one another and settle faster.

Gaseous Pollutant Removal

Gas-phase air filters remove gases and odors by using a material called a sorbent, such as activated carbon, which adsorbs the
pollutants. These filters are typically intended to remove one or more gaseous pollutants from the airstream that passes
through them. Because gas-phase filters are specific to one or a limited number of gaseous pollutants, they will not reduce
concentrations of pollutants for which they were not designed. Some air cleaning devices with gas-phase filters may remove a
portion of the gaseous pollutants and some of the related hazards, at least on a temporary basis. However, none are
expected to remove all of the gaseous pollutants present in the air of a typical home.
For example, carbon monoxide is a dangerous gaseous pollutant that is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil,
kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned, and it is not readily captured using currently available residential gas-phase filtration
products.

Pollutant Destruction
Some air cleaners use ultraviolet (UV) light technology intended to destroy pollutants in indoor air. These air cleaners are
called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) cleaners and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) cleaners. Ozone generators that
are sold as air cleaners intentionally produce ozone gas, a lung irritant, to destroy pollutants.

UVGI cleaners use ultraviolet radiation from UV lamps that may destroy biological pollutants such as viruses, bacteria,
allergens and molds that are airborne or growing on HVAC surfaces (e.g., found on cooling coils, drain pans, or ductwork). If
used, they should be applied with, but not as a replacement for, filtration systems.

PCO cleaners use a UV lamp along with a substance, called a catalyst, that reacts with the light. They are intended to destroy
gaseous pollutants by converting them into harmless products, but are not designed to remove particulate pollutants.

Ozone generators use UV light or an electrical discharge to intentionally produce ozone. Ozone is a lung irritant that can
cause adverse health effects. At concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone has little effect in removing
most indoor air contaminants. Thus, ozone generators are not always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollutants.
Consumers should instead use methods proven to be both safe and effective to reduce pollutant concentrations, which
include eliminating or controlling pollutant sources and increasing outdoor air ventilation.
TERMINOLOGIES
AccuClean™
Brand name for American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning's whole-home air filtration that removes up to 99.98
percent of airborne allergens from the filtered air in your home.

AccuLink™
Communicating System is American Standard’s integrated and self-configuring system that makes it possible for your
components to automatically talk to each other. It lets you remotely adjust settings and provides proactive alerts so you
know your system is working at its best.

AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE is a rating that reflects how efficiently a gas furnace converts fuel to energy. An AFUE
of 90 means that approximately 90 percent of the fuel is utilized to provide warmth to your home, while the remaining 10
percent escapes as exhaust.

Air Cleaner
A device that removes allergens, pollutants and other undesirable particles from air that is heated or cooled.

Air Filtration System

A device that removes allergens, pollutants and other undesirable particles from air that is heated or cooled.

Air Handler
The indoor component of your air conditioner or heating system that moves air through your home.

Allergen
A substance that causes an allergic reaction. It includes dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus,
most tobacco smoke, cooking grease and bacteria. Test.

All-In-One System
An air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet. Used in certain localities and
for certain building types, the all-in-one system is installed either beside or on top of your home.

BTU
British Thermal Unit. In scientific terms, it represents the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water one degree
Fahrenheit. One BTU is the equivalent of the heat given off by a single wooden kitchen match. For your home, it represents
the measure of heat given off when fuel is burned for heating, or the measure of heat extracted from your home for cooling.

Capacity
The output or producing capability of a piece of cooling or heating equipment. Cooling and heating capacity are normally
referred to in BTUs.

CFM
Cubic Feet per Minute, a standard of airflow measurement. A typical air conditioning system produces 400 CFM per ton of air
conditioning.
Comfort-R™
is American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's process for reducing your home's humidity and maintaining a comfortable
temperature. Set by the dealer, Comfort-R™ ramps up the airflow in your home—making your home cooler and more
comfortable faster.

Compressor
The heart of an air conditioning or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit that pumps refrigerant. The compressor
maintains adequate pressure to cause refrigerant to flow in sufficient quantities in order to meet the cooling requirements of
the system and your home.

Condenser Coil
Located in the outdoor unit, the coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the refrigerant from vapor to liquid. In
American Standard units, the coil is called Spine Fin™.

Control
A temperature-control device, typically found on a wall inside the home. It consists of a series of sensors and relays that
monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's
programmable controls allow you to program different levels of comfort for different times of the day.

Cycling
Refers to the process of an HVAC system turning on and off. Some systems require less cycling than others, leading to higher
energy efficiency and less wear on the system.

Damper
Found in ductwork, this movable plate opens and closes to control airflow. Dampers are used effectively in zoning to regulate
airflow to certain rooms.

Ductwork
Pipes or channels that carry air throughout your home.

Energy Star®
A program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to reduce the nation's energy consumption.
ENERGY STAR® -qualified heating equipment can be up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models. ENERGY STAR®
-qualified cooling equipment can be up to 7 percent more efficient than minimum-standard equipment.

Furnace
An indoor heating unit that works in conjunction with an air conditioner or heat pump.

Heat Pump
An outdoor unit that warms your home in winter and cools your home in summer.

HEPA Filter
A High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing filter. A HEPA filter removes particles from the air by trapping them as air flows
through.

Home Automation
Anything that gives you remote or automatic control of things around your home, including but not limited to your HVAC,
lighting or security system.
HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Refers to the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps over an entire heating
season: The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.

Humidifier
A device that adds moisture to dry indoor air during wintertime and in hot, dry climates.

Humidity
The amount of moisture in the air. Variable speed systems can reduce this moisture for added comfort.

HVAC
The classic acronym for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Today, an HVAC system also includes air cleaning and
moisture control.

Hybrid Comfort System

A home comfort system that combines a heat pump with a gas furnace (also available in packaged systems). For areas with
colder temperatures, combining electric heating (heat pump) with gas heating (furnace) lets you choose from two fuel
sources in order to respond to fluctuations in utility costs.

Indoor/Outdoor System
Refers to a comfort system consisting of components in two locations. Common examples include an outside unit, such as an
air conditioner, and an indoor unit, such as a furnace with a coil.

Indoor Coil
The other, less visible half of your outdoor unit. It's attached to your furnace or air handler. As indoor air flows across it, heat
and moisture are drawn out, leaving air that is cool, comfortable and conditioned.

Load Calculation
A detailed analysis of your home's energy needs conducted by your dealer to help determine which comfort system is best
for your home.

Matched System
A heating and cooling system wherein all components are matched in capacity and efficiency. This enables your system to
perform at its best, and most efficient, for longer.

Modulating Heating
Fully modulating heating provides greater fuel efficiency and ideal comfort control by constantly adjusting to changing
temperatures in your home.

NATE
North American Technician Excellence. This is the nationwide certification program for home heating and cooling technicians.
It's the only certification that is recognized by the entire industry.

Nexia™ Home Intelligence

is a home automation system that, when paired with an American Standard AccuLink™ Platinum XV Control or an AccuLink™
Remote Control, makes it possible to manage your home’s HVAC system, locks, lights, security and more by computer or
most web-enabled cell phones.
Outdoor Coil
Located in the outdoor unit, the coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the refrigerant from vapor to liquid. In
American Standard units, the coil is called Spine Fin™.

Outdoor Unit
The outdoor portion of a split system, such as an air conditioner or heat pump. May also be a packaged air conditioning
and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet.

Packaged System
An air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet. Used in certain localities and
for certain building types, the all-in-one system is installed either beside or on top of your home.

Refrigerant
A substance that produces a cooling effect. It's used in most air conditioning and cooling systems.

SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a rating that measures the cooling efficiency of a heat pump or air conditioner. The
higher the number, the more efficient the unit.

SEET
Seasonal Extreme Environmental Test. This is the American Standard testing facility for heating and air conditioning systems,
where the equivalent of five years of operation is condensed into 16 weeks of testing under harsh conditions. American
Standard Heating & Air Conditioning wants to ensure your new system will be as reliable as possible.

Smart Home
A smart home features an advanced system that offers remote or automatic control of the systems around your home,
including but not limited to, your HVAC system, lighting or security system.

Spine Fin™
A revolutionary technology that makes stronger, more efficient cooling coils. Spine Fin™ consists of thousands of tiny fins
bonded to continuous aluminum refrigerant tubing. The tiny fins create a greater surface area, helping it to more efficiently
transfer more heat from your home. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning features Spine Fin™ coils in many of our
outdoor products.

Split System
Refers to a comfort system consisting of components in two locations. Common examples include an outside unit, such as an
air conditioner, and an indoor unit, such as a furnace with a coil.

Thermostat
A temperature-control device, typically found on a wall inside the home. It consists of a series of sensors and relays that
monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's
programmable controls allow you to program different levels of comfort for different times of the day.

Ton
A unit of measurement used for determining cooling capacity. One ton is the equivalent of 12,000 BTUs per hour.

Two-stage Heating / Two-stage Cooling

Two-stage heating and cooling is considered to be more efficient, because it operates at a low, energy-saving speed most of
the time. However, on days when more heating or cooling is required, it switches to the next stage for maximum comfort.
Variable-Speed Motor
The fan motor inside higher efficiency indoor and outdoor units is designed to change its speed based on your home's heating
and air conditioning requirements. Working in conjunction with your thermostat, it keeps the appropriate-temperature air
(e.g., warm air on cold days) circulating throughout your home, reducing temperature variances. The variable-speed motor
also increases dehumidification and is quiet because it runs at a lower speed most of the time. Plus, the consistent air
circulation eliminates noisy startups and shutdowns.

REFERENCES
1. Britannica Encyclopedia online
2. www.fsec.ucf.edu
3. Fulllibrary.com
4. Edinformatics.com
5. Brighthubengineering.com
6. www.epa.gov
 BUILDING UTILITIES 2
Research on HVAC System

SUBMITTED TO: AR. CAMACHO

SUBMITTED BY: PADER, VICTOR ALDRIN R.

Mechanical system

 Any building service using machines. They include plumbing, elevators, escalators,

and heating and air-conditioning systems. The introduction of mechanization in buildings in the early
20th century brought about major adjustments; the new equipment demanded floor space, and the
design team began to include electrical and HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning) engineers.
Heating and cooling changed dramatically. Modern buildings, with their large heat gains, turned central
heating into little more than a supplement. Heat removal is a much more serious burden, especially in
warm weather.

What is HVAC?

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment perform heating and/or cooling for
residential, commercial or industrial buildings. The HVAC system may also be responsible for providing
fresh outdoor air to dilute interior airborne contaminants such as odors from occupants, volatile organic
compounds (VOC’s) emitted from interior furnishings, chemicals used for cleaning, etc. A properly
designed system will provide a comfortable indoor environment year round when properly maintained.

Theories of heat

At the beginning of the 19th century, there existed two rival theories of heat- The Calorific
Theory and Mechanical theory. But the modern scientists hold the microscopic view of heat.

1. Caloric theory of heat

According to this theory, heat was a fluid substance called caloric. This caloric was assumed to be
invisible and weightless fluid that could neither be created nor destroyed. According to this theory,
every object contained a certain amount of caloric at a given temperature. If more caloric flowed into
the object (body), its temperature increased and if caloric flowed out from an object, then its
temperature decreased. Also, according to this theory, when the matter was broken a part, such as
during burning, a good amount of caloric (or fluid) was believed to be lost.

2. Mechanical theory of heat

Count Rumford rejected the caloric theory by doing an experiment in 1798 and he proved that
heat could be produced by friction or by doing mechanical work. In his experiment, he observed that
boring-up of cannon barrels. Water was kept circulating during the cutting process. After some time the
circulating water around the barrels started boiling.

The “caloric” that caused the boiling of water was assumed to be due to breaking apart of the
metal. But Rumford observed that a large among of heat was produced by boring the barrel of a cannon
even with a blunt borer that did not cut the metal. Thus, caloric was being released, though the
subdivision of matter was not occurring. Therefore, Rumford rejected the idea that an object contains a
definite amount of caloric in it.
3. Heat as energy in transit
From the experiments performed by Joule and others, the scientists came to interpret heat not
as a flow of substance, and not even as a form of energy, but as the transfer of energy. When heat flows
from a hot body to a cold body, it means that energy is being transferred from the hot body to a cold
body. Thus, heat is the energy transferred from one object to another due to the temperature difference
between two objects. This transfer of energy continues until the two objects reach the common
temperature. The system is then said to be in thermal equilibrium.

4.Modern Microscopic view

This view nicely explains the idea of heat as a transfer of energy. The molecules of a substance
move always. In case of solids, the molecules vibrate about their mean position, but in liquids and gases,
the molecules travel from here and there. Due to this motion, the molecules have kinetic energy.
According to the modern microscopic view, the thermal kinetic energy of the molecules increases with
an increase in temperature.
For example, consider a pot of water placed on a stove burner. The molecules of the stove burner have
much more kinetic energy on the average than those of cold water in the pot. The fast-moving stove
molecules transfer some of their kinetic energy to the slow-moving pot molecules through collisions
with them. The fast-moving pot molecules, in turn, transfer some of their K.E through collisions with the
slow-moving water molecules. As a result, temperature of the pot and the water rises. Thus, we see how
heat flow is the transfer of energy.

When an object is heated, the heat increases the translational kinetic energy, rotational and
vibrational kinetic energy of the molecules. Thus, the total energy of molecules in a substance is the sum
of the translational kinetic energy, the rotational kinetic energy, and the vibrational kinetic energy.

How is heat transferred?

Heat can travel from one place to another in three ways: Conduction, Convection and Radiation.
Both conduction and convection require matter to transfer heat.If there is a temperature difference
between two systems heat will always find a way to transfer from the higher to lower system.

1.CONDUCTION
Conduction is the transfer of heat between substances that are in direct contact with each other.
The better the conductor, the more rapidly heat will be transferred. Metal is a good conduction of heat.
Conduction occurs when a substance is heated, particles will gain more energy, and vibrate more. These
molecules then bump into nearby particles and transfer some of their energy to them. This then
continues and passes the energy from the hot end down to the colder end of the substance.
2.CONVECTION
Thermal energy is transferred from hot places to cold places by convection. Convection occurs
when warmer areas of a liquid or gas rise to cooler areas in the liquid or gas. Cooler liquid or gas then
takes the place of the warmer areas which have risen higher. This results in a continous circulation
pattern. Water boiling in a pan is a good example of these convection currents. Another good example
of convection is in the atmosphere. The earth's surface is warmed by the sun, the warm air rises and
cool air moves in.

3.RADIATION
Radiation is a method of heat transfer that does not rely upon any contact between the heat
source and the heated object as is the case with conduction and convection. Heat can be transmitted
through empty space by thermal radiation often called infrared radiation. This is a type electromagnetic
radiation . No mass is exchanged and no medium is required in the process of radiation. Examples of
radiation is the heat from the sun, or heat released from the filament of a light bulb.

How does Air Conditioner work?

An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air as is passes over a cold coil surface. The indoor
coil is an air-to-liquid heat exchanger with rows of tubes that pass the liquid through the coil. Finned
surfaces connected to these tubes increase the overall surface area of the cold surface thereby
increasing the heat transfer characteristics between the air passing over the coil and liquid passing
through the coil. The type of liquid used depends on the system selected. Direct-expansion (DX)
equipment uses refrigerant as the liquid medium. Chilled-water (CW) can also be used as a liquid
medium. When the required temperature of a chilled water system is near the freezing point of water,
freeze protection is added in the form of glycols or salts. Regardless of the liquid medium used, the
liquid is delivered to the cooling coil at a cold temperature.

In the case of direct expansion equipment, the air passing over the indoor cooling coil heats the
cold liquid refrigerant. Heating the refrigerant causes boiling and transforms the refrigerant from a cold
liquid to a warm gas. This warm gas (or vapor) is pumped from the cooling coil to the compressor
through a copper tube (suction line to the compressor) where the warm gas is compressed. In some
cases, an accumulator is placed between the cooling coil and the compressor to capture unused liquid
refrigerant and ensures that only vapor enters the compressor. The compression process increases the
pressure of the refrigerant vapor and significantly increases the temperature of the vapor.
 As this liquid passes through the indoor cooling coil on the inside of the heat exchanger, two
things happen to the air that passes over the coil’s surface on the outside of the heat exchanger. The
air’s temperature is lowered (sensible cooling) and moisture in the air is removed (latent cooling) if the
indoor air dew point is higher than the temperature of the coil’s surface. The total cooling (capacity) of
an AC system is the sum of the sensible and latent cooling. At higher air flow rates the latent capacity of
the cooling coil is reduced. Indoor temperature and humidity also affect the total capacity of the AC
system. As indoor temperatures increase, the sensible capacity also increases. Similarly, as indoor
relative humidity increases the latent capacity of the AC system increases. Manufacturers of AC
equipment typically provide a “performance map” of specific equipment to show how total, sensible,
and latent capacity change with changing indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity.

What type of Air Condition systems are available?

1.Cooling Only Split-System

A split system is a combination of an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor condensing unit.
The indoor air handling unit contains a supply air fan and an air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger (or cooling
coil), and the expansion device. The outdoor condensing unit consists of a compressor and a condenser
coil. Split-systems are typically found in residential or small commercial buildings. These systems have
the highest energy efficiency rating (EER) of all the available AC systems.

Manufacturers are required to take the EER rating a step further and provide a seasonal energy
efficiency rating (SEER) for use by consumers. SEER ratings vary widely and range from 10 to 20. The
higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC system operates. If heating is required, an alternate
method of heating the interior of the building must be used, usually in the form of electric or gas
heating. 

2.Cooling Only Packaged-System

A packaged system is a single unit combining all the components described in the split system.
Since the unit is a package, it must be placed outside the building and indoor air is “ducted” from the
building to the packaged system and back through an air distribution system. These units typically have
SEER rating from 10 to 18. If heating is required, an alternate method of heating the interior of the
building must be used, usually in the form of electric or gas heating.

3.Heat Pump

Heat pumps are similar to cooling only systems with one exception. A special valve in the
refrigeration piping allow the refrigeration cycle to be operated in reverse. A cooling only system cools
the indoor air and rejects heat to the outdoors. A heat pump can also cool the indoor air, but when the
valve is reversed, the indoor air is heated. A supplementary electric resistance heater may also be used
to assist the heat pump at lower outdoor temperatures. In colder climates, heat pumps require a defrost
period. During defrost times the electric heater is the only means of heating the interior of the building.
These units are manufactured as either split or packaged systems.
5.Chilled Water System

In a chilled water system, liquid water is pumped throughout the building to “chilled water coils”.
Since the liquid water needs to be at a cold temperature, a “cooling plant” is required. The plant is
typically referred to as a chiller plant. Vapor compression equipment in the plant, similar to that
described in “How does my AC work”, cool water to a cold temperature and pump the cold water to air-
to-water heat exchangers where needed.

6.Window Air Conditioners

As the name implies, a window air conditioner is typically installed in a window or custom
opening in a wall. The Window AC can only cool small areas and are not intended to provide cooling to
multiple rooms or zones. These air conditioners are manufactured as cool only or can provide both
cooling and heating. An optional damper in the unit can provide fresh outdoor air if necessary.

7.Packaged Terminal Heat Pump

Packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHP) are are similar to a window-mounted air conditioner.
These units are typically installed in a sleeve passing through the outdoor wall of an apartment, hotel,
school classroom, etc. PTHPs are completely self contained and require only an electrical connection in
addition to the opening in the building shell. They use the outdoor air as the heat source in winter and
as a heat sink in summer. They also can provide ventilation air. Flexibility and lower installed cost are the
primary advantages of the PTHP. Disadvantages include in-room maintenance, higher operating cost,
relatively short life, imprecise "on-off" temperature control, and they can be rather noisy.

Types of Evaporators
Different types of evaporators are used in different types of refrigeration applications and
accordingly they have different designs. The evaporators can be classified in various ways depending on
the construction of the evaporator, the method of feeding the refrigerant, the direction of circulation of
the air around the evaporator, etc. Here we have classified the evaporators based on their construction.

1.Bare Tube Evaporators

The bare tube evaporators are made up of copper tubing or steel pipes. The copper tubing is
used for small evaporators where the refrigerant other than ammonia is used, while the steel pipes are
used with the large evaporators where ammonia is used as the refrigerant. The bare tube evaporator
comprises of several turns of the tubing, though most commonly flat zigzag and oval trombone are the
most common shapes. The bare tube evaporators are usually used for liquid chilling. In the blast cooling
and the freezing operations the atmospheric air flows over the bare tube evaporator and the chilled air
leaving it used for the cooling purposes. The bare tube evaporators are used in very few applications,
however the bare tube evaporators fitted with the fins, called as finned evaporators are used very
commonly.
2.Plate Type of Evaporators
In the plate type of evaporators the coil usually made up of copper or aluminum is embedded in
the plate so as so to form a flat looking surface. Externally the plate type of evaporator looks like a single
plate, but inside it there are several turns of the metal tubing through which the refrigerant flows. The
advantage of the plate type of evaporators is that they are more rigid as the external plate provides lots
of safety. The external plate also helps increasing the heat transfer from the metal tubing to the
substance to be chilled. Further, the plate type of evaporators are easy to clean and can be
manufactured cheaply.
The plate type heat exchangers can be easily formed into various shapes as per the requirement.
Thus in the household refrigerators and the deep freezers, where they are used most commonly, they
can be converted into the box shape to form the closed enclosure, where various food can be kept in the
frozen state. The plates can also be welded together forming the bank of the plate type of evaporators
that can be used the larger evaporators of higher capacities.

3. Finned Evaporators
The finned evaporators are the bare tube type of evaporators covered with the fins. When the
fluid (air or water) to be chilled flows over the bare tube evaporator lots of cooling effect from the
refrigerant goes wasted since there is less surface for the transfer of heat from the fluid to the
refrigerant. The fluid tends to move between the open spaces of the tubing and does not come in
contact with the surface of the coil, thus the bare tube evaporators are less effective. The fins on the
external surface of the bare tube evaporators increases the contact surface of the of the metallic tubing
with the fluid and increase the heat transfer rate, thus the finned evaporators are more effective than
the bare tube evaporators.

For the fins to be effective it is very important that there is very good contact between the coil
and the fins. In some cases the fins are soldered directly to the surface of the coil and in other cases the
fins are just slipped over the surface of the fins and then they are expanded thus ensuring a close
thermal contact between the two. Tough the fins help increase the heat transfer, rate, adding them
beyond certain numbers won’t produce any additional benefits, hence only certain number of fins
should be applied on the external surface of the tube.

The finned evaporators are most commonly used in the air conditioners of almost all types like
window, split, packaged and the central air conditioning systems. In these systems the finned evaporator
is popularly known as the cooling coil. The hot room air flows over the finned evaporator or the cooling
coil, gets chilled and enters the room to produce the cooling effect. In window a/c the finned
evaporators is located behind the beautifully looking grill.
4.Shell and Tube types of Evaporators

The shell and tube types of evaporators are used in the large refrigeration and central air
conditioning systems. The evaporators in these systems are commonly known as the chillers. The chillers
comprise of large number of the tubes that are inserted inside the drum or the shell. In dry expansion
chillers the refrigerant flows along the tube side and the fluid to be chilled flows along the shell side. The
flow of the refrigerant to these chillers is controlled by the expansion valve. In case of the flooded type
of evaporators the refrigerant flows along the shell side and fluid to be chilled flows along the tube. In
these chillers the level of the refrigerant is kept constant by the float valve that acts as the expansion
valve also.

Types of Condensers

In condensers the refrigerant gives up the heat that is has absorbed in the evaporator. There are
three main types of condensers: air cooled condensers, water cooled condensers and evaporative
condensers.

There are four main parts of refrigerating and air-conditioning systems, these are: compressor,
condenser, throttling or expansion valve and the evaporator. The refrigerant leaving the compressor is in
the gaseous state and at a high pressure and temperature. This refrigerant then enters the condenser
where it loses the heat to the coolant, which can be air or water.

After passing through the condenser the refrigerant gets condensed but still remains at high
pressure. It comes out in a partially liquid and gaseous state and then enters the throttling or expansion
valve.

1.Air cooled condensers

Air cooled condensers are used in small units like household refrigerators, deep freezers, water
coolers, window air-conditioners, split air-conditioners, small packaged air-conditioners etc. These are
used in plants where the cooling load is small and the total quantity of the refrigerant in the
refrigeration cycle is small. Air cooled condensers are also called coil condensers as they are usually
made of copper or aluminum coil. Air cooled condensers occupy a comparatively larger space than
water cooled condensers.

Air cooled condensers are of two types: natural convection and forced convection. In the natural
convection type, the air flows over it in natural a way depending upon the temperature of the condenser
coil. In the forced air type, a fan operated by a motor blows air over the condenser coil.

2.Water cooled condensers

Water cooled condensers are used for large refrigerating plants, big packaged air-conditioners,
central air-conditioning plants, etc. These are used in plants where cooling loads are excessively high and
a large quantity of refrigerant flows through the condenser.
 There are three types of water cooled condensers: tube-in-tube or double pipe type, shell and
coil type and shell and tube type. In all these condensers the refrigerant flows through one side of the
piping while the water flows through the other piping, cooling the refrigerant and condensing it.

3.Evaporative condensers

Evaporative condensers are usually used in ice plants. They are a combination of water cooled
and air cooled condensers. In these condensers the hot refrigerant flows through the coils. Water is
sprayed over these coils. At the same time the fan draws air from the bottom side of the condenser and
discharges it from the top side of the condenser. The spray water that comes in contact with the
condenser coil gets evaporated in the air and it absorbs the heat from the condenser, cools the
refrigerant and condenses it.

Evaporative condensers have the benefits of water cooled as well as air cooled condenser, hence
it occupies less space. However, keeping the evaporative condenser clean and free of scale is very
difficult and requires lots of maintenance. Hence they are not favored by HVAC designers.

Types of Compressor

Air conditioner compressor is used to remove the heat-laden vapor refrigerant from the
evaporator of the air conditioning systems. In layman term, the compressor compresses or squeezes the
vapor into a smaller volume at high temperature. The external-drive compressor has a crankshaft that is
driven by a pulley and belt system.

An electric motor can also be used to drive it directly. The hermetic compressor has a motor
which is sealed inside a housing with the compressor, hence a crankshaft seal is not required. The motor
rotor is located either at the top or bottom of the unit.
There are basically 5 types of air conditioner compressor that are commonly used in the HVAC industry:
Reciprocating, Scroll Screw ,Rotary ,Centrifugal.

1.Reciprocating Air Conditioner Compressor

The reciprocating compressor uses piston to compressor the refrigerant driven by a crankshaft in
a straight line back and forth motion. This rotary motion is achieved by the use of an electric motor and
the construction is quite similar to that of an automobile engine.
The piston moves up and down inside a cylinder. Vapor from the suction line is moved through the
intake valve as the piston move downward. As the piston moves upward, it compresses the vapor
refrigerant which is then pushed through the exhaust valve into the condenser.The compressor may has
more than one cylinder which is also known as multicylinder compressor. The common ones are the
two-cylinder, four-cylinder and eight-cylinder compressors
2.Scroll
A scroll compressor has one fixed scroll which remains stationary and another moving or orbiting
scroll that rotates through the use of swing link. When this happens, the pockets of refrigerant between
the two scroll are slowly pushed to the center of the two scrolls causing the reduction of the volume of
the gas. It is then discharged though the center port to the condenser.
The advantage of scroll compressor is that it has fewer moving parts and less torque variation compared
to the reciprocating compressor. This advantage is translated to a smooth and quiet operation.The scroll
compressor is also known as scroll pump or scroll vacuum pump.

3.Screw
The screw compressor uses a pair of helical rotors where it traps and compresses the gas as the
rotors revolve in the cylinder. In HVAC, they are usually used in systems with 20 ton capacity and above.
The male rotor and the female rotor are built inside the cylinder. The low pressure refrigerant enters
one end of the compressor and the resultant high pressure refrigerant is discharged into the opposite
end to the condenser.

4.Rotary
The rotary compressor can be divided into two types. One has blades or vanes that rotate with
the shaft. The other type has the blade which remains stationary and is part of the compressor housing
assembly. In both types, the vapor from the suction line is drawn into the cylinder through the suction
port.As the blade rotates, trapped vapor in the space ahead of the blade is compressed into high
pressure gas after which it is discharged to the condenser through the exhaust port. The number of
blades can range from two to eight in a single system.

5.Centrifugal
Centrifugal compressor is usually used in large capacity refrigerating system. In this compressor,
the vapor is moved in a circular motion known as centrifugal force. An impeller which is a disk with radial
blades spins rapidly inside this housing causing the gas to gain velocity.

A diffuser converts this energy into pressure energy and is then discharged into the condenser.
The pumping efficiency increases with speed, hence this type of compressors are designed to operate at
high speed.The main advantage of centrifugal compressor is that there are no valves, pistons or
cylinders. The wearing parts that need attention are the main bearings.

An HVAC designer will recommend different types of air conditioning systems for different
applications. The most commonly used are described in this article.

The choice of which air conditioner system to use depends upon a number of factors including
how large the area is to be cooled, the total heat generated inside the enclosed area, etc. An HVAC
designer would consider all the related parameters and suggest the system most suitable for your space.
Types of Air Condition

1.Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioner is the most commonly used air conditioner for single rooms. In this air
conditioner all the components, namely the compressor, condenser, expansion valve or coil, evaporator
and cooling coil are enclosed in a single box. This unit is fitted in a slot made in the wall of the room, or
more commonly a window sill.

2.Split Air Conditioner

The split air conditioner comprises of two parts: the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The
outdoor unit, fitted outside the room, houses components like the compressor, condenser and
expansion valve. The indoor unit comprises the evaporator or cooling coil and the cooling fan. For this
unit you don’t have to make any slot in the wall of the room. Further, present day split units have
aesthetic appeal and do not take up as much space as a window unit. A split air conditioner can be used
to cool one or two rooms.

3.Packaged Air Conditioner

An HVAC designer will suggest this type of air conditioner if you want to cool more than two
rooms or a larger space at your home or office. There are two possible arrangements with the package
unit. In the first one, all the components, namely the compressor, condenser (which can be air cooled or
water cooled), expansion valve and evaporator are housed in a single box. The cooled air is thrown by
the high capacity blower, and it flows through the ducts laid through various rooms. In the second
arrangement, the compressor and condenser are housed in one casing. The compressed gas passes
through individual units, comprised of the expansion valve and cooling coil, located in various rooms.

4.Central Air Conditioning System

Central air conditioning is used for cooling big buildings, houses, offices, entire hotels, gyms,
movie theaters, factories etc. If the whole building is to be air conditioned, HVAC engineers find that
putting individual units in each of the rooms is very expensive making this a better option. A central air
conditioning system is comprised of a huge compressor that has the capacity to produce hundreds of
tons of air conditioning. Cooling big halls, malls, huge spaces, galleries etc is usually only feasible with
central conditioning units.
Air Condition Controls

To provide the comfort conditions throughout the year, the air-conditioning systems are fitted
with three controls: temperature controls, humidistats and airstats that control the temperature,
relative humidity and flow of air inside the room respectively.

The main purpose of the air-conditioning system is to create comfort conditions by controlling
the temperature, humidity and flow of air inside the rooms. To provide the comfort conditions
throughout the year, the air-conditioning systems are fitted with three controls: temperature controls,
humidistats and airstats that control the temperature, relative humidity and flow of air inside the room
respectively. Let us see all these in more details.

1.Temperature Control Devices – Thermostat

The temperature control devices maintain the proper temperature inside the room as per our
comfort requirements. When the desired temperature is reached these devices switch off the
compressor of the air-conditioning system and when temperature goes away to certain extent from the
desired levels the compressor is restarted. The setting of the temperature is done by the user manually
or automatically using the remote control devise of the air-conditioning system.

One of the most commonly used devise for controlling the room temperature is the room
thermostat. It senses the temperature inside the room and causes the electrical contacts to the
compressor open or close depending on the temperature inside the room. There are various types of
thermostats, but the most commonly used is the bimetal room thermostat. It comprises of two metals
which at particular temperature are of same length, but when their temperature is increased one metal
increases in length more while the other increases less due to their different coefficients of expansions.
When the bimetal is heated it tends to get bent which helps in opening or closing of the electrical supply
to the compressor.

2.Humidistat

Humidistats are the devices that help controlling the humidification equipment fitted in the air
conditioning system. When the air is heated its humidity is reduced and it may be desirable to add
humidity to it. In some cases when the temperatures are very low, it may be necessary to heat the air
and add humidity to it. In certain cases it may be necessary to remove the humidity from the air.
Humidity is usually added in the air washers and it is usually removed by reducing the temperature of air
below its dew point temperature or using some drier. The operation of these equipments is controlled
by the humidistat.

The humidistats can be used either on line or low voltage. They consist of the nylon ribbon which is
highly sensitive to the humidity inside the room. The ribbon wound on the bobbin acts as the control for
the operation of the humidification or dehumidification equipment.
3.Airstats

The airstats do not control the flow of the air through the air conditioning systems; rather they
act as the fan safety cut-off devices. There are two types of fans that can be used in the air conditioning
systems. The first type of fan absorbs the cool air from the cooling coil and throws it in the room to be
cooled. The second type of fan absorbs the hot return air from the room and sends it to the cooling
system. In the second case, sometimes the temperature of the return air becomes so high that there
may be possibility of occurrence of fire. The airstat stops the operation of the fan in such cases.

The temperature control devise thermostat is used in all the air conditioning systems, while
humidistats and airstats are fitted in equipments based on the type of the air conditioning system being
used and its applications.

HVAC SYSTEM BASICS

To fully appreciate building occupants’ risk of exposure to airborne biological threats and what
can be done to reduce it, it is necessary to understand how air enters and moves through buildings.

Ventilation

Building ventilation is the process of bringing outdoor air into a building, circulating it, and later
purging it to the environment.17 The main purpose of ventilation is to provide acceptable indoor air
quality by diluting and removing contaminants from the indoor air.17,18 Building ventilation is achieved
by natural or mechanical means, or by a combination of the two.18

Natural ventilation
Natural ventilation is the use of differences in air pressure that exist between the inside of a
building relative to the outside of it, across the building envelope, to ventilate a building.18,19 These air
pressure differences are created by natural forces such as wind and temperature. Air moves into and out
of naturally ventilated buildings through windows, doors, vents and other openings incorporated into
the building design and via infiltration/exfiltration.

Mechanical ventilation
Mechanical ventilation is the use of mechanical air handling systems—commonly referred to as
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems—to ventilate buildings.17,18 Most commercial
buildings use mechanical ventilation, which is more controllable and responsive than natural ventilation
in providing adequate indoor air quality. However, mechanical ventilation also can exacerbate
infiltration/exfiltration, which can compromise indoor air quality.
Purpose, Design Basics, and Function of HVAC Systems

Purpose
  An HVAC system provides adequate indoor air quality by: conditioning the air in the occupied
space of a building in order to provide for the comfort of its occupants; diluting and removing
contaminants from indoor air through ventilation; and providing proper building pressurization.[17]

Design
While there are many different HVAC system designs and operational approaches to achieving
proper system functionality, and every building is unique in its design and operation, HVAC systems
generally share a few basic design elements

 Outside air intake

 Air handling unit—a system of fans, heating and cooling coils, air-flow control dampers, air filters,
etc.
 Air distribution system
 Air exhaust system

Function
In general, outside (“supply”) air is drawn into a building’s HVAC system through the air intake by
the air handling unit (AHU). Once in the system, supply air is filtered to remove particulate matter (mold,
allergens, dust), heated or cooled, and then circulated throughout the building via the air distribution
system, which is typically a system of supply ducts and registers.
In many buildings, the air distribution system also includes a return air system so that
conditioned supply air is returned to the AHU (“return air”) where it is mixed with supply air, re-filtered,
re-conditioned, and re-circulated throughout the building. This is usually accomplished by drawing air
from the occupied space and returning it to the AHU by: (1) ducted returns, wherein air is collected from
each room or zone using return air devices in the ceiling or walls that are directly connected by
ductwork to the air-handling unit; or (2) plenum returns, wherein air is collected from several rooms or
zones through return air devices that empty into the negatively pressurized ceiling plenum (the space
between the drop ceiling and the real ceiling); the air is then returned to the air-handling unit by
ductwork or structural conduits
Finally, some portion of the air within is exhausted from the building. The air exhaust system
might be directly connected to the AHU and/or may stand-alone. 

Air cleaning
 Indoor air pollutants are unwanted, sometimes harmful materials in the air. Indoor air pollution
is among the top five environmental health risks. Usually the best way to address this risk is to control or
eliminate the sources of pollutants, and to ventilate a home with clean outdoor air. The ventilation
method may, however, be limited by weather conditions or undesirable levels of contaminants
contained in outdoor air. If these measures are insufficient, an air cleaning device may be useful. Air
cleaning devices are intended to remove pollutants from indoor air.
Some air cleaning devices are designed to be installed in the ductwork of a home’s central
heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to clean the air in the whole house. Portable
room air cleaners can be used to clean the air in a single room or specific areas, but they are not
intended for whole-house filtration. The following pages will provide information on different types of
air cleaning devices and how they work.

Particle Removal
Two types of air cleaning devices can remove particles from the air — mechanical air filters and
electronic air cleaners. Mechanical air filters remove particles by capturing them on filter materials.
High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are in this category. Electronic air cleaners such as
electrostatic precipitators use a process called electrostatic attraction to trap charged particles. The
charged particles then accumulate on a series of flat plates called a collector that is oppositely charged.
Ion generators, or ionizers, disperse charged ions into the air, similar to the electronic air cleaners but
without a collector. These ions attach to airborne particles, giving them a charge so that they attach to
nearby surfaces such as walls or furniture, or attach to one another and settle faster.
Gaseous Pollutant Removal
Gas-phase air filters remove gases and odors by using a material called a sorbent, such as
activated carbon, which adsorbs the pollutants. These filters are typically intended to remove one or
more gaseous pollutants from the airstream that passes through them Some air cleaning devices with
gas-phase filters may remove a portion of the gaseous pollutants and some of the related hazards, at
least on a temporary basis. However, none are expected to remove all of the gaseous pollutants present
in the air of a typical home.
For example, carbon monoxide is a dangerous gaseous pollutant that is produced whenever any
fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned, and it is not readily captured using currently
available residential gas-phase filtration products.
Pollutant Destruction
Some air cleaners use ultraviolet (UV) light technology intended to destroy pollutants in indoor
air. These air cleaners are called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) cleaners and photocatalytic
oxidation (PCO) cleaners. Ozone generators that are sold as air cleaners intentionally produce ozone gas,
a lung irritant, to destroy pollutants.
UVGI cleaners use ultraviolet radiation from UV lamps that may destroy biological pollutants
such as viruses, bacteria, allergens and molds that are airborne or growing on HVAC surfaces (e.g., found
on cooling coils, drain pans, or ductwork). If used, they should be applied with, but not as a replacement
for, filtration systems.
PCO cleaners use a UV lamp along with a substance, called a catalyst, that reacts with the light.
They are intended to destroy gaseous pollutants by converting them into harmless products, but are not
designed to remove particulate pollutants.
Ozone generators use UV light or an electrical discharge to intentionally produce ozone. Ozone is
a lung irritant that can cause adverse health effects. At concentrations that do not exceed public health
standards, ozone has little effect in removing most indoor air contaminants. Thus, ozone generators are
not always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollutants. Consumers should instead use methods
proven to be both safe and effective to reduce pollutant concentrations, which include eliminating or
controlling pollutant sources and increasing outdoor air ventilation.

REFERENCES
1. Britannica Encyclopedia online
2. www.fsec.ucf.edu
3. Fulllibrary.com
4. Edinformatics.com
5. Brighthubengineering.com
6. www.epa.gov
TERMINOLOGIES

AccuClean™
Brand name for American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning's whole-home air filtration that
removes up to 99.98 percent of airborne allergens from the filtered air in your home.

AccuLink™
Communicating System is American Standard’s integrated and self-configuring system that
makes it possible for your components to automatically talk to each other. It lets you remotely adjust
settings and provides proactive alerts so you know your system is working at its best.

AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE is a rating that reflects how efficiently a gas furnace
converts fuel to energy. An AFUE of 90 means that approximately 90 percent of the fuel is utilized to
provide warmth to your home, while the remaining 10 percent escapes as exhaust.

Air Cleaner
A device that removes allergens, pollutants and other undesirable particles from air that is
heated or cooled.

Air Filtration System

A device that removes allergens, pollutants and other undesirable particles from air that is
heated or cooled.

Air Handler
The indoor component of your air conditioner or heating system that moves air through your
home.

Allergen
A substance that causes an allergic reaction. It includes dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust
mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease and bacteria. Test.

All-In-One System
An air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet.
Used in certain localities and for certain building types, the all-in-one system is installed either beside or
on top of your home.
BTU
British Thermal Unit. In scientific terms, it represents the amount of energy required to raise one
pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. One BTU is the equivalent of the heat given off by a single
wooden kitchen match. For your home, it represents the measure of heat given off when fuel is burned
for heating, or the measure of heat extracted from your home for cooling.

Capacity
The output or producing capability of a piece of cooling or heating equipment. Cooling and
heating capacity are normally referred to in BTUs.

CFM
Cubic Feet per Minute, a standard of airflow measurement. A typical air conditioning system
produces 400 CFM per ton of air conditioning.

Comfort-R™
is American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's process for reducing your home's humidity
and maintaining a comfortable temperature. Set by the dealer, Comfort-R™ ramps up the airflow in your
home—making your home cooler and more comfortable faster.

Compressor
The heart of an air conditioning or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit that pumps
refrigerant. The compressor maintains adequate pressure to cause refrigerant to flow in sufficient
quantities in order to meet the cooling requirements of the system and your home.

Condenser Coil
Located in the outdoor unit, the coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the
refrigerant from vapor to liquid. In American Standard units, the coil is called Spine Fin™.

Control
A temperature-control device, typically found on a wall inside the home. It consists of a series of
sensors and relays that monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system. American
Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's programmable controls allow you to program different levels of
comfort for different times of the day.

Cycling
Refers to the process of an HVAC system turning on and off. Some systems require less cycling
than others, leading to higher energy efficiency and less wear on the system.

Damper
Found in ductwork, this movable plate opens and closes to control airflow. Dampers are used
effectively in zoning to regulate airflow to certain rooms.
Ductwork
Pipes or channels that carry air throughout your home.

Energy Star®
A program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to reduce the
nation's energy consumption. ENERGY STAR® -qualified heating equipment can be up to 15 percent
more efficient than standard models. ENERGY STAR® -qualified cooling equipment can be up to 7
percent more efficient than minimum-standard equipment.

Furnace
An indoor heating unit that works in conjunction with an air conditioner or heat pump.

Heat Pump
An outdoor unit that warms your home in winter and cools your home in summer.

HEPA Filter
A High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing filter. A HEPA filter removes particles from the air by
trapping them as air flows through.

Home Automation
Anything that gives you remote or automatic control of things around your home, including but
not limited to your HVAC, lighting or security system.

HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Refers to the efficiency of the heating mode of heat
pumps over an entire heating season: The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.

Humidifier
A device that adds moisture to dry indoor air during wintertime and in hot, dry climates.

Humidity
The amount of moisture in the air. Variable speed systems can reduce this moisture for added
comfort.

HVAC
The classic acronym for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Today, an HVAC system also
includes air cleaning and moisture control.
Hybrid Comfort System
A home comfort system that combines a heat pump with a gas furnace (also available in
packaged systems). For areas with colder temperatures, combining electric heating (heat pump) with gas
heating (furnace) lets you choose from two fuel sources in order to respond to fluctuations in utility
costs.

Indoor/Outdoor System
Refers to a comfort system consisting of components in two locations. Common examples
include an outside unit, such as an air conditioner, and an indoor unit, such as a furnace with a coil.

Indoor Coil
The other, less visible half of your outdoor unit. It's attached to your furnace or air handler. As
indoor air flows across it, heat and moisture are drawn out, leaving air that is cool, comfortable and
conditioned.

Load Calculation
A detailed analysis of your home's energy needs conducted by your dealer to help determine
which comfort system is best for your home.

Matched System
A heating and cooling system wherein all components are matched in capacity and efficiency.
This enables your system to perform at its best, and most efficient, for longer.

Modulating Heating
Fully modulating heating provides greater fuel efficiency and ideal comfort control by constantly
adjusting to changing temperatures in your home.

NATE
North American Technician Excellence. This is the nationwide certification program for home
heating and cooling technicians. It's the only certification that is recognized by the entire industry.

Nexia™ Home Intelligence

is a home automation system that, when paired with an American Standard AccuLink™ Platinum
XV Control or an AccuLink™ Remote Control, makes it possible to manage your home’s HVAC system,
locks, lights, security and more by computer or most web-enabled cell phones.

Outdoor Coil
Located in the outdoor unit, the coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the
refrigerant from vapor to liquid. In American Standard units, the coil is called Spine Fin™.
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor portion of a split system, such as an air conditioner or heat pump. May also be a
packaged air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet.

Packaged System
An air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet.
Used in certain localities and for certain building types, the all-in-one system is installed either beside or
on top of your home.

Refrigerant
A substance that produces a cooling effect. It's used in most air conditioning and cooling systems.

SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a rating that measures the cooling efficiency of a heat
pump or air conditioner. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.

SEET
Seasonal Extreme Environmental Test. This is the American Standard testing facility for heating
and air conditioning systems, where the equivalent of five years of operation is condensed into 16 weeks
of testing under harsh conditions. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning wants to ensure your
new system will be as reliable as possible.

Smart Home
A smart home features an advanced system that offers remote or automatic control of the
systems around your home, including but not limited to, your HVAC system, lighting or security system.

Spine Fin™
A revolutionary technology that makes stronger, more efficient cooling coils. Spine Fin™ consists
of thousands of tiny fins bonded to continuous aluminum refrigerant tubing. The tiny fins create a
greater surface area, helping it to more efficiently transfer more heat from your home. American
Standard Heating & Air Conditioning features Spine Fin™ coils in many of our outdoor products.

Split System
Refers to a comfort system consisting of components in two locations. Common examples
include an outside unit, such as an air conditioner, and an indoor unit, such as a furnace with a coil.

Thermostat
A temperature-control device, typically found on a wall inside the home. It consists of a series of
sensors and relays that monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system. American
Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's programmable controls allow you to program different levels of
comfort for different times of the day.
Ton
A unit of measurement used for determining cooling capacity. One ton is the equivalent of
12,000 BTUs per hour.

Two-stage Heating / Two-stage Cooling

Two-stage heating and cooling is considered to be more efficient, because it operates at a low,
energy-saving speed most of the time. However, on days when more heating or cooling is required, it
switches to the next stage for maximum comfort.

Variable-Speed Motor
The fan motor inside higher efficiency indoor and outdoor units is designed to change its speed
based on your home's heating and air conditioning requirements. Working in conjunction with your
thermostat, it keeps the appropriate-temperature air (e.g., warm air on cold days) circulating
throughout your home, reducing temperature variances. The variable-speed motor also increases
dehumidification and is quiet because it runs at a lower speed most of the time. Plus, the consistent air
circulation eliminates noisy startups and shutdowns.
BUILDING UTILITIES
2
HVAC System

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