Achieve Better Air Quality with HVAC Systems

What is an HVAC System?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC is an all-in-one system installed inside a building or establishment to ensure good air quality, proper airflow, and comfort for its occupants. Most residential and commercial buildings are equipped with an HVAC system. Having a central unit is typical for places that experience seasonal and extreme temperature changes. HVAC systems mainly operate to control the climate of the area they’re placed in.

2 Main Types

The types of HVAC Systems fall under two main categories: residential and commercial. Under these categories are different types of HVAC systems that are installed based on usage.

Residential HVAC Systems

• Central heating and air conditioner split systems – This is used to centralize the climate control of the entire home. Central units commonly have the same settings, such as humidity and temperature, for every room. Homeowners can customize their units to include advanced thermostat and other features at a cost. Air conditioners can also be rented, giving homeowners a more flexible option without the upfront cost of purchasing a unit.

• Ductless split systems – This the most common type of HVAC system. Consumers install this unit with the intention of cooling or heating a specific room. The unit is attached to the wall and the main housing that includes the compressor and condenser are located outside of the house. The air filter, heat exchanger, and evaporators are part of the indoor unit.

• Package units – This system is the in-between of central HVAC and ductless split systems. This HVAC system is capable of cooling a larger area but is smaller than a centralized unit. Package units can be installed indoors or outdoors. The outdoor unit which contains air cooled condensers is a popular option since it requires less maintenance.

• Window-type HVAC – This is recommended for smaller and specific areas similar to the split type system. The key difference is that there are no separate indoor and outdoor parts to install because the cooling coils and compressors are part of a single housing. This is the easiest to install compared to the other household HVAC systems.

Commercial HVAC Systems

• Single split system – This is recommended for commercial spaces such as cafes, retail shops, and offices. The main difference from the residential split system is that additional parts, such as ductwork, can be incorporated into the system. This helps with better air distribution so the whole commercial space can be cooled or heated at the desired levels.

• Multi-split system air conditioning – This system works by adding additional indoor units to a single outdoor unit. Commercial spaces that intend to install HVAC systems to multiple rooms can use this type. This option also costs less than centralized systems and the settings can be controlled per indoor unit.

• Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) – Hotels and similar commercial buildings commonly use this type of HVAC system because it allows them to provide multiple rooms with their own climate control. Compared to window-type HVAC systems, this unit is larger and more expensive.

• Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) – This is ideal for medium to large open layout spaces such as offices and restaurants. A VRF system can heat and cool multiple areas simultaneously. The refrigerant technology is certified to be energy efficient by providing the least amount of refrigerant depending on the temperature it was set on.

• Combination HVAC system – Commercial spaces and buildings can install a combination of HVAC system types to better-fit business needs. Installing additional industrial fans is also an option that will help in achieving better air circulation. This allows the building to save energy and cut costs.

How to Achieve Better Air Quality with HVAC Systems

The main feature of every HVAC system is the ventilation system. Proper ventilation ensures that the right amount of oxygen is circulated and aerosol substances that could be dangerous to people are eliminated or kept from recirculating. The right HVAC system should be able to remove most airborne bacteria and control moisture levels to prevent mold spores from cultivating.

However, all of these benefits become useless if the HVAC system isn’t well maintained. Here are a few ways to ensure the longevity of HVAC systems.

Conduct Regular HVAC Inspections

Ensuring safe and clean air is important in achieving overall health and safety, but determining air quality can be difficult. Here are some digital air quality inspection checklists to assist in maintaining your HVAC systems:

• HVAC Tune Up

• Ventilation Checklist

• Air Quality Walkthrough Inspection Checklist

• Air Compressor Safety Inspection Template Checklist

Perform Consistent HVAC Maintenance

Consistent maintenance of HVAC systems prevents common issues that are often avoidable. Problems occur often when regular maintenance and inspection schedules are missed. Neglected HVAC systems can also become fire hazards over time, so pairing your maintenance routine with these fire safety tips is a smart way to stay covered on both fronts.

Here are some digital checklists to help you take preventative measures and create a corrective action plan.

• HVAC Maintenance Checklist Template

• Commercial HVAC Maintenance Checklist

• HVAC Maintenance Checklist

Use HVAC Sensors

Modern HVAC systems are equipped with sensors that are capable of measuring temperature, humidity, and air pressure. Sensors are key components that help  HVAC systems run more efficiently. If your system isn’t equipped with a sensor or if its sensor is broken, a separate sensor can be purchased and installed. Mitti (by SafetyCulture)’s wireless sensors are smart sensors that are capable of automatically monitoring temperature and humidity. It also helps regulate air flow to prevent unwanted issues such as mold. Often, installing a smart thermostat instead of an entirely new HVAC system will lessen the cost and also ensure that your equipment stays energy-efficient.

How to Troubleshoot HVAC Systems Problems

Some HVAC problems can be fixed easily; here’s a list of common issues and the solution for them.

Problem: AC isn’t cooling enough even on a low-temperature setting

Outside temperatures can affect the performance of the HVAC system. Check first if the outdoor temperature is high when the problem arises. Another thing to consider is that the room is directly facing the sun. This can be fixed by drawing the curtains or installing window tint to assist the air conditioning unit. If the problem persists, there may be other factors that were overlooked.

Problem: Suddenly making (louder) noise than normal

When this happens, your HVAC most likely needs to be cleaned. Routine cleaning is recommended when installing an AC unit and professional deep cleaning every few months. The system’s manual should contain information on how to clean the unit. There are common cleaning procedures available. Personal cleaning can be done first by changing or washing the filter. The next step is to vacuum the inside components. Take it further by washing down other parts such as the condensers or as instructed by the manual. Remove the power plug or turn the AC unit breaker off and keep the electrical parts dry to prevent damage, especially to the main circuit board.

Problem: water leaks

This can also be solved by cleaning your HVAC unit. The common reason why it’s experiencing leaks is because of dirty coils. This is why it’s recommended to clean the entire system to eliminate and prevent other problems. Inspect the drain pans as well since a damaged one is another reason for leaks. This problem can become complicated for larger HVAC systems because a huge amount of water can pool before it gets noticed and can cause serious water damage.

HVAC System PDF Report Sample

Here is an HVAC ventilation checklist PDF report example. The ventilation inspection report contains necessary information and the required actions to correct or fix areas where issues were found.

Ventilation Checklist Sample Report

Ventilation Checklist Digital PDF Report | Mitti (by SafetyCulture)