HVAC design focuses on the design of new or replacement Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment for homes, offices, industrial buildings and commercial spaces. HVAC design is a specialised industry which concentrates on regulating internal temperatures, humidity and air quality to ensure it is suitable for not only those who live or work there, but also sufficient for the processes that occur within the premises. HVAC design covers a wide spectrum from ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens to air conditioning in malls and hospitals.
Heating: Heating of premises can be achieved either by the heating of the air within a particular area or by direct heating of the occupants.
Ventilation: Ventilation ensures that the air is clean and free from odour and contaminants. Both natural ventilation and mechanical systems may be considered.
Air Conditioning: Air conditioning can be carried out through mechanical cooling or desiccant dehumidification to achieve sensible and latent cooling of air.
As heating, ventilation and air conditioning are paramount to our health and safety, it is crucial that every factor is taken into account. Exact measurements and calculations must be sought to effectively ventilate, heat and cool a space so minimum standards are met. The precise heating and cooling loads will need to be calculated accurately so that the system can heat and cool the area efficiently.
Energy-efficient, climate responsive HVAC construction requires a whole building perspective that integrates architectural and engineering concerns early on in the design process. A HVAC designer may want to look at issues such as passive heating and cooling strategies, glazing, roof construction and exterior wall construction.
HVAC designers must be entirely up to speed with the latest products in the industry to ensure the size and capacity of the equipment is suitable for industry-standard HVAC conditions. Well-designed HVAC plans can offer up huge energy and cost savings and noticeably improve the quality of the air.
As Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) remains a priority for homeowners and businesses, the aesthetic elements of a HVAC system needs to be balanced with the resulting Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) it offers. CSIRO estimates that poor IAQ burdens the Australian economy by as much as $12 billion per year.
As with any mechanical system, HVAC equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it is operating at an optimum level.