HVAC vs AC: What's the Difference?

 

About 90 percent of American homeowners have air conditioners (AC) in their homes. You might be asking: what's the difference between HVAC and AC?

This guide outlines the differences between an AC unit and an HVAC system.

Air Conditioner  

Air conditioners are systems designed to cool a home or workplace. They remove heat from the space and transform it into cooler air.

How Does It Work?  

Central air conditioners consist of two coils that help cool the home. They are meant to cool the entire house. The cooling compressor remains outside, separate from the fan unit that blows the cool air.

The condensing coil is outside and contains the compressor, fan, and its grill. A refrigerant is pumped through the compressor, allowing the fan to circulate cool air throughout the house.

There are also window units that cool just one room.

HVAC  

HVAC stands for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. HVAC equipment provides both cooling and heating for homes and also supplies clean outdoor air.

The purpose of HVAC is to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year.

How Does It Work?  

Air conditioners cool and dehumidify living spaces by passing air over the cool coils. The indoor coil functions as a heat exchange system. HVACs often include heating pumps or furnaces and are not merely AC units.

How Can I Sell an HVAC?  

Online marketing for HVAC companies can be challenging. However, promoting your HVAC company is crucial for reputation and reliability. You want homeowners to consider your business first.

Understanding the difference between HVAC and AC can help attract customers.

HVAC vs AC  

HVAC stands for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, while AC stands for air conditioning. While these systems are similar, they are not the same. HVAC systems are more commonly referenced in the industry because they offer more functionality.

An AC unit cools a single room, whereas a central air system cools the entire house. An HVAC includes both heating and cooling capabilities. Some companies use HVAC and AC interchangeably since they service both types of units.

A complete HVAC system consists of central heating and central air conditioning, which can be installed together or separately. In a split system, the evaporating coil is installed indoors, while the rest of the unit stays outside.

A package heat pump comes as a single unit with all components combined.

Services  

The main difference is that an AC unit only cools a home, while an HVAC system provides both cooling and heating.