In order to provide a comfortable environment to live or work within, ambient temperatures need to be kept within an optimum range. Above or below these limits, will almost always result in discomfort, inconvenience, reduced contentment/morale and lowered productivity.
The term HVAC has been adopted as a ‘shortcode’ for describing the combined elements of environmental temperature control via heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (also heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). The objectives of HVAC is not only to provide thermal comfort, but also frequently with the production of good air quality, using filtration processes for dust removal, excess moisture etc.
When deployed in large spaces such as factories, department stores, churches and suchlike, building service designers, building services engineers or mechanical/electrical engineers, analyze, evaluate, design, and identify the HVAC system requirements. Frequently bespoke mechanical engineering contractors will fabricate and install complex systems.
Building Regulations approval is often required in the United Kingdom for installation or modification of HVAC systems. Advance approval is not required for emergency repairs to a boiler or heating system, but there are important rules that must be adhered to. Non-compliance with regulations can result in hefty fines.
Resources: Government Planning Portal