HVAC and AHU are related terms used in the field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, but they refer to different components within the system. Here's a brief explanation of each term:
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): HVAC is an acronym that stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the overall system that provides indoor environmental comfort in buildings or vehicles. The primary purpose of an HVAC system is to control and regulate temperature, humidity, and air quality to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for occupants.
HVAC systems include various components such as furnaces or boilers for heating, air conditioners or heat pumps for cooling, ventilation systems for fresh air intake, air filters for cleaning the air, and ductwork to distribute the conditioned air throughout the building.
- AHU (Air Handling Unit): An AHU, or Air Handling Unit, is a specific component within an HVAC system. It is responsible for the air handling and distribution aspects of the system. The primary function of an AHU is to take in outside air, condition it (by heating, cooling, humidifying, dehumidifying, or filtering), and then distribute it to different parts of a building through ductwork.
An AHU typically consists of several components, including:
- Blower/Fan: The blower or fan is responsible for drawing in air and pushing it through the system.
- Heating/Cooling Elements: These elements can include coils or heat exchangers that provide heating or cooling to the air passing through the AHU.
- Humidifier/Dehumidifier: AHUs may also include devices to add or remove moisture from the air, depending on the desired indoor humidity level.
- Air Filters: Filters are used to clean the air by removing dust, pollen, and other particles before distributing it to the building.
- Dampers: These are used to control the flow of air within the AHU and ductwork.
- Mixing Chamber: In some AHUs, a mixing chamber is present to blend outside air with recirculated indoor air.
In summary, HVAC refers to the broader system responsible for providing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in a building, while AHU is a specific component within the HVAC system responsible for handling and conditioning the air before it is distributed throughout the building.