What is the Difference Between HVAC and Air Conditioning?

While the two are often used interchangeably in conversation, HVAC and air conditioning are different. Most of us think about the nuances when it's time to pick a cooling solution. A home's HVAC system refers to a comprehensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Air conditioning refers exclusively to a home's cooling system. Understanding the differences between the two is essential for homeowners who are about to decide on how to control temperatures in their homes. This insight between HVAC and air conditioning will help you clear the air of any confusion!

Defining HVAC and Air Conditioning

As covered above, a home's HVAC system consists of all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components. In addition to regulating indoor temperatures, a home's HVAC system helps control indoor air quality. Here's a look at the standard parts you'll find in most HVAC systems:

• Furnace or heat pump.
• Cooling system.
• Thermostat.
• A duct network used to distribute warmed or cooled air throughout a home.
• An air filtration system used to remove dust, pollen, dander, and contaminants.
• Dehumidifier or humidifier for maintaining ideal moisture levels in the air.

Air conditioning refers to a standalone system that deals with cooling indoor spaces. It can refer to either a central air conditioning system as part of a larger HVAC system or an independent window unit. Here's a look inside most air conditioners:

• Compressor.
• Refrigerant.
• Condenser and evaporator coils.
• Expansion valve.

The Key Differences Between HVAC and Air Conditioning

The first major difference homeowners encounter when comparing HVAC and air conditioning is functionality. HVAC systems provide whole-house functionality by handling heating and cooling throughout the year. While a typical HVAC system performs three to four duties, an air conditioner only cools a home.

Efficiency is another major difference. In general, HVAC systems are more energy efficient than air conditioning systems because the heat pumps in HVAC systems tend to utilize less energy to produce the same temperatures as standalone heating or air conditioning systems. For homeowners, that equals lower energy bills and reduced wear and tear.

In homes where air quality is a concern, an HVAC system can provide the benefits of ventilation and filtration that help to circulate fresh, clean air throughout a home. Pets, smoke, proximity to highways, and general poor air quality in your region could all make an HVAC system necessary to produce clean, safe indoor air for your household. While air conditioners can make the air inside your home feel very fresh, they don't filter harmful debris or air particles.

Cost Differences Between HVAC and Air Conditioning

The upfront cost of installing a new HVAC system is generally a few thousand dollars more than adding just air conditioning to a home, based on the fact that HVAC systems require more extensive parts and installation. While the simplicity of installing air conditioning alone can make this a more affordable option from the start, homeowners should factor in both long-term costs and overall value.

In the long term, you're more likely to reduce energy bills by choosing HVAC over air conditioning. In addition, HVAC systems improve home value by 5% to 7%. Of course, the comfort and improved indoor air quality offered by an HVAC system should be considered when looking at the true value of HVAC versus air conditioning.

It's important to consider your unique circumstances when choosing between HVAC and air conditioning. For instance, someone with a larger home that requires several mini-split air conditioners may spend more than someone who commits to a full HVAC system for a home of the same size. Making the decision is challenging. That's why it's important to consult with a reputable heating and cooling company to get an assessment of the pros and cons of both options based on the specifics of your property.

Environmental Impact

"Depending on your region, replacing heating and cooling equipment with higher efficiency equipment can reduce energy use by 50% for electric heating and cooling systems and 10% for gas furnace heating systems," according to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. That means you can dramatically reduce both your energy bills and your environmental impact if you need to replace an outdated or faltering cooling system. The question comes down to how much more efficient you can get.

If you're concerned about your home's environmental footprint, you may be surprised to learn that air conditioners use more electricity than any other appliance. Experts estimate that air conditioners alone consume 10% of global electricity! Unfortunately, air conditioners are also responsible for leaking planet-warming gases into the atmosphere.

New HVAC systems that use heat pumps to generate hot and cold air are considered far more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than air conditioners. During the summer, a heat pump works like a standard air conditioner. While considered more efficient than an air conditioner, an HVAC system's heat pump still requires refrigerant to absorb unwanted heat. A bright spot is that smart thermostats on most newer HVAC systems allow homeowners to cool their homes efficiently based on time of day, outdoor temperature, and desired performance.

Maintenance and Lifespan

With proper maintenance, most HVAC systems can last 15 to 25 years, while air conditioners might last 10 to 30 years. Both require regular filter changes, coil cleanings, and inspections to ensure optimal performance. Because HVAC systems have more comprehensive parts and components, they generally require more maintenance than standalone air conditioners.

Cooler Days Are Ahead: Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Ultimately, choosing the right way to cool your home is a personal decision that should factor in your home's size, the local climate, and budget. For the average homeowner, getting answers to help them make the right decision, all starts with talking to a local HVAC professional. It's recommended that homeowners schedule at-home consultations to get advice on personalized solutions.

While HVAC systems heat, cool, and regulate air quality for entire households, air conditioning simply provides cooling. HVAC systems are generally preferred today due to their efficient, all-in-one nature. Of course, only you can decide what's right based on your comfort, financial, and environmental goals after getting the right information from a friendly local HVAC pro! Book a consultation with Ardmore Fresh Air to meet with highly-rated heating and cooling experts in Niles, IL.