What is HVAC?
Definition of HVAC in Construction
Heating , ventilation, air conditioning , HVAC is normally the reference to all systems that provide these services to an environment.
Typically referred to as the mechanical portion of the project, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning on construction projects, is in many cases, worth 20 to 25% of the total cost of a project.
There are several different methods of providing the HVAC on a project, and the mechanical engineer is the responsible party for design and coordinating these systems. The architect will have significant input regarding the systems and the structural engineer must be aware of sizes and locations of the HVAC equipment. If roof top units are specified, the structural engineer must design the proper structural supports for the equipment, if the mechanicals are located within the plenum above the ceiling, then there must be ample room for the mechanical ductwork, piping, etc. that must be installed above the ceiling. If the design is for a return air plenum, then all the material and equipment located within the return air plenum must be fireproofed. There is a lot of design and engineering involving the HVAC systems within a construction project. The selection of the proper systems will have a substantial impact on the cost and layout of the entire structure.