Things that provide a level of positivity also carry an element of negativity with them. This is a common phenomenon, similar to the famous of Newton that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. So if you consider something turning out to be good for you, it will also turn negativity towards you in the same manner. Often, the difference lies in us not judging them at the appropriate time. Systems and services, such as HVAC, also possess the same essence and effect of positivity and negativity. It is that one looks at the brighter and positive sides but not at the negative impacts. This can be when the negatives are not affecting them but the environment.
There are loads of cases when HVAC systems have been found to damage the environment rather than provide benefits to them. If you look at the components of the system, you will find that most of them are adding little benefits to them. Sustainability is another key term associated with HVAC but deep down, it is another gimmick that no one understands. To understand the concept of environment, it is evident that we begin to consider the impact of HVAC on them. Companies like Silver Foundation do offer sustainable services but it is the overall system and the way it is designed that makes the outcome the same every time.
HVAC is considered a true backbone of construction and modern buildings. With different components added to a building, costs, and energy consumption all grew at a staggering rate. To counter or combat this situation, there were many ideas that came forward however the best of them turned out to be in the form of MEP. An understanding of MEP is necessary to get to know what HVAC is all about. MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. In actuality, MEP is a combined result of three sub-groups that form it, as explained before. So when MEP is constituted, there come other tasks that what do mechanical, electrical, and plumbing sub-systems bring to the table?
The mechanical system of HVAC is the backbone of it. It is because the services and benefits it brings are immense. HVAC is Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning and is the backbone of the entire MEP alongside the mechanical sub-system. When it comes to HVAC, the environment is the reason it has to thrive and consume more energy. HVAC systems are mostly applicable in regions where climates are either drastic in any direction or where the change in climate is rapidly changing. The HVAC system is designed to provide ambient and feasible temperatures inside a building or zone in order to provide comfort to people inside.
With all the benefits and importance of HVAC systems in installation at a side, there are many ways the same system is not helping the environment. HVAC systems are good in offering a sublime essence and conditions to people inside a building. But the same system does omit negatives that are now easy to depict, observe, and catch. Below, we signify the primary impacts of any HVAC system on the environment, direct or indirect.
Unclean Ducts
HVAC systems have a wide channel of ducts throughout the space they are required to heat, cool, and ventilate. The system is designed to use air in all ways to offer respite to the occupants and this air is passed through different ducts in order to provide the benefit it is required to. Ducts are long rectangular sections that are joined together and move along different lengths to ensure air is transferred to the right zones and places at full capacity. But ducts carry different other particles alongside air such as germs and contaminants.
Over time, these germs and contaminants cover the ducts and ensure that they remain along them for a long time. When HVAC systems are designed, there is no planned cleaning for the ducts which leads to an impact on the environment just around the corner. Whenever an air-conditioner turns on, and if the ducts are surrounded by germs and contaminants, they move to the atmosphere and hamper the environment. This is the impact that these germs and contaminants have through an HVAC system.
Refrigerants
The world of HVAC is more linked and connected to the sub-components than with the components themselves. And it is since there is a need to have sub-components as the driving force of them all. In HVAC, the primary thing of concern is the air-conditioning since beating the summer and heat is often difficult in comparison to defeating winter. For this, HVAC systems are designed with great compatibility and functionality to give higher efficiency and results when air-conditioning is to be performed.
But how does an air-conditioner work continuously over the course of its operation? There are refrigerants that help to keep the air-conditioner working for longer. Refrigerants are operating liquids that run through the system, thus ensuring cooling and perfect operation of the HVAC system. But refrigerants such as Ferron or R-22 especially in older units continuously impact the environment through emissions from the system. These harmful substances are of no good both in productivity and efficiency.
Energy Consumption
Every HVAC system is directly linked to energy consumption for its operation. Often, some regions and places have a considerably constant temperature which requires the HVAC system to work minor and accordingly. In such places, there is also this luxury to turn off the system when not in use. However, in contrast, there are many regions and zones where temperatures shift rapidly and without any indication.
Here, HVAC systems have to do more work than originally planned. HVAC systems are capable of working at high temperatures and pressures, consuming more energy to offer the best results. However, it is their ability to consume more energy that impacts the environment. Energy consumption is directly related to a system’s operational strength and the output is where the environment suffers. Hence, the HVAC systems’ fine operation for you is not anyway ideal for the environment.
CFCs and HFCs
Every air-conditioning is dependent on certain elements that drive it to full capacity. However, this driving force is also powerful enough to cast a spell on everything around it. In essence, these driving forces or components need to be powerful to perform their task. Anyone is equipped with HVAC within their homes and buildings to get that balanced atmospheric feeling inside and to beat the temperature of the outside. For this, the designed HVAC system does its tricks and duties to offer the best results. But not everything seems helpful as an element.
The air-conditioning systems require fuel in the form of gaseous CFCs and HFCs. These gases have long been the only supporting agents of air-conditioning systems but when it comes to the environment, their impact is troubling. For this, many new HVAC systems and units are operating on the hydrocarbon air-conditioning gases and not the CFCs and HFCs.
"Conclusion"
“Companies, contractors, and firms such as Silver Foundation have been long in the market in providing feasible solutions to HVAC owners and stakeholders regarding a fruitful system. However, to ensure that the HVAC system is useful enough to bore the right results, there are many ways you can try to improve, correct, and prevent it from returning negative results. Here are a few ways to do so. Firstly, regular maintenance is the key to improving any system’s efficiency and performance. If not, the system’s emissions will trouble the environment significantly. Another significant hack or improvement is the use of thermostats. When an HVAC system has to work less, less energy is consumed. This is controlled by a thermostat that ensures an HVAC system is turned on only when needed and operates at maximum only when needed. One of the simplest ways to obtain the best results is through sealing and insulation. This is a common method to block all openings where leakage is possible. Such a step causes your leakage to be controlled and the system to operate ideally. “
Frequently Asked Questions
How impactful is HVAC to the environment?
Without any improvements and technologies used, an HVAC system is not feasible for the environment.
What is the major drawback of HVAC for the environment?
HVAC systems use child components such as gases and refrigerants etc. All of these are harmful to the environment through their emissions.
Are CFC and HFC used in modern HVAC systems?
Modern HVAC systems are shifting from CFCs and HFCs to hydrocarbon air-conditioner gases.
How do ducts contribute to harming the environment?
Ducts are good in transferring air to buildings but germs and contaminants get stored over them. When air-conditioners turn on, they get released into the atmosphere.
What are some ways to improve an HVAC system?
An HVAC system can be improved by:
- Using thermostats
- Regular maintenance
- Perform insulation and sealing
