[Skip to Content]
SFTool has a new login! Please register with Login.gov. To retain your existing SFTool account information (FEDSAT, Total Workplace Scorecards, & GPC Lists), use our MERGE PAGE after logging in to migrate your data.

Building Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)


Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) accounts for approximately 44% of commercial building energy use.Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2012 Commercial Building Energy Surveyopens in new window. Reduce your HVAC costs with SFTool  


Related Topics


Cooling

Cooling is the process of keeping a building at a comfortably cool temperature during hot times. It can be done naturally, through ventilation and shading or by using refrigerants in chillers to remove heat.

Energy Performance

Assessing a building’s energy performance involves comparing its energy use to that of peers or a standard. The ENERGY STAR program provides recognized benchmarks for assessing a building’s energy performance.

Heating

Heating usually refers to the mechanical system used to heat air inside a building. There are many types of standard heating systems. Central heating is often used in cold climates to heat private houses and public buildings. Those systems contain a boiler, furnace, or heat pump to heat water, steam, or air. The heating equipment is usually located in a central location such as a furnace room in a home or a mechanical room in a large building.

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are designed to work together to maintain occupant comfort. From residential to commercial settings, HVAC systems help to keep people comfortable and healthy by maintaining good indoor air quality and comfortable temperatures.

Whole Building Design Guide | High-Performance HVACnon government site opens in new window

Ventilation

Ventilation is the process of "changing" or replacing air in any space to control temperature; remove moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, and carbon dioxide; and to replenish oxygen. Ventilation includes both the exchange of air to the outside as well as circulation of air within the building. It is one of the most important factors for maintaining acceptable indoor air quality in buildings.

Share non government site opens in new window

Did You Know?

The U.S. generated approximately 251 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) in 2012. Almost 87 million tons were recycled and composted, which represents a 34.5% recycling rate. Solid waste generated per capita is the lowest since the 1980s. This is a 3 percent increase in the tons recycled.

Source: US EPA, Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2012opens in new window.

Reduce facility waste with SFTool  


Case Study

Health

PBS Office - Skylight

Good health has both physical and psychological components. Being healthy means the absence of disease and illness, as well as feeling positive about life and work. The workplace can play a role in the health of workers by eliminating risks and creating conditions that support cognitive, emotional, and social well-being.

View Case Study