Modern HVAC Systems: Past and Present

Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) units aid in regulating the temperature and maintaining adequate indoor air quality of commercial buildings and other structures. Although reliable and sophisticated HVAC systems are now ordinary in modern life, this hasn’t always been the case. The principles that such systems use have been known to scientists and engineers for a long time. While developments in the cost-effectiveness and reliability of HVAC units is always improving, we’re enjoying extremely perfected technology from the industry today.

CFCs and Government Action

Due to the fact that many early air conditioning systems utilized flammable and toxic vapors to provide cooling, their efficacy was restricted. Thomas Midgley, Jr. invented the initial chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) for refrigeration system use. This was known popularly by the brand name Freon and improved the reliability and safety of refrigeration and air conditioning systems greatly. 1970s scientific studies began showing how the release of CFCs into the atmosphere was exhausting ozone levels within the stratosphere.

This resulted in higher levels of harmful solar ultraviolet radiation connecting with the surface of the earth. Due to government intervention, all CFC and related chemical use have been prohibited. Modern non-ozone-depleting gases have been produced and are being designed for HVAC systems existing on the market today.

Ventilation Advancements

Our judgment of well-engineered HVAC systems was improved even more after the 1984 study on Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) by the World Health Organization (WHO). SBS was discovered to occur from poor indoor air quality. Several solutions have been created to prevent this situation from arising. Suitable HVAC maintenance guidelines can serve to prevent SBS.

The application of air-to-air heat exchangers can also be used to heighten the levels of fresh air that’s circulated through a building with no drops in energy efficiency. The prevailing advisory from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Engineers says 8.4 exchanges of air in a 24-hour period is sufficient. With higher prices of energy one of the main focuses of research, it’s enhancing the energy economy of today’s HVAC systems.

VP Mechanical is a Chicagoland area commercial mechanical HVAC servicer for clients with a high-level attention to quality. We handle the design and installation of commercial HVAC systems from small to large. Talk with one of our expert technicians at (847) 468-9122.