Glossary · Heating, cooling & ventilation
HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)
Also called: HVAC system · HVAC contractor
Short for heating, ventilation and air conditioning: the equipment and ducts that heat, cool and move fresh air through a home.
What it means
An HVAC system can include a furnace or boiler, a heat pump or air conditioner, ductwork, an HRV or ERV, and the thermostat and controls. HVAC contractors install and service this equipment, while an energy auditor tests how well it works with the rest of the house.
Why it matters in an audit
Audits often recommend fixing the building envelope before replacing HVAC equipment, because a tighter, better-insulated house needs a smaller system.