Central Air Conditioning vs. HVAC: What’s the Difference?

Although closely related, Central Air Conditioning and HVAC are distinct concepts that differ in scope and core emphasis. Here’s a clear breakdown of their key differences:

🧊 Central Air Conditioning

• Primary Function: Focuses mainly on cooling (and dehumidification). It may also provide heating if equipped with a heat pump or connected to a boiler.

• Key Components:

• Central unit (e.g., chiller, VRF outdoor unit)

• Indoor units (e.g., fan coil units, air handlers)

• Distribution system (ducts or refrigerant/water pipes)

• Goal: Provides centralized cooling (and sometimes heating) to multiple rooms or an entire building.

• Limitations:

• Usually lacks dedicated ventilation—it may recirculate indoor air with minimal fresh air intake.

• Heating is often secondary or depends on external systems.

• In Essence: It is a type of air conditioning system focused mainly on temperature control. It forms the “AC” part of an HVAC system.

🌬️ HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

• Primary Function: A comprehensive building climate control system that includes:

• H = Heating (e.g., boilers, heat pumps, radiators)

• V = Ventilation (dedicated fresh air intake, filtration, exhaust, and heat recovery)

• AC = Air Conditioning (cooling and dehumidification)

• Goal: To ensure year-round comfort by controlling temperature, humidity, air quality, and freshness.

• System Components:

• Central AC system

• Separate ventilation system (with air recovery units)

• Heating system

• Integrated control system

• In Essence: HVAC is a complete environmental control system. It includes—but is not limited to—central air conditioning.

Key Difference Summary:

In Simple Terms：

• Central Air Conditioning ≈ The AC part of HVAC (may include some heating, but often lacks real ventilation).

• HVAC = Heating + Ventilation + Air Conditioning + Control System

A system with only central AC is not a complete HVAC system. The V (ventilation) is what makes the difference.

Example:
A home with a multi-zone VRF system for cooling and heating ❌ has central AC
The same home + a ducted energy recovery ventilator (ERV) and radiant floor heating ✅ has a full HVAC system

Conclusion:
Central AC is a subset of HVAC. If you want temperature control + fresh air + overall comfort, you need a complete HVAC system.

For modern, healthy, and efficient indoor environments—especially in well-sealed buildings—professional ventilation (the “V” in HVAC) is not optional. It’s essential.

References:

• ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)

• SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association)

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