Understanding the Correlation Between HVAC and Plumbing

Both HVAC and plumbing fall in the category of building service systems. You  want your house to be equipped with both systems for added convenience. But first, you need to understand what these systems are, how they affect a building, and the correlation they have with each other.

What is HVAC?

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The system serves everything you need to get thermal comfort and air quality inside a property. With natural ventilation and vegetation, you may reduce, or even eliminate, the need for an artificial HVAC system. However, it is very unlikely, especially if you live in the city with sub-tropical to cold climates.

The elements in an HVAC system may include:

• Air conditioner
• Furnace
• Heat pumps
• Ductwork
• Air purifier
• Thermostat

What is Plumbing?

Plumbing is the system that regulates the water flow around a building, both clean water and waste. This system is an integral part of a building because it allows people to use the bathroom, do laundry, and  drink water. Even if the house is left empty for a long period, you need a proper drainage system to avoid your home being potentially affected  by rainfall.

The elements in a plumbing system may include:

• Pipes
• Water supply valve
• Water heater
• Faucets
• Bathroom fixtures
• Drainage system
• Septic system

How Are They Connected?

In general, HVAC and plumbing systems work separately because they take care of different things. Even elements in each one of them are not always integrated. However, there are several points when they share the same elements and may affect each other.

• Drain Line

A central AC may produce gallons of water per day for its condensation process. The water will drip and accumulate into a drain pan below the air handler. Eventually it will flow down to the drainage system, just like your waste water.

When a drainage system clogs, the condensate water will overflow from the edge of the drain pan, thus creating a messy situation below your indoor AC unit. This condition may cause mold on your walls and even harm your furniture.

When something like this happens, you should turn off your AC to avoid further mess. Call your plumber immediately to fix your main drainage system before you  turn your AC back on.

• Boiler System

Water heater falls under the umbrella of the plumbing system, while an indoor air heater serves in the category of HVAC. However, a boiler serves both water and air heating, and thus lies in the intersections of both HVAC and plumbing.

• Services

Both HVAC and plumbing systems require licensed technicians to perform installation and services. Most HVAC service companies also have plumbers on their teams to deal with pipelines and drainage. However, plumbing service companies don’t usually have HVAC specialists on their team.

HVAC and plumbing systems are both vital, although the elements may be different from one house to another. However, all of them need to be bought with consideration, installed properly by professionals, and maintained regularly to get the most benefits and efficiencies.

ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.