In building services, what is the primary function of HVAC systems and name two energy-saving strategies?

In building services, what is the primary function of HVAC systems and name two energy-saving strategies?

• A. To supply lighting and acoustics; strategies: dimming and sound masking.
• B. To provide thermal comfort and indoor air quality; strategies include energy recovery ventilation and zoning with demand-controlled ventilation.
• C. To support structural vibration isolation; strategies: tuned mass dampers and rubber isolators.
• D. To control fire protection systems; strategies include water mist and foam concentrates.

Answer: (B)

HVAC systems are designed to provide thermal comfort and indoor air quality by conditioning and circulating air, controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation to maintain a healthy indoor environment. Two energy-saving strategies are energy recovery ventilation, which uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat (and sometimes moisture) between exhaust and incoming air to reduce heating and cooling loads, and zoning with demand-controlled ventilation, which adjusts ventilation rates based on actual occupancy or CO2 levels so spaces are ventilated only when needed, saving fan and conditioning energy.

HVAC systems are designed to provide thermal comfort and indoor air quality by conditioning and circulating air, controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation to maintain a healthy indoor environment.

Two energy-saving strategies are energy recovery ventilation, which uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat (and sometimes moisture) between exhaust and incoming air to reduce heating and cooling loads, and zoning with demand-controlled ventilation, which adjusts ventilation rates based on actual occupancy or CO2 levels so spaces are ventilated only when needed, saving fan and conditioning energy.