If you are not fully aware of the connection between HVAC and plumbing, you may not fully understand the differences between the two. There are plenty of differences between plumbing and HVAC systems that make them two separate but interconnected concepts. Let’s take a look and understand what each system is.
What is Plumbing?
To explain plumbing, you must understand that it is a system that allows the water to flow through your home with the help of different pipes and other fixtures. It is used for distributing drinkable water and removing waterborne waste.
Many people tend to confuse plumbing and sewage; however, it is important to understand that they are very different concepts. Plumbing’s two basic functions are to bring clean and fresh water into the house and take away the wastewater.
Plumbing specialists are responsible for several jobs around the house; for example, they are hired to fix toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and other water dispensing tools.
In addition to this, plumbers must make sure everything is working properly. They are required to know the area and state codes and laws to provide help.
What is HVAC?
HVAC is the abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The HVAC system works during the winters and summers by keeping you warm during summer and lowering the temperatures during the cold. It also ensures a steady airflow in the house, and there is enough ventilation. The air through an HVAC system is clean and of high quality. The HVAC system ensures that the air remains clean and filters it to extract all impurities.
There is confusion about what people think of HVAC systems. This is because it is not just an air conditioning system. HVAC systems include air conditioning and more such as heat pumps and gas furnaces. This means that HVAC systems offer not just cooling but also heating for your home.
HVAC specialists perform many jobs, including installations of HVAC systems, their maintenance, and other emergency concerns. HVAC specialists are given special training to provide the best help.
What are the Differences Between the Two?
Despite having many similarities, there are many differences between the two. The two systems address different parts of your home. Plumbers work with the pipe system and other water outlets. For example, you might need your plumbers to help if you are looking to install a new kitchen sink or want to redo your bathroom. In such cases, you cannot reach out to HVAC experts as they will not have the right knowledge and tools to help you.
In the same way, an HVAC expert can help you with the maintenance of your HVAC systems; they will ensure that these systems work fine. Since your HVAC systems use electricity, it is important for the HVAC specialist to be familiar with the electrical work. They must also know all the ways to help reduce the use of electricity in your home.
What is the Connection Between HVAC and Plumbing?
The connection between the two may not be obvious. It is vital to understand that HVAC systems have components that produce water, and this water needs a proper channel for drainage.
That is where plumbing systems come in. With the right plumbing expert, you can channel the water in the right direction. There are two main components of HVAC systems that use plumbing. Let’s discuss them.
Furnace
If you have a high-efficiency furnace, you may have a secondary heat exchanger in your model, which condenses the water vapors in the exhaust airflow and extracts all the heat from it. This liquefication of the water vapors produces water, which is collected in a plastic reservoir. The water is drained out using a drain tube, which leads the water outside your space.
Central Air Conditioning
The cooling process removes humidity, producing a lot of condensate water. This happens when the indoor evaporator coil condenses the air, especially when it is hot outside. The condensed water is collected in a pan located beneath the air handler. This is connected to the main drain system of the house.
These are two examples of when both systems come together to ensure that the HVAC systems work in the best way. The HVAC system works with the plumbing system to ensure that there are no leaks and moisture buildup that can cause further problems.
Mildew and mold are two of the most common problems one can experience, more so if you live in a humid place.
With the right knowledge of HVAC and plumbing, one can easily address these concerns and hire the right professional for assistance.
How to Know You Need the Help of an Expert?
It may not be evident that you are facing water damage, which is why you need to be very focused and attentive to find out the problem before it grows into something bigger. Here are some things you can do to make sure you have your eye on any water damage in your home:
- High water bills can be a telltale sign that something is wrong and you need the help of experts. If you consistently have high water bills, you must make sure you find out what is causing it.
- Keep an eye on all your carpets and walls. You might see stains; they can be a direct result of water leakage.
- A musty smell in your house means that the water is leaking from somewhere and either collecting or ruining your floor.
- Your walls might start bubbling, or the paint might be flaking off; this is also one of the most common signs of water leakage affecting your walls.
If you are facing any of the problems mentioned above, you must contact an expert right away and get help. Do not ignore these issues as they can lead to much bigger problems.
Sources
How Air Conditioning and Plumbing Systems Work Together: Water Safety for Your Home
Plumbing Versus HVAC: What’s the Difference?
Heating and Cooling versus Plumbing
