Green Builder College

Toward More Efficient HVAC (Preview Only)

As the goal of energy conservation took on more importance after the 1970’s, efficiency standards for heating and cooling equipment were made more stringent. But as the heating and cooling industry increased the efficiency of HVAC equipment, heating appliance vents removed less air from the home and air conditioners removed less moisture from the air in the house. This lesson examines how these effects altered the total performance of the house as a system and how they affected moisture conditions and air quality in the home.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this lesson, you will be able to:

Explain how large chimneys with active drafts serve to dehumidify houses

Understand why more efficient heating equipment has a weaker exhaust draft, and why that can be a problem

Know why it's especially important for air conditioning equipment to be sized correctly in a tight home