HVAC vs HAC: What's the Difference?
2014-03-26
Like all industries, the heating and cooling world is full of acronyms: HRV, ACH, ECM, AFUE, SEER, and HVAC. But have you ever wondered what they actually mean — and what makes HVAC different from just HAC?
HAC vs HVAC
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Most people associate this with home comfort systems — furnaces, A/Cs, thermostats, and more.
But here's the thing: if you’re dealing with a company that only calls themselves “Heating and Cooling,” then technically, you’re working with a HAC, not an HVAC company.
At Afterglow, we like to joke that a HAC sounds a bit like “hack” — and often, that’s what you get: someone who skips the important stuff, like ventilation.
Why Ventilation Matters
Ventilation is more than just moving air. It’s about replacing stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air — to:
- Control temperature and humidity
- Remove pollutants like dust, odours, smoke, and bacteria
- Prevent moisture build-up and mould
- Ensure fresh air flow without energy loss
In modern homes, which are increasingly airtight for energy efficiency, proper ventilation is critical. Without it, moisture builds up, air becomes stale, and indoor air quality plummets.
That’s why V = Ventilation makes all the difference.
The Big 3: Home Exhaust Essentials
There are three key exhaust systems that every home should have:
-
HRV – Heat Recovery Ventilator
Brings in fresh air while capturing and reusing heat from outgoing air. -
Range Hood
Removes cooking moisture, smoke, and odours directly from your kitchen. -
Bathroom Fans
Pulls out humidity from showers and sinks to prevent mould and mildew.
Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are the biggest sources of moisture in your home. Start there. Then level up with an HRV system to recover the energy you'd otherwise lose by venting warm air outside.
Good news: modern HRVs are compact and can fit almost any home — even older ones.
The Key Acronyms (Decoded)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common HVAC-related acronyms:
- HRV – Heat Recovery Ventilator
- ERV – Energy Recovery Ventilator
- ACH – Air Changes Per Hour
- ECM – Electronically Commutated Motor
- AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (for furnaces)
- SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (for air conditioners)
Final Thoughts
If you want true home comfort and clean air, don’t settle for a HAC — work with a real HVAC professional who understands the importance of ventilation.
Got HVAC questions? We’re happy to help.
Call us at 519-747-7732 or book a Quote.
Afterglow. Water, warmth, well-being.