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.