Nov 3, 2005
Martin A. David
Technology Schools Columnist
You may never think about air conditioning when the weather is moderate or cold, but air conditioning is not just for hot weather. Thanks to central air conditioners and their air filters,people are able to avoid allergens in the air and breathe easier.
Remember the letters "H," "V," "A," and "C". HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. If you are looking for a technical trade that can ensure a secure future, those letters may become the keys to your future.
It's not just about cooling
As you'll learn in air conditioning school, conditioning the air means a lot more than just cooling it. In a hospital setting, it might mean ensuring that the air is purified and free of infectious bacteria. Laboratories and electronics assembly areas must have air that is filtered to avoid the damage that can be done by floating dust particles. All of these tasks are taught as part of an air conditioning education.
In addition to the role of the air conditioner as an air purifier, capable of removing dust particles, viruses, bacteria, and allergens, it also controls the air's moisture component. There are facilities such as indoor garden centers, medical research centers, and a whole variety of manufacturing plants, that require the humidity (moisture content) of the air to remain constant.
Temperature is part of it too
Of course, the regulation of indoor air temperature is a major part of an air conditioning technician's concern. If you walk into an office building where the air conditioning system has broken down on a hot, summer day, you'll find out how important your work as an air conditioning engineer really is.
About the Author
Martin A. David consults as a Senior Technical Writer for a number of Silicon Valley firms. He is also a translator, specializing in Danish, French and Spanish literary works. He has written numerous feature articles for publications including the Los Angeles Times. He has also published a novel, and a non-fiction book in the area of dance. Martin earned his B.A. in Liberal Arts from Brooklyn College in his native New York.
