What does the abbreviation "HVAC" stand for?

The abbreviation "HVAC" stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. This term encompasses the various systems used to manage the indoor environment in terms of temperature (heating and cooling) and air quality (ventilation).

Heating refers to the methods and systems used to raise indoor temperatures, particularly during cold weather. Ventilation involves the exchange of indoor air with outdoor air to control humidity, odor, smoke, heat, dust, and bacteria. Air conditioning includes the processes of cooling and dehumidifying the air in a space. Together, these components create a comfortable and healthy indoor atmosphere.

The other options presented do not accurately reflect the components involved in HVAC systems. They either misidentify the functions (like air compression) or introduce incorrect terminology that does not correspond to standard HVAC concepts. Understanding what HVAC stands for is fundamental for fields related to climate control, environmental comfort, and energy efficiency in buildings.