HVAC vs AC: What’s the Difference? | Trav's Plumbing & HVAC LTD.

If you're trying to figure out the difference between HVAC and AC, you're not alone.

These terms get tossed around a lot — sometimes like they’re the same thing.

But they’re not.

And if you're a homeowner in Southern Manitoba trying to make sense of your system, this guide breaks it down in plain English.

Let’s clear it all up: what HVAC actually means, how it compares to AC, and which one you need in your home.

What Is HVAC?

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

It's the full system that controls the temperature and air quality in your home, year-round.

So, HVAC doesn’t just cool your space — it also heats it and keeps the air circulating.

That includes:

• Furnaces

• Air conditioners

• Heat pumps

• Ductwork

• Air handlers

• Ventilation fans

Think of HVAC as the umbrella term for your home’s entire climate control system.

If you’ve got heating and cooling, you’ve got HVAC.

What Is AC?

AC stands for air conditioning, and it’s just one part of HVAC.

It’s the system that cools your home in the summer.

An AC unit pulls heat out of your home and sends it outside.

It doesn’t heat your home, and it doesn’t usually handle ventilation.

It focuses only on cooling.

So when someone says, “I need my AC fixed,” they’re just talking about the cooling part — not the whole HVAC system.

HVAC vs AC: What’s the Real Difference?

Here’s the short version:

Basically, if you have HVAC, you have AC.

But if you only have AC, you don’t necessarily have a full HVAC setup.

Is HVAC Air Conditioning?

Yes — and no.

HVAC includes air conditioning, but it's more than that.

If someone says, “I need HVAC installed,” they’re usually talking about both heating and cooling, not just a new AC unit.

So while HVAC does involve AC, the terms aren’t interchangeable.

Is HVAC the Same as AC?

Not quite.

AC is part of HVAC, but they’re not the same thing.

AC only cools your space.

HVAC handles heating, cooling, and airflow.

Here’s an easy way to think of it:

If your house only has an air conditioner and no heating system, it’s just AC.

But if it has both heating and cooling — like a furnace and an air conditioner — then it’s HVAC.

Which One Do You Need?

That depends on where you live and what kind of year-round comfort you're looking for.

In Southern Manitoba, we deal with hot summers and cold winters.

That means most homes need both heating and cooling, so a full HVAC system makes more sense than just AC.

If you’re building a new home or upgrading your current system, go HVAC — it’s the all-in-one solution.

How Trav’s Plumbing & HVAC LTD Can Help

Whether you’re not sure what system you have, or you're ready to install something new, we’ve got your back.

At Trav’s Plumbing & HVAC, we install, repair, maintain, and service all kinds of heating and cooling systems across Southern Manitoba.

If your AC’s acting up or your furnace isn’t cutting it, we can help figure out the best HVAC setup for your home — and your budget.

Need a quote?

Let’s talk.

Fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 431-816-8116.

FAQs

Is HVAC air conditioning?
HVAC includes air conditioning, but it also includes heating and ventilation. AC is just one part of HVAC.

Is HVAC the same as AC?
No. AC is only for cooling, while HVAC includes heating, ventilation, and cooling.

Do I have HVAC or just AC?
If your home has both a heating and cooling system (like a furnace and AC), then you have HVAC.

What’s the difference between HVAC and central air?
Central air usually refers to just the AC part of an HVAC system. HVAC includes everything — heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Does HVAC always mean forced air?
Not always. HVAC systems can include forced air, hydronic (radiators), and ductless systems depending on your setup.