INTRODUCTION TO HVAC - SECOND EDITION - Charles Nehme

Welcome to the Second Edition of Introduction to HVAC. Since the publication of the first edition, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry has undergone remarkable transformation. Advances in smart thermostat technology, the widespread adoption of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, tighter energy codes, and a growing emphasis on indoor air quality in the wake of global health challenges have reshaped how practitioners approach HVAC design, installation, and maintenance.

This second edition has been thoroughly revised and expanded to reflect these changes. New chapters address smart controls and building automation, advanced refrigerants and environmental considerations, and commissioning best practices. Existing chapters have been updated with current codes, standards, and industry practices. Throughout the text, new worked examples, data tables, and callout boxes help reinforce key concepts.

This book is designed to serve a broad audience: students entering the trade, apprentice technicians looking to deepen their theoretical understanding, journey-level mechanics seeking a refresher, and engineers or building professionals who interact with HVAC systems from a design or management perspective.

No prior engineering background is assumed. Concepts are introduced progressively, beginning with fundamental physics and thermodynamics and building toward complete system design and troubleshooting. Metric and Imperial (I-P) units are used side by side throughout, reflecting real-world practice in North America and global markets.

The author wishes to thank the many instructors, technicians, and engineers who provided feedback on the first edition and whose insights shaped every chapter of this revision. Special thanks to the equipment manufacturers, standards bodies, and training organizations whose published data and guidelines inform best practices across the industry.

It is the sincere hope of the author that this text serves as a trusted companion throughout your career in HVAC - one you return to not just while studying, but whenever a complex job demands solid foundational knowledge.