What is the Difference Between MEP and HVAC? The Easy Answer

what is the difference between mep and hvac

It is likely that if you heard about HVAC, you would also hear about MEP, and they might be sometimes confuse them with each other. So, if you ever ask “what is the difference between MEP and HVAC?”, this article is for you.

To make it as concise as possible, HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. MEP, on the other hand, stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. And the fast answer here is that HVAC is just one part of MEP.

On Linquip’s website, you will find all the information you require about HVAC and EMP, depending on what you are looking for. There is a team of experts at Linquip that is ready to answer any questions you may have regarding any of these industrial terms. We suggest that you take a look at Linquip’s article, “What Are HVAC and Refrigeration Systems?“.

Furthermore, you are welcome to register as a Linquip Expert and gain access to all the services Linquip has to offer. Could you please publish a Guest Post on the Linquip? We offer you the opportunity to submit content to the Linquip platform and publish it as a guest.

In what follows, you can read about their differences in a little bit more of detail.

What Is the Difference between MEP and HVAC? Definitions

As already mentioned, MEP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing. Therefore, it refers to such aspects of building design and construction. And MEP engineer, as opposed to a tradesperson simply installing equipment, will design and select these systems in a way that is crucial for planning, decision-making, accurate documentation, performance and cost estimation, construction, and operating or maintaining the resulting facilities.

what is the difference between mep and hvac - mep

On the other hand, the focus of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) is to ensure thermal comfort and acceptable air quality for enclosed environments. HVAC engineers will ensure that air temperature and quality are provided under conditions that are comfortable for people within the environment as well as suitable for operation of the equipment within that area.

what is the difference between mep and hvac - hvac

What Is the Difference between MEP and HVAC? Breakdown of Concepts

As already mentioned, MEP is a broader term than HVAC which includes all the factors that ensure smooth, safe and comfortable running of a facility. Now, let us break down this concept to see where HVAC lies.

Mechanical Aspect of MEP

The mechanical aspect of MEP could be considered as a superset of HVAC. This aspect incorporates the management of environmental factors for both human comfort and proper machine operation. Therefore, it goes further than HVAC systems for air handling purposes, to cover considerations for audio and visual networks, mechanical actuators corresponding to alarm systems, doors, and windows, elevators and escalators, etc.

Electrical Aspect of MEP

This aspect of MEP plans and designs for electric power distribution, electrical wiring, outlets, fixtures, and lighting, as well as, electric appliances such as computer networking, telephones, TV, security systems, audio distribution systems, healthcare systems, robotics, etc.

Plumbing Aspect of MEP

The plumbing aspect of MEP is concerned with those parts of a construction project that require plumbing to provide portable water, heater water, sewerage, fuels, compressed air, plumbing of HVAC systems, etc.

It is evident how interconnected these two concepts are, and the best result only comes when HVAC and MEP work together.

Does HVAC Fall Under Mechanical Engineering?

HVAC engineers are mechanical engineers, and they work with other construction specialists. The engineers at an HVAC firm will often be skilled in fields such as electrical or plumbing that are involved in the installation of a climate control system.

What Is the Difference between MEP and HVAC? Q & A

Are HVAC and MEP cover similar aspects?

HVAC is about providing comfortable conditioned air for residential, commercial, and multi-use buildings. MEP, however, refers to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing considerations of design and construction of buildings, one of which is HVAC.

Who is an MEP engineer?

An MEP engineer is one responsible for planning and design of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems including developing polices, standards, inspection procedures, and evaluation tools.

Download MEP vs HVAC PDF

Alternatively, you can download this article as a PDF file to your hard drive so that you can refer to this content whenever you need it. Simply click on the link below to download the article.

 

Read More on Linquip

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Ramzy
Ramzy
Linquip Content Managment Team

2 thoughts on “What is the Difference Between MEP and HVAC? The Easy Answer”

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *