What is ACMV? (ACMV Stands For) | ACMV vs HVAC


Certain regions in the world refer to air conditioning as ACMV while other regions refer to it as HVAC. Many people are wondering if both ACMV and HVAC are the same thing. So, I did some research.

ACMV stands for air conditioning and mechanical ventilation. The acronym ACMV is mostly used by people living in Southeast Asia. In countries like Singapore and Malaysia, heating is often not required and hence, people rarely use the term HVAC.

HVAC without heating basically equals ACMV. People who are using the term ACMV may not know some of the things involved in HVAC and vice versa. So, let’s discuss more on ACMV and compare it to HVAC.

What is ACMV?

ACMV or air conditioning and mechanical ventilation is the acronym or term used in the building construction industry of many countries in Southeast Asia. Here, we don’t need heating but air conditioning or cooling.

In Malaysia, we refer to HVAC contractors as ACMV contractors. ACMV contractors are the contractors who supply and install air conditioning and mechanical ventilation equipment for buildings under the ACMV project package.

When referring to ACMV, air conditioners do not possess the ability to provide heating. Hence, we called them air conditioners but not heat pumps. Conversely, in countries like the United States, split air conditioners are mostly heat pumps that have a heating function.

However, the term heat pump is also trending in Southeast Asia, primarily used for the hot water system. Precisely, it is known as the hot water heat pump. Otherwise, people called it the air source heat pump or water source heat pump.

ACMV System Components

Since ACMV is about air conditioning and mechanical ventilation only, the system does not include components for heating in general. Below are the 5 major components of the ACMV system:

1. Air Conditioners

Air conditioners in the ACMV system only have a cooling mode. They don’t have a heating mode like most air conditioners in countries like the United States and Australia do.

The most common type of air conditioner in the ACMV system is the wall-mounted split air conditioner followed by the ceiling cassette split air conditioner. The ceiling ducted split air conditioner came in third as the ceiling exposed split air conditioner came in last.

System-wise, the split system is the most popular one followed by the multi-split system and then, the VRV or VRF system when comparing residential air conditioners.

In commercial applications, centrifugal and screw chillers are common while geothermal chillers are rare. In some cold places, air handling units may be fitted with hot water to provide precise temperature control.

2. Smoke Spill Fans

Under the ACMV system, the smoke spill system is one of the major components. The smoke spill system is also known as the smoke extraction system by people living in the Europe and Americas.

Smoke spill fans are used to extract smoke in the basement of a building in case of a fire. They are fire-rated up to 2 hours most of the time. Usually, they are associated with several fire-rated fresh air fans.

3. Pressurization Fans

The pressurization system is very common for people who are using the term ACMV as well as people who are using the term HVAC. Usually, the pressurization system is separated into the staircase, lift lobby and corridor pressurization system.

Pressurization fans are used to pressurize the staircase, lift lobby or corridor of a building in case of a fire. They are fire-rated up to 2 hours most of the time. They are often called fresh air fans since they pressurize using fresh air or outdoor air.

4. Toilet Exhaust Fans

In an ACMV construction project, toilet exhaust fans are inevitable. Most toilets in high-rise buildings don’t have a window and thus, a toilet exhaust fan is needed. The fan is usually connected to the light switch.

5. Kitchen Exhaust Fans

For the ACMV system of the construction project for a hotel, kitchen exhaust fans are common. They are needed to extract kitchen smoke out of the large commercial kitchen used by the hotel. Smoke hogs which are sort of like oil filters are often associated with the kitchen exhaust system.

ACMV vs HVAC

Many people are curious to know what is the difference between ACMV and HVAC. So, below is some of the differences that I’m aware of:

ACMVHVAC
Full-FormAir Conditioning and Mechanical VentilationHeating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Air ConditionerAir Conditioner (Cooling Only)Heat Pump (Heating & Cooling)
Smoke Exhaust SystemSmoke SpillSmoke Extraction
Pressurization SystemStaircase PressurizationStairwell Pressurization
Heating MethodN/ASpace Heater, Gas Furnace

Furthermore, I found countries that use the term ACMV versus countries that use the term HVAC on Google Trend as below:

ACMV Queries by Google Trend
HVAC Queries by Google Trend

It seems like most people use the term HVAC more than the term ACMV. After all, many places in the world still require heating. So, if you are an engineer or a student, using the term HVAC on Google Search may give you a wide variety of results. However, if you want precise answers, sticking to the term ACMV is fine.

Purchase and download the HVAC Begin (eBook) to get started in HVAC.

This article was originally published on aircondlounge.com. Actions will be taken for unauthorised republication of this article.


Digital Products by aircondlounge

These are the top selling digital products made by me and sold on aircondlounge. Check them out and see which products fit your needs.

Design Engineer Starter Pack

Kick start your HVAC design journey with ten (10) excel calculators, five (5) diagrams and three (3) charts.

  • Simple design
  • Easy to use
  • Key values included

HVAC Basics (eBook)

Learn different types of HVAC components used in residential and commercial buildings.

  • Summary list
  • Sample photos
  • Easy navigation

Chilled Water System (eBook)

Pursuit the truth and learn the fundamental ways to approach the chilled-water system.

  • Comprehensive explanation
  • Fundamental approach
  • Progressive teaching

Visit https://aircondlounge.com/shop to see all digital products sold on aircondlounge.

Recommended Air Conditioners

I reviewed and compared hundreds of air conditioners. These are my latest recommended products. Check them out if you’re looking to buy one.

Daikin 19 Series Mini Split Heat Pump

Ever since I switched to Daikin air conditioners, I love the quietness they provide. Everything is built with care. There is no loose part or rattling noise.

  • Efficiency 19 SEER
  • Operating temp. 5°F
  • Warranty 12 years

Midea U-Shaped Inverter Window Air Conditioner

A beautifully designed window air conditioner with the latest environmental-friendly R32 refrigerant gas that runs more quietly than most other window ACs.

  • Noise level 42 dB
  • Efficiency 15 CEER
  • Weight 56 lbs

LG LV1419IVSM Portable Air Conditioner

Portable air conditioner recommended by 6 reputable reviewers. Low noise operation and high efficiency. More than 70% 5-star rating on Amazon.

  • Low noise at 44 dB
  • High efficiency
  • 2022 best portable AC

Visit https://aircondlounge.com/category/buyer-guide/ to see more guides and product recommendations.

Yu Chang Zhen

I enjoy working on air conditioners and ventilation fans because Malaysia is a very hot country.

Recent Posts