HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning the systems that keep indoor spaces comfortable, healthy, and safe. Most people think of HVAC as simply “the heating or the air conditioner,” but it’s actually an umbrella term that covers how buildings control temperature, move air, manage humidity, and filter pollutants.

MEP engineering designs and coordinates the building systems that make a structure usable: Mechanical (HVAC) for comfort and air quality, Electrical for power and lighting (including low-voltage systems), Plumbing for water and drainage, and often Fire Protection for life safety.

This guide answers the question of what is structural engineering, explains how structures carry loads, shows the tools engineers use, and gives practical tips on when to hire one — no jargon, just the facts you need to make safe, cost-effective decisions.