No matter how beautiful the decor or how friendly the staff, if the room feels hot, stuffy, or smells musty, guests will notice. And that’s not good for your hotels or resorts. This is why HVAC in hotels and resorts plays such a crucial, behind-the-scenes role in shaping a guest’s experience. So, what exactly does an HVAC system do in these places? Let’s unpack the story behind evolution of HVAC in hotels and resorts and how it works with HVAC cycle.
The evolution of HVAC in hotels and resorts
The evolution of HVAC in hotels and resorts hasn’t always been the norm. The first real system was invented in 1902 by Willis Haviland Carrier. However, this HVAC system was not used for hotels, but for a printing plant. Still, it laid the foundation for what would eventually become an essential part of modern hospitality.
Over time, HVAC systems in hotels and resorts evolved from bulky, expensive setups to the sleek, smart, energy-efficient units we rely on today. Many can now auto-adjust room temperatures, optimize energy use, and even learn guests’ preferences. These features create a smooth, tailored experience.
How HVAC in hotels and resorts works (in simple terms)
You don’t need a technical background to understand the basics. HVAC in hotels and resorts follows a simple cycle that quietly keeps every space at just the right temperature:

1. Warm air in, cool air out: The evaporator stage
Every room has warm air, especially in summer. That air gets pulled through a vent and passes over something called an evaporator coil – a cold metal surface hidden inside your HVAC unit.
As the warm air moves over the coil, heat is absorbed into a cooling liquid called refrigerant. This process cools the air, and a fan pushes it back into the room, giving that instant relief your guests love when they step in from the sun.
2. The refrigerant gets to work
The refrigerant, now warmed up from absorbing heat, turns into a gas and moves to the compressor. Think of the compressor as the “heart” of the system. It pressurizes the gas to increase its temperature and energy level. This prepares it for the next stop: dumping that heat outside.
3. Heat is released outdoors
The hot refrigerant travels to the condenser, usually found outside the hotel building. Here, cooler outdoor air pulls the heat from the refrigerant, turning it back into a liquid. Just like wringing out a sponge, the system expels the collected heat outdoors far away from your guests’ comfort zones.
4. And the HVAC cycle begins again
Now that the refrigerant is cool again, it’s ready to circle back to the evaporator inside. This loop runs quietly in the background, over and over, until the room reaches the temperature set on the thermostat. Whether it’s one room or an entire hotel wing, the principle remains the same.
An HVAC system might not be the first thing your guests notice, but they’ll definitely feel it when it’s not right. Whether you’re designing a new resort or upgrading an old system, understanding how HVAC in hotels and resorts works helps you make smarter choices.
Not sure which AC system for hotels suits your property? Stay tuned with DEEPCHILL, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.