No, HVAC and ventilation are not the same. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, and is a system that provides heating, cooling, and air circulation in a building. Ventilation, on the other hand, is the process of exchanging air between the inside and outside of a building, and is a component of HVAC systems. HVAC systems are designed to provide a comfortable indoor environment, while ventilation is designed to provide fresh air and remove pollutants from the air.