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Heating & Air Conditioning Glossary of Terms
This should help you understand what you are investing in:
HVAC
( Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning )
AFUE
( Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ) Used to express the efficiency of gas furnaces. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the unit.
SEER
( Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating ) Used to express the efficiency of an air conditioning unit. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. Starting Jan 2006 The Department of Energy minimum is 13 SEER.
CFM
( Cubic Feet per Minute ) A unit to express movement of volume, including air, in Cubic Feet per Minute.
CONDENSING UNIT
Located outside on a level pad. The main Condensing Unit components - Compressor, Condenser Coil, Condenser Fan and Compressor Contactor.
HSPF
( Heating Seasonal Performance Factor ) It measures the efficiency of the heating portion of a heat pump. Starting Jan 2006 The Department of Energy minimum is 13 SEER.
kW
( KILOWAT ) A unit used to express 1,000 Watts.
1 TON
= 12,000 BTU’s. A typical home cooling system uses between 1.5 and 5 tons.
AIR HANDLER
Usually located in the attic or basement. The main components of an Air Handler - Evaporator (Cooling) Coil, Air Filter, Blower Motor & Drain Pan.
BOILER
Hot Water or Steam Heating Unit. A Boiler can be heated with Natural Gas, LP Gas or Oil.
FURNACE
Hot or Warm Air Heating Unit. A Furnace can be heated with Natural Gas, LP Gas, Oil or Electricity.
HEAT PUMP
A heat pump is like a conventional air conditioner except it also can provide heat in winter. In the summer, the heat pump collects heat from the house and expels it outside. In the winter, the heat pump extracts heat from outside air and circulates it inside the house. The heat pump works best when the outdoor temperature is above freezing. Below that, supplementary heat often is needed. A heat pump can save 30 to 60 percent less energy to supply the same heat when compared to an electric furnace with a resistance heating element.
FLOW THROUGH HUMIDIFIER
Provides the whole home with humidity, sending the moisture through the heating system’s ductwork.
EAC or MAC
( Electronic or Media Air Cleaner ) Provides High Efficient Air Filtration for the whole home, using the fan from the heating and /or air conditioning system.
ATTIC FAN
Using a built in thermostat, the Attic Fan cools the attic which lessens the heat load in your home. This is a real energy saver.
