HVAC, or Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, systems create comfortable
indoor environments by filtering air and regulating temperature. These
systems are found in millions of homes and businesses. Discussing them
with your HVAC professional may have you scratching your head, though.
Learn some common industry terms and make your discussions about your
home’s HVAC system easier.
AHRI: An abbreviation for the
Air Conditioning,
Heating and Refrigeration Institute, which develops the standards for measuring
and certifying the performance of different heating and cooling products.
Air Handler: The indoor part of an air conditioner or heat pump that moves air through
the ducts in your home after it has been heated or cooled. It is usually
a large metal box that contains important parts for filtration and air movement.
Bioaerosols: Microscopic biological particles that can spread through your home, such
as bacteria, viruses, and mold spores.
British Thermal Unit (BTU): A measurement of heat. A single BTU is the amount of heat required to
raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. A higher BTU rating means
a greater heating capacity.
Coil: Your HVAC system uses a condenser coil in the outdoor condenser unit and
an evaporator coil in the indoor unit. These coils use heat transfer to
change the air temperature.
Compressor: An air conditioning or heat pump compressor is located inside the outdoor
compressor unit, and will either release or collect heat, depending on
the heating or cooling mode your system is in.
Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM): The measurement of airflow volume, based on how many cubic feet of air
pass a stationary point in the span of 1 minute. This is used to determine
the capacity of your system.
Ductwork: A system of metal or synthetic tubes that pass air through your home from
your HVAC system. This is a key piece of your system, so it is important
that your ducts are maintained.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER): The ratio of your system’s cooling capacity to the power input in
watts. A higher EER rating means a more efficient system.
Energy Star®: A program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help consumers
choose energy-efficient products.
Heat Exchanger: A component that is located in a furnace. It transfers heat to the air
around it. This air is then pumped through the home to warm it.
Heat Pump: This component moves heat to either heat or cool the home. It will draw
warm air into the home to heat it or pump hot air outside to cool the home.
MERV Rating: The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating ranks the filtration abilities
of the air filters in your HVAC system. Lower numbers indicate lower ability.
Most residences use MERV 1-4 rated filters.
Refrigerant: A chemical that produces cooling effects while vaporizing or expanding.
R-22, or Freon, is the most common refrigerant.
Thermostat: A device that monitors the temperature in your home and adjusts the heating
or cooling system to maintain a comfortable level.
HVAC systems can be complicated, and there are many parts to learn about.
With a basic vocabulary, you can confidently make decisions about your
home’s heating and cooling when working with your HVAC professional.
Keep your system running well with regular maintenance and repairs to
enjoy a comfortable home.
Our
Murietta HVAC service professionals have over 25 years of experience serving the heating and cooling needs
of local residents. Our technicians are fully trained and certified to
fix any problem that you may experience with your system.
Contact Correy Baker Heating & Air today to
schedule a service or system inspection.