HVAC Terminology
HVAC: Stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It refers to the technology of indoor environmental comfort.
Thermostat: A device that controls the temperature of a heating or cooling system.
Furnace: A heating system that produces heat through the combustion of fuel, such as gas, oil, or electricity.
Air Conditioning (AC): The process of controlling indoor temperature and humidity for comfort using cooling systems.
Heat Pump: An HVAC system that can provide both heating and cooling by transferring heat between indoor and outdoor air.
Ventilation: The process of exchanging indoor air with outdoor air to maintain indoor air quality and regulate temperature and humidity.
Ductwork: The network of channels used to distribute air from an HVAC system throughout a building.
Air Handler: The part of an HVAC system that circulates air throughout the building. It includes components such as fans, filters, and coils.
Evaporator Coil: A component of an air conditioning system where refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air, causing the air to cool down.
Condenser Coil: A component of an air conditioning system where refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, causing the refrigerant to cool down and condense.
Refrigerant: A substance used in HVAC systems that undergoes phase changes to transfer heat between indoor and outdoor environments.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): A measure of the efficiency of air conditioning equipment, representing the cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same period.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): A measure of the efficiency of a heating appliance, representing the percentage of energy from fuel that is converted into usable heat over the course of a heating season.
Humidifier: An HVAC component that adds moisture to indoor air to increase humidity levels.
Dehumidifier: An HVAC component that removes moisture from indoor air to decrease humidity levels.
Zoning: The practice of dividing a building into separate areas with independent temperature controls to optimize comfort and energy efficiency.
MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value): A rating system that indicates the effectiveness of air filters in capturing airborne particles. Higher MERV ratings indicate better filtration efficiency.
Heat Exchanger: A component of a furnace or boiler that transfers heat from combustion gases to the air or water being heated.