HVAC Glossary | Common Used Words | K2 Mechanical | HVAC Solutions

 

HVAC GLOSSARY | COMMON USED WORDS | K2 MECHANICAL | HVAC SOLUTIONS PROVIDER | LONG ISLAND

COMMONLY USED HVAC TERMS

Here are the definitions of the commonly used terms used throughout the website while referring to HVAC systems.

·         AFUE%: This is the acronym for Annual Fuel utilization Efficiency. It is a measure of the furnace’s heating ability and efficiency. A higher AFUE% means the product is very efficient. According to the government, the minimum AFUE rating for all the non-weatherized gas furnaces must be 80%.

·         Air Handler: This is the part of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that helps the cool or hot air move throughout the ductwork in the home. Some systems have a furnace to handle this particular job.

·         Balance Point: This is the outdoor temperature at which any heat pump’s output is equal to the heating requirement of the indoor environment of the home. This is normally between 30° F and 45° F. You need additional electric resistance heat to keep the indoors warm and comfy if the temperature drops below the balance point.

·         BTU: This stands for ‘British Thermal Unit’ and refers to the units of heat needed to increase the temperature of 1 pound of water by exactly 1 degree Fahrenheit.

·         Compressor: It is the pump that helps the refrigerant move from the evaporator coil indoors to the condensing unit outdoors and then back to the evaporator. A compressor serves as the heart of the complete system as it helps the refrigerant circulate in the loop.

·         Condensing/ Outdoor Unit: It is that part of a central air conditioning system that works as the heart transferring point and collects as well as dispels heat outwards. It is placed outside your home.

·         Condenser Coil: This is the network of tubes filled with refrigerant wherein hot refrigerant vapors condense into a liquid that can absorb more heat.

·         Evaporator Coil: It is the part of a central AC system or a heat pump that is placed inside the homes and serves as the heat transferring point for cooling or warming indoor air.

·         Heat Pump: It is a type of air conditioner unit that has a vale that helps it transition from heating to cooling modes and vice versa.

·         Heat Source: It is the body of liquid or air that collects and transfers heat.

·         HSPF: This stands for ‘Heating Seasonal Performance Factor’ and refers to a heat pump’s ability to efficiently function. The higher the HSPF value, the more efficient is the heat pump. The government has not established any minimum HSPF rating for the functioning of heat pumps.

·         SEER: This is the acronym of ‘Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio’ and measure’s an air conditioning unit’s cooling efficiency. A high value of the SEER corresponds to a very efficiency product. As per the government, all the AC units manufactured January 2006 onwards must have a minimum SEER of 13.

·         Single Package: It refers to a cooling and heating system that works year-round and comprises of all its components encased in a single unit placed outside your home.

·         Split System: This refers to a central AC system or heat pump that has its parts placed outside and inside the home. It is the most commonly used type of heating/ cooling system in homes.

·         Supplementary Heat: It is the emergency heat which is mostly in the form of electrical resistance heat that is used when the temperature inside drops below the balance point of the existing heat pump.

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