16 Common Terms in the Field of HVAC

Embarking on a new field of work or hobby can be quite the adventure. After all, there is the thrill of doing something new, meeting others with similar interests, and the opportunity to improve one's knowledge of a subject. As part of these new experiences, comes a new vocabulary relates to the chosen field. In the field of HVAC, (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) it is no different. However, for many homeowners the terms association with this field can be a bit intimidating. Here are some of the more common terms and abbreviations one is likely to hear when talking to an HVAC specialist:

• ACCA- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America; a group that represent HVAC and refrigeration specialist.
• Activated carbon- Granular processed carbon, often used in air filters to clean the air.
• Air balancing- Adjusting the air conditioning and heating to ensure the correct amount of air is delivered to each room.
• AFUE- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency; a rating that shows the efficiency of furnaces and gas heating units. The number represents how much energy is converted to usable heat.
• Air Handling unit- The equipment that moves or "mixes" the air being heated or cooled. Its components include a blower fan, heating/cooling coils, controls, drain pans, and air filters.
• Compressor- A pump in an air conditioning system that moves the refrigerant from the evaporator coils inside to the condenser outside then back into the building. There are 4 types of condensers: the centrifugal compressor, the reciprocating, the rotary screw, and the scroll.
• Condenser- The outside of an air conditioning unit that condenses the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid to remove the unwanted hot or cold air from the building to the outside.
• Drip pan- A tray or pan in which the water collects as it is condensed from the evaporator.
• Duct- The conduit through which heated or cooled air is moved from the condenser unit to the rooms of a building.
• EER- Energy Efficient Ratio; a ratio of the cooling capacity to the electrical input under specific conditions. The higher the number the better.
• Evaporator Coil- Tubes that move the heat and moisture as the refrigerant evaporates back into a gas.
• Matched system- A heating and air system which has components certified to perform at a certain level when used together.
• Packaged heat pump- A refrigerant system that has all its parts in one unit.
• SEER- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; this shows how effective an air conditioner or heat pump is, the higher the number the better the unit.
• Split system- Commonly used in homes. It is when two or more parts of an HVAC are located outside of the home with lines running between the components.
• Variable-speed motor- A type of motor that has multiple speeds to allow for better air circulation, as well as less noise and energy use.

For more information on heating and air conditioning please visit www.northernairplumbing.com.

Article indpendently authored by Janet M Slagell. The content here in may or may not reflect the views and opinions of Northern Air Plumbing.