Glossary
A
-
AC (Air Conditioner): A device that cools air and dehumidifies it to control the temperature and humidity in a space.
-
Air Handler: The indoor unit that circulates conditioned air throughout a building. It often contains a blower, filters, and sometimes a heating or cooling element.
-
Air Filter: A component that removes dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the air before it enters the HVAC system.
B
-
BTU (British Thermal Unit): A unit of measurement for heat energy. In HVAC, it's used to rate the capacity of heating or cooling systems.
-
Blower: A fan inside the air handler or furnace that moves air through the ductwork.
-
Balance Point: The outdoor temperature at which a heat pump's heating capacity exactly matches the heating needs of a building.
C
-
Compressor: A key component of an air conditioning or refrigeration system that compresses refrigerant, increasing its temperature and pressure.
-
Condenser Coil: Part of the outdoor unit where refrigerant releases heat absorbed from indoors and condenses back into a liquid.
-
Capacity: The ability of an HVAC system to heat or cool a space, usually measured in BTUs per hour or tons.
D
-
Ductwork: A system of ducts used to distribute conditioned air throughout a building.
-
Dehumidifier: A device that removes moisture from the air to improve indoor comfort and air quality.
E
-
Evaporator Coil: Located in the indoor unit, this component absorbs heat from indoor air and cools it as refrigerant evaporates.
-
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): A rating that measures the efficiency of a cooling system by dividing the cooling capacity by the electrical power input.
-
Exhaust Fan: A fan used to remove stale air, fumes, or smoke from an indoor space.
F
-
Furnace: A heating unit that uses fuel (like gas or oil) or electricity to heat air, which is then distributed throughout a building via ductwork.
-
Filter: A device that removes particulates from the air as it moves through the HVAC system, improving air quality and protecting components.
H
-
Heat Pump: A device that transfers heat from one place to another, providing both heating and cooling. It is often used as a more energy-efficient alternative to furnaces or air conditioners.
-
Humidifier: A device that adds moisture to the air to maintain a comfortable humidity level indoors.
-
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): A system designed to regulate indoor temperature, air quality, and humidity.
​
L
-
Load Calculation: A calculation used to determine the heating and cooling needs of a space, ensuring the HVAC system is appropriately sized.
-
Latent Heat: The heat required to change the phase of a substance (e.g., from liquid to vapor) without changing its temperature.
​
M
-
MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value): A rating that measures the effectiveness of air filters at capturing airborne particles.
-
Motor: Drives the fans, compressors, and blowers in HVAC systems, ensuring proper air and refrigerant flow.
​
R
-
Refrigerant: A chemical compound used in air conditioners and heat pumps that absorbs and releases heat as it changes between gas and liquid states.
-
Return Air: Air that has been circulated through a building and is returned to the HVAC system to be conditioned again.
-
Radiant Heating: A system that heats surfaces, such as floors or walls, which then radiate heat to the surrounding space.
​
S
-
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): A measure of an air conditioner or heat pump's cooling efficiency over a season. Higher SEER ratings indicate more energy-efficient units.
-
Split System: An HVAC system that has both an indoor unit (like a furnace or air handler) and an outdoor unit (like a condenser or heat pump).
-
Supply Air: The air that has been conditioned by the HVAC system and is distributed into a space.
​
T
-
Thermostat: A device used to control the temperature settings of an HVAC system by regulating when heating or cooling is activated.
-
Ton: A unit of measurement for cooling capacity. One ton is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs per hour.
​
V
-
Ventilation: The process of exchanging or replacing air in a space to improve air quality, remove contaminants, and control humidity.
-
VAV (Variable Air Volume): A type of HVAC system that adjusts the airflow to different areas of a building based on their specific heating and cooling needs.
​
Z
-
Zone Control: A system that divides a building into different zones, each with its own temperature control, allowing for more efficient heating and cooling.
​