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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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MILAND HVAC Supply Co. © 2025

United States of America

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