HVAC Terminology? Want to know what all those confusing terms mean? Find out here!

Air Distribution System – Any system of ducts, plenums and air handling equipment that circulates air within a space[s]

Capacitor – A device to start a motor or compressor [or to keep it running once it has started – may have one indoor and one outdoor]

Compressor – The pump that moves refrigerant from the indoor to outdoor unit [through coils] and back. The compressor is also known as the ‘brain’ of the system.

Condensate – The liquid that condenses due to the lowering of its temperature to the saturation point Condenser [outdoor] coil – Uses refrigerant and either releases or collects heat from the outside air.

Condenser Fan – Distributes air over the condenser

Condensing Unit – A refrigerating machine consisting of one or more compressors and other accessories that work together to cool your home

Contactor – In the condenser, the main switch that turns the outdoor unit on

Dehumidifier – Machine that removes moisture from the air

Duct – A tube or conduit utilized for conveying air.

Duct System – A continuous passageway for the transmission of air that includes ducts, duct fittings, dampers, plenums, fans and accessory air-handling equipment and appliances

ENERGY STAR – Eco-friendly systems – more energy efficient that help to lower utility bills and improve overall air quality – must be ENERGY STAR to qualify for tax credit

Furnace – A completely self-contained heating unit that is designed to supply heated air to spaces remote from or adjacent to the appliance location.

Heat Exchanger – A device that transfers heat from one medium to another

Heat Pump – A refrigeration system that extracts heat from one substance and transfers it to another portion of the same substance or to a second substance at a higher temperature for beneficial purposes.

HVAC – Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Humidifier – Machine that adds moisture to the air

NATE – North American Technical Excellence, you can find them here.

Package Unit – A heating and a/c unit in one cabinet. This unit can either be found beside your home, in the attic or on the roof.

Return Air – Air removed from an approved conditioned space or location and recirculated or exhausted

SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio – The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit and lower overall utility bills.

Split System – An outdoor unit [condenser or heat pump] and indoor unit [furnace with coil or air handler]

Supply Air – The air delivered to each or any space supplied by the air distribution system or the total air delivered to all spaces supplied by the air distribution system

Ventilation – The natural or mechanical process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing such air from any space

Zoning System – Sections the home into different zones so each can be controlled separately – meant for comfort more so than energy efficiency

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