- Air Handler
- The part of an HVAC system that circulates air through the ductwork.
- BTU (British Thermal Unit)
- A unit of heat energy. One BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
- Compressor
- A mechanical device in an air conditioner or heat pump that increases the pressure of the refrigerant gas, enabling heat transfer.
- Condenser Coil
- The part of an air conditioning system where the refrigerant releases heat and condenses into a liquid state.
- Evaporator Coil
- The part of an air conditioning system where the refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates into a gas.
- Heat Pump
- A device that can provide both heating and cooling by reversing the flow of refrigerant.
- HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
- A measure of the efficiency of a heat pump when in heating mode over an entire heating season.
- Load Calculation
- A process used to determine the heating and cooling requirements of a building.
- SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
- A measure of the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner over an entire cooling season.
- Thermostat
- A device that controls the operation of an HVAC system based on the temperature set by the user.
- Ventilation
- The process of supplying fresh air to and removing stale air from an indoor space.
- Zoning
- A method of dividing a building into different areas or zones that can be independently controlled for heating and cooling.
- Air Quality Index (AQI)
- A measure used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.
- Blower Motor
- A motor that drives the fan in an HVAC system to circulate air.
- Chiller
- A machine that removes heat from a liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle.
- Dehumidifier
- A device that removes moisture from the air to improve indoor air quality and comfort.
- Economizer
- A system that uses outside air for cooling, reducing the need for mechanical cooling when the outdoor temperature is low.
- Heat Exchanger
- A device that transfers heat between two or more fluids without mixing them.
- Hydronic Heating
- A heating system that uses water as the heat transfer medium, circulating it through pipes to radiators or underfloor heating systems.
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- The quality of the air within and around buildings, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
- Latent Heat
- Heat required to change a substance from one phase to another (e.g., from liquid to gas) without changing its temperature.
- Makeup Air Unit (MAU)
- A system that brings in fresh air from outside to replace the air that has been exhausted from a building.
- Radiant Heating
- A heating system that warms the floors, walls, or ceiling to directly heat the objects and people in the room.
- Refrigerant
- A substance used in cooling systems to absorb and release heat as it changes phase from liquid to gas and back.
- Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV)
- A device in an HVAC system that controls the amount of refrigerant released into the evaporator, improving efficiency and performance.
- Variable Air Volume (VAV)
- An HVAC system that provides varying airflow at a constant temperature to different parts of a building.
Helpful Articles
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
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What Is a Mini Split and How Does It Work?
What Is a Mini Split? A mini split is a type of heating and cooling system that offers a flexible and energy-efficient alternative to traditional
What Is an Evaporator Coil?
Evaporator coils are a critical component of your home’s air conditioning system. They play a vital role in the cooling process, working with other AC
Components of Your AC System and What They Do
An air conditioning (AC) system is a complex machine with several key components working together to cool your home. Understanding these components can help you
What are Thermostats and How do they work?
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What is Refrigerant and What Does it Do?
What is AC Refrigerant? AC refrigerant is a chemical compound used in air conditioning systems to absorb heat from the indoor environment and release it
What do Smart Thermostats do?
In times past, you could only do a couple of things with your home thermostat, set it to heat or cool and set the temperature.
