- 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
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
August 26, 2024
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
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What are Thermostats and How do they work?
What is a thermostat? A thermostat is a device designed to regulate the temperature of a heating or cooling system to maintain a desired temperature
July 18, 2024
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
February 8, 2024
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.
January 18, 2024
