HVAC Terms and Definitions

Learning HVAC System’s Terms

Understanding HVAC terms can feel like learning a new language. At AC Warehouse, we want to make it easy for you to navigate the heating, cooling, and air quality world with confidence. Whether you’re exploring our blogs, learning resources, or speaking with one of our technicians, this glossary provides clear, simplified definitions of the most common HVAC terms.

Hvac-terms-and-definitions

HVAC Terms: A to Z

ABCDEFHPRSVZ

A

  • AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): A measurement of a furnace’s efficiency, indicating how much fuel is converted into heat versus wasted energy. Higher AFUE percentages mean greater efficiency.
  • Air Handler: The indoor component of an HVAC system that circulates air through your home using a blower fan and other parts.
  • ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers): A global organization that sets standards for building systems, including HVAC performance and energy efficiency.

B

  • BTU (British Thermal Unit): A unit of measurement for heat energy. It describes how much heat is required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
  • Blower Motor: A motor that powers the fan inside an air handler or furnace to circulate air throughout your home.

C

  • Central HVAC: A system that provides heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to the entire building, with centralized control for consistent comfort.
  • Coil: A component in HVAC systems that heats or cools the air as it passes through. It can be part of the evaporator or condenser.
  • Compressor: The “heart” of an AC system, responsible for pressurizing refrigerant and circulating it through the system to remove heat from your home.
  • Condenser Fan: A fan in the outdoor AC unit that helps dissipate heat from the condenser coil.
  • Condenser Coil: The outdoor coil in an AC system that releases heat absorbed from indoors.

D

  • Dehumidifier: A device that removes excess moisture from the air to improve indoor comfort and prevent mold growth.
  • DOE (Department of Energy): A U.S. government agency that regulates energy policies, including energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems.
  • Drain Pan: A tray beneath the evaporator coil that collects water from condensation and directs it outside.
  • Dual Fuel: A hybrid HVAC system that combines a heat pump and a furnace to provide more efficient heating and cooling
  • Ductwork: A network of air ducts that distribute heated or cooled air throughout a building.

E

  • Energy Star: A certification for energy-efficient products and systems that meet or exceed EPA standards.
  • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency): A U.S. government agency that regulates environmental standards, including refrigerants and HVAC efficiency.
  • Evaporator: A component in the indoor unit where refrigerant absorbs heat, cooling the air as it passes through.
  • Evaporator Coil: The coil where refrigerant evaporates, absorbing heat from the indoor air.

F

  • Furnace: A key part of a Central HVAC system that generates heat and pushes it to the ducts. The common furnace types: gas, oil, and electric

H

  • Heat Exchanger: A component in a furnace that transfers heat from combustion gases to the air being circulated in your home.
  • Heating Coil: A coil that heats air or water in an HVAC system.
  • Heat Pump: A versatile system that provides both heating and cooling by transferring heat between indoors and outdoors.
  • HEPA Filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air Filters): Filters that remove 99.97% of airborne particles, improving indoor air quality.
  • HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor): A measurement of heat pump efficiency during the heating season. Higher HSPF ratings indicate better efficiency.
  • Humidistat: A device that measures and controls indoor humidity levels, often paired with a humidifier.

M

  • Media Filter: A type of air filter with higher efficiency than standard filters, designed to trap more airborne particles.
  • Mini-Split: A ductless HVAC system that provides zoned heating and cooling for individual rooms or areas.

N

  • NATE (North American Technician Excellence): A certification program for HVAC technicians to ensure high-quality service and technical knowledge.

P

  • Packaged HVAC System: A single, self-contained unit that houses all heating and cooling components, often used in smaller buildings.
  • Programmable Thermostat: A thermostat that allows you to set schedules for heating and cooling to save energy and maintain comfort.

R

  • R22: An older refrigerant used in HVAC systems, now being phased out due to environmental concerns.
  • Refrigerants: Chemicals used in HVAC systems to transfer heat, enabling cooling or heating.R-Value: A measure of insulation’s resistance to heat flow; higher values mean better insulation.

S

  • SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): A measurement of an air conditioner’s cooling efficiency over a season. Higher SEER ratings indicate greater energy savings.
  • SEER2: An updated version of SEER that reflects new efficiency testing standards.
  • Smart Thermostat: A thermostat that connects to Wi-Fi for remote control and learning capabilities to optimize comfort and energy use.
  • Split System: An HVAC system with separate indoor and outdoor units, typically used in residential homes.

V

  • Variable-Speed AC: An air conditioner with a motor that adjusts speed to match cooling needs, improving efficiency and comfort.

Z

  • Zoning System: A system that divides a building into different areas, or zones, each with its own temperature control for customized comfort.

Need Help with Heating and Cooling?

Understanding HVAC terms is just the start. If you have questions or need professional advice, the experts at AC Warehouse are here to help. Contact us today for reliable heating, cooling, and indoor air quality solutions. Call us today at (941) 755-5555 or schedule a consultation online:

Repair, Installation, and Maintenance for Less!