The HVAC industry has terminology unique to it. If you know these terms, it will help you make an informed decision when buying a heating or cooling system, addressing indoor air quality and more.
HVAC
HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This is the system that heats and cools your home, such as a furnace and air conditioner. It also provides ventilation, so your home has fresh air.
ACCA
Many HVAC industry professionals are members of ACCA, which stands for Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This is a professional organization with standards, codes and accreditation.
NATE
This acronym stands for North American Technician Excellence. It’s a nonprofit organization that trains and certifies technicians.
BTU
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It’s the amount of heat needed to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water by one-degree Fahrenheit.
Capacity
Capacity is the amount of heating or cooling that the equipment can output. It is measured in BTUs per hour.
EPA
This is the Environmental Protection Agency. It is the federal government agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment.
Energy Star
The EPA created the Energy Star program. Heating and cooling equipment certified as Energy Star is highly energy efficient. Contractors in the HVAC industry can be certified by Energy Star, which means they follow best-practice standards. Bash Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. of Champaign, IL, is EPA- and Energy Star-certified. Our company and technicians stay current with new technology in the HVAC industry.
Condenser Unit
This is a large outdoor component of your air conditioning system. Inside is the condenser coil that removes heat from the refrigerant, so it condenses into a liquid.
Condenser Fan
The condenser fan is in the condenser unit. It pushes air over the condenser coils so heat can be removed from the refrigerant.
Evaporator Coil
This device is located inside your home and is part of the air conditioning system. It removes heat from the air using refrigerant. This results in cool air being blown into your home.
SEER
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is the rating given to the cooling equipment’s output. The higher the SEER rating, the cooler air the equipment can output. SEER ratings are typically between 13 and 21.
Refrigerant
Air conditioning systems use refrigerant to remove heat from the air inside your home. Air conditioners once used R-22 Freon, but that type of refrigerant was phased out at the end of 2020. New AC units use R410A, which doesn’t cause ozone layer damage, unlike R-22 Freon.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is an equipment that can heat and cool your home. The three types of heat pumps are air-to-air, geothermal and a water source. They are most appropriate for homes in moderate climates.
Zoning
Zoning separates your home into different regions. Each region can be heated or cooled independently. Zoning is a way to achieve higher energy efficiency in your home.
Duct
If your home has central heating and cooling, it has ducts. Conditioned air blows through the ducts and comes out in registers. The ducts are in either your home’s crawl space, basement or attic.
Furnace
Many homes have a furnace that supplies heat. The furnace can use either electricity or natural gas. Once the air is heated, it circulates through your home through a fan and ducts.
Heat Exchanger
Gas furnaces have a heat exchanger inside them. This device separates the combustion of gas from your breathable air. If the heat exchanger becomes cracked, you will likely need to replace your furnace. It usually doesn’t make financial sense to just replace the heat exchanger.
Flue
Gas furnaces have a flue. The flue vents the byproducts of combustion from your home. The byproducts are vented outside as they’re dangerous to breathe.
Humidity
Humidity is dampness in the air and is caused by water vapor. The ideal amount of humidity for health and comfort is 30-50%.
Dehumidifier
Homes in humid environments can benefit from having a whole-home dehumidifier. It removes humidity until it’s between 30-50% humid.
Humidifier
This device is installed in regions with dry air. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, so the air is healthier and feels more comfortable.
Bash Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is a heating and cooling contractor in Champaign, IL. We install and repair HVAC systems. Our company also offers a maintenance agreement, so you can get your heating and cooling system serviced each year. We do HVAC sheet metal fabrication, too. Give us a call today to find out more.
