Glossary
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Integrated systems used for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, humidity, and air quality.
AC (Air Conditioning)
Technology for altering the condition of air (cooling and dehumidifying) to create a more comfortable indoor environment.
Heat Pump
A device that transfers heat from a colder area to a warmer area, often used for both heating and cooling homes.
Ductwork
The network of tubes that distributes heated or cooled air from the HVAC system throughout the building.
Air Filter
A device that removes particles, like dust and pollen, from air that circulates through the HVAC system, improving indoor air quality.
Thermostat
A device that regulates the temperature of a system so that the system’s temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint.
Energy Efficiency
The goal of using less energy to provide the same service. High-efficiency HVAC systems use less energy to heat or cool a space.
Maintenance
Routine checks and repairs on HVAC systems to ensure they are running efficiently and to prevent future malfunctions.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The air quality within and around buildings, particularly as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
SEER Rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
A measure of the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the unit is.
Refrigerant
A chemical compound used in HVAC systems to absorb heat from the environment and release it elsewhere.
Condenser Coil
Part of the outdoor unit of an AC or heat pump that releases or collects heat from the outside air.
Evaporator Coil
Part of the HVAC system located inside the air handler; it absorbs heat from the air inside the building.
Compressor
A pump that circulates refrigerant through the HVAC system, moving it between the evaporator and condenser coils.
Zoning System
A method of dividing a home into different zones that can be independently controlled for more efficient heating and cooling.
Compressor
A pump that circulates refrigerant through the HVAC system, moving it between the evaporator and condenser coils.
Air Handler
The part of the HVAC system that circulates air through the ductwork. It is usually a large metal box containing a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks, and dampers.
Programmable Thermostat
A thermostat that can be set to automatically adjust the temperature of a home according to a series of programmed settings for different times of the day.
Duct Sealing
The process of sealing the connections in ductwork to prevent air leaks, which can significantly improve energy efficiency and performance of the HVAC system.
Heat Load Calculation
The process of determining the right size of an HVAC unit for a building based on its size, layout, and other factors.
VRF Systems (Variable Refrigerant Flow)
An HVAC technology that allows for the control of the amount of refrigerant flowing to multiple evaporators, enabling the use of one condensing unit for multiple rooms.
IAQ Products
Products designed to improve indoor air quality, including air purifiers, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and UV lamps.
Smart Thermostat
An internet-connected device that offers automatic and programmable temperature control for HVAC systems. Smart thermostats learn from a homeowner’s habits and adjust settings to improve comfort and efficiency.
HVAC Tune-Up
A professional service that includes inspecting, cleaning, and adjusting the components of an HVAC system to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Split System
The most common type of HVAC system, consisting of an outdoor unit (condenser/heat pump) and an indoor unit (air handler/furnace), connected by refrigerant tubing.
Furnace
A device used for high-temperature heating. In HVAC systems, a furnace heats air which is then distributed throughout the building.
Humidifier
A device that adds moisture to dry indoor air, used for improving comfort and health during the dryer months.
Dehumidifier
A device that removes excess moisture from the air, used in humid climates to improve comfort and prevent mold growth.
Air Purifier
A device that removes contaminants from the air in a room to improve indoor air quality.
UV Lights
Ultraviolet light systems installed in the HVAC system to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the air or on surfaces within the system.
Energy Audit
An assessment of a home or building’s energy use with recommendations on how to improve efficiency. An energy audit can help homeowners save money and improve comfort by identifying areas where energy is being wasted.