HVAC Terminology

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on HVAC Terminology! Understanding the essential terms and concepts in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems is crucial for homeowners, business owners, and HVAC professionals alike. This guide aims to demystify the technical jargon commonly used in the HVAC industry, providing clear definitions and explanations of key terms.

Whether you’re looking to familiarize yourself with the basics of HVAC systems, seeking information on specific components, or aiming to enhance communication with HVAC experts, this resource serves as a valuable reference. Explore the world of HVAC terminology with us and empower yourself with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about your heating, cooling, and indoor air quality needs.

1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Refers to the system used for heating, cooling, and maintaining indoor air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

2. Air Handler: The indoor unit of an HVAC system responsible for circulating and conditioning air.

3. Condenser Coil: A component in the outdoor unit of an air conditioner or heat pump that releases heat absorbed from inside the building to the outside air.

4. Evaporator Coil: Found in the indoor unit, it absorbs heat from indoor air as refrigerant evaporates, cooling the air that is then circulated back into the building.

5. Refrigerant: A substance used in HVAC systems that absorbs heat when it changes state from liquid to gas and releases heat when it changes back from gas to liquid.

6. Thermostat: A device that controls the temperature settings in an HVAC system, allowing users to set desired indoor temperatures.

7. SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): A measure of the energy efficiency of air conditioning equipment. Higher SEER ratings indicate more energy-efficient systems.

8. AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): A measure of the efficiency of furnaces and boilers, indicating the percentage of fuel converted to usable heat over a heating season.

9. Heat Pump: An HVAC system that can both heat and cool a space by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors.

10. Ductwork: A network of tubes or channels used to distribute heated or cooled air throughout a building.

11. Ventilation: The process of exchanging indoor air with outdoor air to maintain air quality and remove pollutants.

12. Humidifier: An HVAC component that adds moisture to the air to increase humidity levels indoors.

13. Dehumidifier: An HVAC component that removes moisture from the air to decrease humidity levels indoors.

14. Zoning: A system that divides a building into separate areas to control temperature independently for better efficiency and comfort.

15. Air Filter: A component that traps dust, pollen, and other airborne particles to improve indoor air quality and protect HVAC equipment.

16. Compressor: A part of the HVAC system that pumps refrigerant through the system, increasing its temperature and pressure.

17. Heat Exchanger: A component in furnaces that transfers heat from one medium to another, typically from combustion gases to air.

18. VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow): A technology that allows varying refrigerant flow to indoor units, providing precise temperature control and energy efficiency.

19. BTU (British Thermal Unit): A measurement of heat output or heat removal; one BTU is the amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

20. HEPA Filter: A high-efficiency air filter that removes a high percentage of airborne particles, including allergens and pollutants.