An HVAC unit is a complex system that is a major part of any home. To ensure that it’s working properly, regular maintenance is necessary, but in order to do so, you need to have knowledge of the HVAC system. A simple way of doing this is being aware of the various parts of an HVAC unit. Continue reading to learn about some common HVAC terms you should know.
AFUE
The first piece of HVAC jargon that is important to know is AFUE, which stands for the Annual Fuel Efficiency ratio. AFUE calculates how energy efficient your home’s heating system is based on how much fuel you use and how much is lost. The AFUE of your heating system will be reflected as a percentage. And anything below 80 is when you should consider replacing your unit.
BTU
The British term unit, or BTU, is another measurement of energy that is used to figure out the rate of cooling, dehumidifying, or heating in an HVAC system. A BTU is determined by the amount of energy needed to increase the temperature based on one pound of water by one degree in Fahrenheit. A BTU will let you know how powerful your system’s boiler is with a higher rating, meaning more heating capacity.
EER
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio and is a formula used to figure out the effectiveness of a window unit AC or a heat pump. To calculate the EER, you will need to find the ratio of the cooling capacity in BTUs to the power input in watts. The higher rating an EER has, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
Coils
The next common HVAC term you should know is regarding the two coils that are used in an HVAC unit. The condenser coil is located on the outside, while the evaporator coil lies on the inside. These two coils are vital to your home’s HVAC system because they are used to increase and decrease the temperature.
Compressor
Another important part of your HVAC unit to be aware of is the compressor. The purpose of a compressor is to increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas. A compressor will typically be found in your home’s AC unit, either outside or in the heat pump.
Ductwork
Ductwork is a system that consists of synthetic or metal tubes responsible for moving air from the heating and air conditioner. The ducts are a key component of an HVAC system, which is why it’s important not just to know their function, but also to make sure they are well-maintained.
Heat Pump
Another component of an HVAC unit that moves air is a heat pump which works in two different ways. During the summer, it transports heat from the inside to the outside, and it moves the heat from the outside to the inside in the winter. A heat pump plays a major role in an HVAC unit and in adjusting your home to the seasonal changes that occur.
HEPA
In terms of making sure the quality of your home is high, a term you should look for is HEPA, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. HEPA comes into play when you are searching for HVAC filters online, because it’s an indicator that it can take care of harmful particles that get in your air such as dirt, dust, and other allergens.
Line Set
A central AC unit’s line set consists of the two lines of refrigerant used to bridge the evaporate coil and the condensing unit. The line set contains a small copper tube that is used as the liquid line, and a larger tube that functions as the suction line.
Load Calculation
Load calculation is another formula that helps you figure out how much heating or cooling your home may need. A load calculation takes note of any heating or cooling lost from roofs, windows, walls, ducts, and other aspects of a home. This is an instrumental part of the HVAC design process that technicians will use to figure out the right system for your home needs.
MERV
In addition to HEPA, another quality you should look for in air filters is the Minimum Efficiency Rating Value, or MERV. A MERV rating will vary based on numbers, with 16 being the highest. The higher the MERV rating of an air filter is, the more particles it will be able to keep out of the air.
Plenum
Plenum is an enclosed box that is normally made of insulated sheet metal that is on the side of an air handler. The plenum is where the ducts attach and is used for keeping gas at a pressure that is higher than the surrounding area. The plenum controls and equalized pressure and ensures that there is an even amount of distribution.
Refrigerant
The refrigerant is a working fluid that transports heat and is used in air conditioners, heat pumps, and refrigerators. The refrigerant is located inside the coils of the previously mentioned units and features a substance that absorbs heat, which makes air conditioning possible.
SEER
Another important rating that you should keep tabs on with your HVAC system is the SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and indicates how effective an air conditioner is. Like a MERV rating, the higher the rating, the more efficient it is. A SEER rating is calculated by the cooling output divided by the total electric energy input during the traditional cooling season. The lowest SEER rating you can get is 13.
Split System
The split system is a type of HVAC system that comprises of an indoor unit, an outdoor compressor with a condenser, and at least one thermostat. A split system is an alternative to a package unit and is beneficial because it can provide more efficiency and configuration.
Thermostat
The final HVAC term you should know is a thermostat. To control your HVAC system, you will need to have a device installed that will allow you to do so. A thermostat is the most common way many control the HVAC system in their home, and it’s vital that you have one to ensure it’s running properly and to your liking.
Having these terms in your vocabulary will make the process of keeping up with the maintenance of your home’s HVAC unit a lot easier.
