Glossary

AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A measure of a furnace’s heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the product. The US government’s established minimum AFUE rating for furnaces is 78%.

Air Handler
The indoor part of a central air conditioning or heat pump system that moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork of your home. An air handler is usually a furnace or a blower coil.

BTU
That’s the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. What that means is the higher the BTU rating, the more heating capacity of the equipment.

Carbon Monoxide
An odorless, poisonous, flammable gas produced when carbon burns with insufficient air. We install Carbon Monoxide detectors.

CFM
Cubic feet per minute. A standard measurement of airflow.

Compressor
The part of the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump that compresses and pumps refrigerant throughout the system.

Condenser Coil
The outdoor portion of an air conditioning or heat pump system that serves as a heat transfer point for dispelling heat to the outside air, as in an air conditioner or heat pump in the summer; or for collecting heat from the outside air, as in a heat pump in the winter.

Damper
Device in duct work regulates airflow. Effective in controlling airflow for zoning.

db
Decibel, a measure of sound.

Ductwork
The method by which air is channeled from the furnace or the blower coil throughout your home.

Evaporator Coil
The part of a heat pump or air conditioning system that is located inside the house in the air handler. It is here that the refrigerant evaporates as it transfers heat from the air that passes over the coil.

Heat Exchanger
Located in the furnace, the heat exchanger transfers heat to the surrounding air, which is then pumped throughout the home.

Heat Pump
An HVAC unit that heats or cools by moving heat.

HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. A measure of heat pump heating efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the heat pump. The US government’s established minimum HSPF rating for furnaces is 6.8%.

Humidifier
Equipment that injects moisture into heated air as it passes from the furnace into the ductwork to be distributed throughout the home.

HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Refrigerant Lines
Two copper lines that connect the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump to the indoor evaporator coil.

SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A measure of cooling efficiency for air conditioners. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the equipment. The government’s minimum SEER rating is 13.

Single Package
A heating and cooling system contained in one outdoor unit.

Split System
A combination heat pump or air conditioner with indoor components such as a furnace or blower coil. Split systems should be matched for optimum efficiency.

Thermostat
Usually found on an interior wall, this device operates as a control to regulate your heating and cooling equipment so that you can adjust your home comfort at the touch of a switch.

Ton
Unit of measurement for determining cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 BTU/hr