Glossary of HVAC Terms

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. For many of us, the process of how we get cold air in the summer and hot air in the winter is a complete mystery. The mystery is made even grayer by all the colorful jargon that is thrown about by an industry that we all rely on year round here in the Great White North.

Here is a glossary of HVAC terms that can help you understand the jargon!

HVAC Terms

AC/DC: This is the type of current that your HVAC system uses.

AFUE: stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and is a measurement used to rate furnace efficiencies.  

Airflow Volume: measured in cubic feet, this is the amount of air circulated in a given space.

BTU: this is British thermal units and is the standard measure of the amount of heat required to raise or lower one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Capacity: this is a measure of the output produced by a heating unit and is determined by BTU’s per hour.

Dehumidifier: A device that removes moisture from the air as it passes through.

Duct: the metal, fiberboard, or flexible material laid out through a space that delivers the air to and from the unit to other areas in the home or office. 

Energy Star: a voluntary US EPA program that helps businesses and individuals save money through energy efficiency.

Heat Exchanger: a device that transfers heat through the system.

Ignition: elevating the temperature of a substance to the point of causing a combustive reaction.

Kilowatt: the equivalent of 1,000 watts.

NEC: National Energy Council.

PSI: Pounds per square inch.

Radiant Floor: A heating system in which hot air or water moves through channels in the floor which keep the surface warm.

Watt: A measure of electricity that is one joule per second.

Volt: Is the unit for electrical potential.

Quality Refrigeration: The Twin Cities experts in HVAC installation, maintenance and repair. If you have commercial heating, ventilation or air conditioning needs, call them today. They know all about keeping your home or business HVAC system working at peak efficiency.