HVAC Glossary: Definitions for Common Terms

HVAC, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is a specialized industry with a lot of specific jargon that may not always be easy for those who don’t work in the field to understand. As your trusted HVAC experts in Fayetteville and the Triangle area, Blanton’s compiled a glossary of HVAC terms to help you better understand your HVAC service professional the next time our team visits your home.

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Helpful HVAC Words You Should Know

• AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): AFUE measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat over a year. A higher AFUE rating means greater efficiency and more savings on energy bills.
• Air Handler: This device circulates and regulates air through the HVAC system. It usually contains a blower, heating or cooling elements, and filters.
• Balancing: A process that ensures the HVAC system distributes air evenly throughout the home.
• Blower: A fan inside the air handler that moves air through the ducts and into the rooms of your home. It plays a crucial role in maintaining airflow and comfort.
• BTU (British Thermal Unit): A unit of measurement for energy. In HVAC, it indicates the amount of heat an air conditioning system can remove from a room per hour.
• Burner: A component in a furnace where fuel is burned to produce heat. The heat generated is then used to warm the air in your home.
• Capacitor: A small device that stores and releases electrical energy in an HVAC system. It provides the initial burst of power that the compressor and fans need to start, then provides a steady stream of power until the cycle is complete.
• Capacity (Or System Capacity): An HVAC system’s ability to heat or cool a space. It’s typically measured in BTUs or tons, indicating how much air the system can handle.
• Central Air Conditioner: A system that cools air in a central location and distributes it throughout the home via ducts.
• Compressor: Sometimes called the heart of the AC system, the compressor is a key component of an air conditioner that pumps refrigerant through the system.
• Condenser Coil: Part of an air conditioner’s outdoor unit, it releases the heat absorbed from inside your home into the outside air.
• Damper: A valve or plate that controls airflow in the ducts. It can be adjusted to direct air to different parts of your home, improving comfort and efficiency.
• Dual Fuel: A dual-fuel system combines a heat pump with a furnace. It optimizes energy use by switching between electricity and gas, depending on which is more efficient for the current temperature.
• ENERGY STAR®: A government-backed program that certifies energy-efficient appliances and systems. Products with the ENERGY STAR® label meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and can save you money on utility bills.
• Evaporator Coil: Located inside the air handler, this coil absorbs heat from the air in your home. This process cools the air before circulating back into the living space.
• Forced Air: Forced air systems use a blower to move air through ducts and into rooms. Depending on the system, they can provide heating, cooling, or both.
• Heat Exchanger: A component in a furnace that transfers heat from the burning fuel to the air circulating through your home.
• Indoor Air Quality: The air quality inside your home. Good IAQ means the air is clean and pollutant-free, vital for your health and comfort.
• Load Calculation: A method used to determine the heating and cooling needs of a building. It helps ensure the HVAC system is appropriately sized for optimal performance and energy efficiency.
• MERV Rating: This rating measures the effectiveness of air filters. Higher MERV ratings indicate better filtration and improved indoor air quality.
• Refrigerant: A chemical compound used in air conditioners and heat pumps to transfer heat. It absorbs heat from indoor air and releases it outside, cooling your home.
• Refrigerant Charge: The amount of refrigerant in an HVAC system. Proper charging is crucial for the system’s efficiency and cooling performance.
• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): SEER measures the efficiency of an air conditioning system over a cooling season. Higher SEER ratings mean better energy efficiency and lower operating costs.
• Ton: In HVAC, a ton is a unit of measurement for cooling capacity that describes how much heat the AC unit can remove from a home in one hour. The size of air conditioners is expressed in tons, with residential air conditioners usually ranging from 1.5 to 5 tons.
• Variable-Speed: Refers to HVAC systems that adjust their speed to meet the heating or cooling demand.
• Zoning: Dividing a home into different areas, each with its own thermostat and control. This allows for customized temperature settings in various rooms.

Contact Blanton’s With HVAC Questions

When you have questions about heating and cooling, look no further than Blanton’s Air, Plumbing & Electric. With 70+ years of experience in Fayetteville and the Raleigh-Durham area, we’ve learned something about helping homeowners understand their HVAC systems. We answer calls 24/7, bring a can-do attitude to every challenge, and are always ready to go above and beyond for you!

We’re always happy to talk about HVAC! Contact our friendly team today with all your HVAC questions.