Glossary of Terms

R-22
        A common name for HCFC, (hydro-chlorofluorocarbon), a refrigerant gas used in HVAC equipment for nearly 50 years. Recent studies show that HCFC type refrigerants contain chlorine, an ozone-depleting agent and will be phased out of production by January 1,2010
R-410A
        A common name for HFC (hydro-fluorocarbon) a newer refrigerant gas used in HVAC equipment as it is more environmentally friendly than R-22
AFUE
       Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating of how much energy a furnace converts to heat. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient a furnace/heating system is
ARI
        Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute Industry organization of HVAC equipment manufacturers which sets standards for testing cooling and heating equipment
BTU
        British Thermal Unit Measurement of heating or cooling. One BTU is equal to the amount of heating or cooling needed to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water by one degree (Fahrenheit)
BTUH
        Measurement of HVAC equipment's ability to heat or cool in BTU's per hour
COMPRESSOR
        A pump that increases the pressure of gas
CONDENSATE
        Vapor that is turned into a liquid as its temperature is lowered
CONDENSER COIL
        A device that removes heat from the refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to be converted from vapor to liquid
CONDENSER FAN
        A fan that passes air over the condenser coil to facilitate the removal of heat from the refrigerant
DILUTION
        A mixing or "dilution" of the CO2 levels of the indoor air and outdoor air
DUCT / DUCTWORK
        A network of metal, fiberboard or flexible material flowing throughout a space which delivers air from an HVAC unit to the respective zones of a home or office
EER
        "Energy Efficiency Ratio”
EFFICIENCY
        A rating of HVAC equipment comparing how much energy is used and how much heat is produced. A unit rated at 50% produces only $.50 of heat for each dollar spent
EVAPORATOR COIL
        A device that is designed to absorb heat in the air in order to change the liquid refrigerant that flows through it into a vapor
FILTRATION
        Removing the allergens and pollutants from your home
HEAT EXCHANGER
        A device through which heat is transferred to a cold area or surface
HUMIDIFIER
        A device that adds humidity, or moisture, to the air
HUMIDISTAT
        The device that measures humidity and turns the humidifier on and off
HVAC
        “Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning”
IAQ
        “Indoor Air Quality" refers to the quality of the air that could affect your health or comfort. Indoor Air Quality may be compromised by mold, bacteria, chemicals or allergens
INDOOR COIL
        A a device that is designed to absorb heat in the air in order to change the liquid refrigerant that flows through it into a vapor
KILOWATT
        1,000 Watts, or “kW”
kWh
        “Kilowatt Hour” measurement of watts used per hour
NATE
        “North American Technician Excellence” Is the leading certification program for technicians in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry and is the only test supported by the entire industry
NATE QUALITY CIRCLE CONTRACTOR
        Only 1 in 10 companies achieve this distinction. Quality Circle Contractors exhibit pride, proficiency, and professionalism. Pride of a job well-done; proficiency with technicians who have knowledge of the  skills, tasks and tools of the trade; and professionalism in their desire to provide their customers with quality workmanship and advice.
OUTDOOR COIL
        A device that removes heat from the refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to be converted from vapor to liquid
REFRIGERANT
        A gas or liquid used in air conditioning systems which condenses under pressure and in the process decreases in temperature. Commonly known refrigerants are "R-22" and "R-410"
REFRIGERANT LINES
        Tubing through which a refrigerant gas passes
SEER
        "Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating"--The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit SOURCE CONTROL
        Usually the most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emission
SPLIT SYSTEM
        An HVAC system which uses indoor and outdoor components to perform heating and cooling
THERMOSTAT
        Temperature measuring and control device
TON
        12,000 BTUs - “British Thermal Unit” - measurement of heating or cooling. One BTU is equal to the amount of heating or cooling needed to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water by one degree (Fahrenheit)
VOCs
        “Volatile organic compounds” are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short and long-term adverse health effects
WATT / WATTS
        Unit of measure of electrical energy
ZONE
        A defined area within a building where heat and cooling are controlled by a thermostat. In building with only one zone, a single thermostat controls temperature throughout the building. HVAC systems  with multiple zones can send heat or cooling to a particular room or area