Despite the fact that a home’s HVAC system is an integral part of the household, a lot of homeowners don’t know a whole lot about it. Today, we’re going to rectify that by providing you with some common HVAC terminology that you should know.
HVAC
In case you’re not aware, HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. However, this acronym has become a catch-all for anything to do with the comfort of your home, which means that solar power and sometimes even plumbing may be included.
Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are a basic component of an HVAC system, and they work by removing heat from the equipment. You may already be familiar with their location, as this is where an air conditioner or heat pump will feel hot to the touch.
Refrigerant
Most AC systems use a chemical called refrigerant for cooling, which is a key piece of HVAC terminology you’ll need when dealing with a technician. It needs to be replenished every once in a while, so if your unit isn’t blowing cool air, its refrigerant level may be running low. This is a common issue that’s easy to fix, but a leak will require a visit from an HVAC technician.
SEER
This term stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and refers to an AC system’s energy efficiency. Higher ratings translate to lower energy usage. These units will be more costly, but you’ll save on utility bills.
AFUE
Similar to SEER, the Annual Fuel Efficiency Ratio refers to the energy efficiency of your furnace or boiler. It refers to how much fuel is converted to heat versus how much is lost, so an 80% rating translates to 80% used and 20% lost.
Heat Pump
Despite the word heat in the name, this compressor is used for heating and cooling. It works by transferring heat either inside or outside of your home, depending on whether you’re trying to cool off or warm things up.
Knowing these few pieces of HVAC terminology should help you better understand how your system works. If you have any questions about the HVAC terminology discussed here or would like to schedule service, call the professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve the HVAC needs of Lorain and the surrounding areas.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area