A
- AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
-
A measure of the efficiency of a heating system, particularly furnaces.
See entries: Energy Efficiency, SEER, HSPF
- Air Conditioning (AC)
-
This component involves the cooling and dehumidification of indoor air during warmer seasons. Air conditioners
and heat pumps are commonly used for cooling purposes in HVAC systems.
See entries: Heat Pump
- Air Handler
- Part of the HVAC system that circulates conditioned air throughout the building.
C
- Condenser Unit
- Outdoor component of an air conditioning system responsible for releasing heat.
D
- Ductwork
- System of ducts used for air distribution throughout a building.
E
- Energy Efficiency
- The ability of HVAC systems to operate with minimum energy consumption.
F
- Furnace
-
A furnace is a key component responsible for heating your home or building. It works by
burning fuel (such as natural gas, propane, or oil) or using electricity to generate heat.
The heated air produced by the furnace is then distributed throughout the space via a system of ducts.
H
- Heat Pump
-
An HVAC system that can both heat and cool by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors.
See entries: HSPF
- Heating
-
This involves the provision of warmth to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during colder seasons.
Common heating systems include furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps.
See entries: Heat Pump
- HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
-
A measure of the efficiency of a heat pump system during the heating season.
It represents the ratio of heat output to electricity consumption over an entire heating season, typically
measured in British thermal units (BTUs) per watt-hour.
See entries: Heat Pump, Energy Efficiency, SEER, AFUE
- HVAC
-
HVAC stands for Heating (H), Ventilation (V), and Air Conditioning (AC). It refers to the technology and
systems used to control the indoor environment of buildings, ensuring comfort and air quality for the occupants.
See entries: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Indoor Air Quality
I
- Indoor Air Quality
-
Essential for creating a healthy and comfortable indoor environment, indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air
within buildings and structures, particularly as it relates to the health and comfort of the occupants. It encompasses
various factors that contribute to the overall cleanliness, freshness, and safety of the air inside a space.
HVAC systems are integral to achieving and maintaining acceptable indoor air quality by incorporating proper ventilation, filtration, and temperature and humidity control measures.See entries: Ventilation
M
- Maintenance (HVAC Maintenance)
-
Regular upkeep and inspection of HVAC systems to ensure optimal performance.
S
- SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
-
A measure of the efficiency of an air conditioning system over a cooling season.
See entries: Energy Efficiency, AFUE, HSPF
- Smart Thermostat
-
A programmable thermostat that offers advanced features such as learning capabilities,
automation, and the ability to adapt to users' preferences and schedules.
See entries: Thermostat
T
- Thermostat
-
Device that regulates and controls the temperature of a heating and cooling system.
See entries: Smart Thermostat
V
- Ventilation
-
The process of exchanging or replacing air within a space to control indoor air quality.
It helps to remove pollutants, regulate moisture levels, and replenish oxygen. Mechanical
ventilation systems, fans, and air exchanges are commonly used in HVAC systems for this purpose.
See entries: Indoor Air Quality
Z
- Zoning
-
Dividing a building into different zones for customized temperature control.