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BTU- British Thermal Unit Used for both heating and cooling, BTU is a measure of the heat given off when fuel is combusted. One BTU is equal to the heat given off by a wooden kitchen match.
Capacity- The ability of a heating or cooling system to heat or cool a given amount of space. For heating, this is usually expressed in BTUs. For cooling, it is usually given in tons.
CFM- (Cubic Feet per Minute) - A flow rate to measure the quantity of air moving through a fan or air duct or the amount of air delivered to a room.
Compressor- Part of a split system heat pump or air-conditioner's outdoor unit that controls the pressure applied to the refrigerant, necessary for taking in heat to warm your home or getting rid of heat to keep your home cool.
Conditioned Space- An enclosed space that is mechanically heated and/or cooled.
Condenser Coil- Part of a split-system air conditioner or heat pump. By converting refrigerant that is in a gas form back to a liquid, the coil sends heat carried by the refrigerant to the outside.
Damper- A type of "valve" used in ductwork that opens or closes to control airflow. Used in zoning to control the amount of warm or cold air entering certain areas of your home.
Downflow- A type of furnace that takes cool air from the top and blows warm air to the bottom---common when your furnace must be located in a second-floor closet or utility area.
Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC)- An electronic device that filters out large particles and contaminants in indoor air. It then electronically pulls out tiny particles that have been magnetized, such as viruses and bacteria, drawing them to a collector plate.
Evaporator Coil- Part of a split system air conditioner or heat pump located indoors. The evaporator coil cools and dehumidifies the air by converting liquid refrigerant into a gas, which absorbs the heat from the air. The warmest refrigerant is then carried through a tube to the outdoor unit (condenser coil).
Fan Coil- An indoor component of a heat pump system, used in place of a furnace, to provide additional heating on cold days when the heat pump does not provide adequate heating.
GPM- Gallons per minute of liquid.
HVAC- Term used for Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning.
Heat Gain- The increase in the amount of heat contained in a home as a result of solar load, infiltration, of warm air, and the heat transmitted through the walls, ceiling, floors, doors, and windows when it is warmer outside the home than inside.
Heat Loss- The decrease in the amount of heat contained in a home resulting from heat flow through, windows, and roof, and air leakage when it is colder outside the home than inside.
HSPF- The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is a measure of the heating efficiency of a heat pump. The higher the HSPF number, the more efficiently the heat pump heats your home.
Horizontal Flow- A type of furnace installed on its "side" that draws in air from one side, heats it, and sends the warm air out the other side. Most often used for installations in attics or crawl spaces.
Humidifier- A piece of equipment that adds water vapor to heated air as it moves out of the furnace. This adds necessary moisture to protect your furnishings and reduce static electricity.
Infiltration- The uncontrolled movement of air into and out of the conditioned space through cracks and holes in the building envelope.
Load Estimate- A series of studies performed to determine the heating or cooling requirements of your home. An energy load analysis uses information such as the square footage of your home, window and door areas, insulation quality, and local climate to determine the heating and cooling capacity needed by your furnace, heat pump, or air-conditioner.
Matched System- A heating and cooling system comprised of products that have been certified to perform at promised comfort and efficiency levels when used together, and used according to design and engineering specifications.
MERV- (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). The rating standard for efficiencies of filters. The higher the rating, the better the protection for the equipment and the occupants. Recommended ratings are MERV 8-13.
Operating Cost- The day-to-day cost of running your home comfort equipment, based on energy use.
Payback Analysis- Overall measure of the efficiency and value of your home comfort system. By combining your purchase price and ongoing operating costs, a payback analysis determines the number of years required before monthly energy savings offset the purchase price.
Reclaiming- Returning used refrigerant to the manufacturer for disposal or reuse.
Reciprocating Compressor- A type of compressor used in air conditioners that compress refrigerant by using a type of "piston" action.
Recycling- Removing, cleaning, and reusing refrigerant.
SEER- The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a measure of the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system is at converting electricity into cooling power.
Scroll Compressor- A specially designed compressor that works in a circular motion versus an up and down piston action.
Setback Thermostat- A state-of-the-art electronic thermostat with a built-in memory that can be programmed for different temperature settings at different times of the day and night.
Split System- Refers to an air conditioner or heat pump that has components in two locations. Usually, one part of the system is located inside (evaporator coil) and the other is located outside your home (condenser coil).
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