HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Air Handler – A device used to circulate and condition air.
Airflow – The movement of air through a system or space.
BTU – British Thermal Unit, a unit of heat energy.
Compressor – A mechanical device used to increase the pressure of refrigerant.
Condenser – A device used to release heat from refrigerant.
Ductwork – The system of ducts used to distribute air throughout a building.
Evaporator – A device used to absorb heat from a space.
Filter – A device used to remove particles from the air.
Furnace – A device used to heat air or water.
Heat exchanger – A device used to transfer heat from one fluid to another.
Heat pump – A device used to transfer heat from one location to another.
Humidity – The amount of moisture in the air.
Humidifier – A device used to add moisture to the air.
HSPF – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, a measure of a heat pump’s efficiency.
IAQ – Indoor Air Quality, a measure of the quality of air inside a building.
HVAC system – The collection of devices used to heat, cool, and ventilate a building.
Load calculation – A calculation used to determine the heating or cooling needs of a building.
SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, a measure of an air conditioner’s efficiency.
Split system – A system in which the indoor and outdoor units of an HVAC system are separate.
Thermostat – A device used to control the temperature of a space.
VAV – Variable Air Volume, a type of HVAC system that adjusts the amount of air delivered to each zone based on demand.
Zone – A specific area within a building that is controlled by its own thermostat or temperature sensor.
AHRI – Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, a trade association for HVAC manufacturers.
CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute, a measure of the volume of air flow in a system.
Chiller – A device used to cool water or other fluids for use in an HVAC system.
CO2 sensor – A device used to monitor the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.
Damper – A device used to control the flow of air in a duct system.
Dehumidifier – A device used to remove moisture from the air.
Energy Star – A government program that identifies energy-efficient products.
Fan coil unit – A device used to condition air in small spaces.
Geothermal – A type of HVAC system that uses the earth’s natural heat to heat or cool a building.
Heat recovery ventilator – A device used to recover heat from exhaust air and use it to preheat incoming fresh air.
Heat strip – A device used to provide supplemental heat to an HVAC system.
Inverter – A device used to control the speed of a compressor motor in order to improve energy efficiency.
Load shedding – A technique used to reduce the load on an HVAC system during periods of high demand.
MERV – Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, a rating system for air filters.
Packaged system – A type of HVAC system in which all components are contained in a single cabinet.
Refrigerant – The substance used to transfer heat in an HVAC systemScroll compressor – A type of compressor that uses two spiral-shaped scrolls to compress refrigerant.
SEF – Seasonal Efficiency Factor, a measure of a furnace’s efficiency.
Static pressure – The force exerted by air against the walls of a duct.
Superheat – The amount by which the temperature of refrigerant exceeds its boiling point.
Thermostatic expansion valve – A device used to control the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator.
Ton – A unit of cooling capacity, equal to 12,000 BTUs per hour.
Variable speed – A feature that allows an HVAC system to adjust its output to meet changing demand.
Ventilation – The process of exchanging indoor air with outdoor air.
Water source heat pump – A type of heat pump that uses water as a heat source or heat sink.
Zoning – The process of dividing a building into multiple zones, each with its own thermostat or temperature sensor.
2-pipe system – A type of HVAC system in which the same set of pipes is used for both heating and cooling.
