Frequently Asked Questions
Common
Terms & Definitions
Air Handler
The evaporator section of an air conditioning system that circulates
and delivers the conditioned air. The air handler is often referred
to as the indoor unit. It contains the evaporator coil, indoor fan
motor and heat strip.
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
A measure of the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature
of a pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. Used to describe how much
cooling or heating a home needs. One ton of cooling is equivalent
to 12,000 BTUs per hour.
Compressor
Part of a heat pump or air conditioner outdoor unit that controls
the pressure applied to the refrigerant. It is responsible for pumping
refrigerant throughout the system.
Condensing Unit
This section of an air conditioning system pumps vaporized refrigerant
from the air handler, compresses it, liquefies it and returns it.
It is often referred to as the outdoor unit.
Defrost Cycle
The process of removing ice or frost buildup from the outdoor coil
during the heating cycle.
Efficiency
A rating on comfort equipment required by the federal government
to allow consumers to compare systems. Similar to gas mileage, the
higher the rating number, the more efficient the system.
Emergency Heat
The back up electric heat built into a heat pump system. Also called
auxiliary heat.
Heat Pump
Cooling and heating equipment which provides a cooling cycle during
the summer and a heating cycle during the winter by absorbing heat
from the outside air and transferring it inside.
HSPF
Stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. It is a measure
of average annual heating efficiency of a heat pump in BTUs per
watt of electricity. A higher number means the unit works more efficiently.
Load Calculation
A calculation performed to determine the heating and cooling requirements
of your home.
Package Unit
A self contained air conditioning unit that includes both the evaporator
and condenser sections within a single cabinet.
Refrigerant
A chemical that cools air as it evaporates.
SEER
Stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It is a measure of
annual average cooling efficiency of an air conditioner or heat
pump in BTUs per watt of electricity. Similar to miles per gallon
for cars, the higher the number, the more efficient the system is.
Straight Cool System
An air conditioning system that includes a cooling cycle only. Gas,
oil, or electric strip heating are added to provide heat.
Strip Heating
Also called resistance heating. Air is blown over electrically heated
metal coils and circulated into the living space.
Thermostat
A device that allows you to control the temperature inside your
home by controlling the heating and cooling cycle of the system.
Ton
Heat pumps and air conditioners are sized in tons. Each ton equals
12,000 BTUs per hour.
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