13 Common HVAC Terms You Should Know

The more you know about a topic, the more you learn about it and the more you talk about it. The same is true with your HVAC system. When it’s time to get your heater or air conditioner serviced, The Bosworth Company will pair you with a technician who can diagnose any issues, and explain how we can help in terms you can understand. In this post, we’ll go over a few of the terms that may come up, so that you know how to interpret them! (Don’t worry, our techs will explain everything thoroughly to make sure you understand!)

HVAC GLOSSARY

  • AFUE stands for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.” This measures how efficient your furnace is at converting fuel into heat. The higher the AFUE rating the better!
  • Air filters collect particles and contaminants as they’re sucked into your system, preventing them from being circulated throughout your home.
  • Evaporator coils are housed in the inside units of ACs and heat pumps, and outside units house condenser coils. The coils remove heat from the air in your home and are used in both heating and cooling.
  • Dampers are located inside your air ducts and help move air throughout the system.
  • Ductwork is the network of flexible metal-based tubing in your attic that circulates air throughout your home.
  • Your furnace converts fuel into warm air for your home.
  • The heat exchanger is a series of tubes that bring air to the furnace to be warmed by the burners, then bring it to your home.
  • A heat pump is a system that provides heating and even cooling to your home.
  • IAQ stands for “indoor air quality.” That’s the goal of your HVAC! It can be achieved by maintaining proper ventilation, routine cleaning, and maintenance.
  • Programmable thermostats allow you to remotely control the temperature in your home. This can be done through a computer or smartphone and enables you to adjust the temperature to your comfort level according to your schedule.
  • Refrigerant is a liquid that carries heat between the evaporator and condenser coils.
  • SEER stands for “Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Ratio.” This measures the overall efficiency of your system. The higher the better!
  • Zoned systems allow you to set the temperature for particular rooms in your home. This requires separate units and is controlled by individual thermostats.

WORTH THE CALL

Have you mastered the terms yet? If not, no worries – the certified professionals at The Bosworth Company will take the time to explain your system and the services we provide. Make an appointment online, or call us today at (432) 570-5299. It’s Worth the Call. Always.