Top Heating and Air Words You Need to Know
- susan4434
- Aug 31, 2021
- 5 min read
It is very frustrating when your air conditioning goes out in the middle of the summer heat. But it can be even more frustrating and confusing when you do not know how to communicate the problems you are having to the repair technician.
When you are not the expert, air conditioning jargon can get overwhelming. But learning the names of the major parts will help you understand the technician’s diagnosis and feel confident with the repairs.
There is no sense in searching the Internet for everything. This article breaks down the most common words used in air conditioning repair so you can speak confidently with an air conditioner contractor.
HVAC
HVAC is an acronym that stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. An HVAC system includes the components that work together to control the indoor climate and cool or heat a home.
Condenser or Outdoor Unit
The condenser or outdoor unit is the large metal box located outside the home with attached piping going into the house. A condenser will have fans, pumps, coils and electronics built into the unit. A condenser pressurizes heat using refrigerant gas and moves it through coils within the system to heat or cool indoor spaces.
Ducts or Ductwork
Ducts are four-sided channels that allow heated or cooled air to pass through the house. Ductwork is the system of ducts inside a house typically installed inside the walls, floors or ceilings. Insulation is placed around the ducts to control the temperature of the forced air. Flexible ducts have insulation located inside the tubes.
Air Handler, Air Handler Unit or AHU
An air handler is typically an indoor unit paired with a heat pump that circulates cool and hot air through a home’s ductwork. If the house has a split system, it will need an air handler. There are different types of air handlers depending on the design of the home. Some typical models include:
A small air handler, also known as a terminal unit.
Makeup air units are larger air handlers that can circulate air from the outside.
Packaged or rooftop air handler units are installed outside or on rooftops.
Heat Pump
Although the condenser unit is the outdoor component of an HVAC system, a condenser can be either an air conditioning unit or a heat pump. A heat pump cools air for your home but also provides heat. Heat pumps do not use fossil fuels. They also do not make heat. Instead, they recirculate heat from the air or ground through the unit and into the home.
Furnace
A furnace is a major component of the HVAC system that heats your home. The furnace is located inside the house. Furnaces can operate using natural gas, oil, electric or propane.
Single Package
A single package is used to describe an air conditioner with a condenser unit and the air handler inside one unit. Single-package systems save space and are usually located on the roof of a home. This type of HVAC system is also simpler to install.
Split System
A split system separates the air conditioning system into an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit (compressor). The indoor unit is not exposed to extreme temperatures and weather elements, so it will run more efficiently and last longer if maintained properly. However, installation is more complicated.
Zoning System
One choice of HVAC system is a zoning system. A Zoning system allows a homeowner to control the temperature in different zones throughout the home. Larger homes with different floors or several windows reap the benefits of a zoning system since temperatures within the home can vary by area.
Coils: Condenser Coil and Evaporator Coil
An air conditioning system has two coils that provide cool air to a home.
The evaporator coil provides indoor cooling and is located inside the air handler or attached to the furnace. The coil holds refrigerant which absorbs heat from the air and then the air is blown over by the air handler’s fan.
The condenser coil is located outside the home and uses refrigerant to remove and release heat to the outside.
These coils can fail if an HVAC system is not adequately cleaned and maintained regularly. If your coils go out, you will quickly notice that your air conditioner is not working. It can also be a costly repair.
Drain Line
Your air conditioner removes humidity from the air as part of its climate-controlled process. When your air conditioner dehumidifies the air, the leftover moisture falls into the drain pan underneath the home’s indoor unit.
Drain lines also collect this condensation and pull it outside your home. The drain line, also known as the condensate drain line runs from the indoor unit to the outside. The drain line is usually indicated by PVC or copper pipe near the indoor unit or outside condenser unit.
Drain lines can become clogged with mold, algae and debris. Ensuring these lines are cleaned is an essential step in keeping your air conditioner running for a long time. To learn more about unclogging drain lines, read our blog post Maintaining Your Home Air Conditioner.
Measurements: BTU, SEER and Ton
Air conditioner professionals use several measurements to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of an HVAC system. The most common terms are BTU, SEER and ton.
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. BTU is a measurement of heat energy that HVAC professionals use to measure how much energy an air conditioner uses to remove heat from a home in an hour. BTU measurement is also used to understand how efficient furnaces and heat pumps are at transferring heat. In addition, BTU is often used to gauge what size air conditioner is appropriate for a home.
SEER is a standard for measuring the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It represents the total energy needed for the AC unit to supply cool air to your home. SEER is often used when comparing different models of air conditioners. To read more about SEER, see our blog post, Top 5 Things to Know About SEER.
Ton is one of the most frequently used terms to compare and sell air conditioners. A ton measurement shows the capacity an AC system has to cool a home. Typically, a one-ton air conditioner can cool about 450 square feet. The size of the air conditioner, measured in tons, a home needs depends on several factors other than the size of the home, such as living conditions, number of people and pets, climate, number of windows and positioning of the house. An HVAC professional will evaluate your home and conditions to recommend the correct tonnage for your home.
Summary
The terminology air conditioner professionals use can be confusing, especially when you are trying to understand why your system is not working. Understanding the main words used by HVAC technicians can help you understand the work that needs to be done to repair the system.
Air Control of Northwest Arkansas has a team of HVAC technicians that can help get your AC and heater back up and running. If you are having issues with your HVAC system, please call Air Control today to schedule an assessment.
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