Are you downright mystified by some of the terms associated with your HVAC system? Granted, it’s sophisticated technology and there’s a lot to know. But you don’t need HVAC certification to get a handle on some of the most frequently used terms. Learn these and have a better-informed discussion with your technician when you’ve got a problem.
Here’s a brief glossary of some common HVAC terms used during the heating season.
Terms to Know
AFUE — Annual fuel utilization efficiency, a measurement used to signify how efficient a gas-powered heating system is over a season of use. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the system.
Btu — British Thermal Unit, a measurement for how much heat is required to raise one pound of water by one degree. It is the measurement used to estimate heating system capacity.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) — An odorless, tasteless, toxic gas that is a byproduct of the combustion process, such as when a furnace converts gas energy to heat.
Dual Fuel — A system that pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace, alternating between the two for the highest efficiency.
ECM — Electronically commutated motor. A DC (direct current) motor that is considered more efficient than some AC (alternating current) motors, and that operates at a variety of speeds.
Furnace Blower Motor — The fan that blows cold air onto the heated coils of the heat exchanger and into the air ducts, which distribute the heated air through the home.
Heat Exchanger — Located in the furnace, the heat exchanger heats the air, which is then distributed through the home.
Heat Pump — HVAC system with an outdoor compressor and indoor air handler that pump refrigerant between the two units, removing heat from the home to cool and absorbing heat from outdoors to warm the home.
PSC — Permanent split capacitor motors are alternating current (AC) motors used in HVAC systems. They turn on and off, without speed control. Because it is running at a constant speed, it’s less efficient than an ECM.
Have questions these heating season terms? Give us a call at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company in Yuma, 928-783-3331.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heating season lingo and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
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