Glossary

Glossary of Air Conditioning and Heating Terms
 

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  AFUE - Stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This number represents how efficiently a furnace converts fuel to energy. The higher the rating, the more fuel-efficient the furnace is.Percentage of fuel used for heating.
 
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) - ARI is an industry trade association that develops standards for measuring and certifying product performance. For instance, ARI Standard 270 provides guidelines for establishing sound levels for outdoor air-conditioning equipment.  
   
Air Handler - The portion of your air conditioner or heating system that forces air through your home's ductwork.  


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  Bioaerosols - Microscopic living organisms suspended in the air that grow and multiply in warm, humid places.
   
  BTU - Stands for British Thermal Units. This number indicates the amount of heat it takes to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The higher the BTU rating, the larger the heating capacity of the furnace or air conditioner. Homes are measured to determine the number of BTUs required from a heating or cooling system.
   
  BTUH - British thermal units per hour.


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  CAE - The Combined Annual Efficiency is a measure of the amount of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed for both home and water heating.
   
  Capacity - Heating and cooling equipment capacities are measured in BTUs. How much heat can the air conditioning unit remove.
 
Carbon Monoxide - A colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas produced when carbon burns without sufficient air nearby.  
 
CFM - Stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. A measurement of airflow that indicates how many cubic feet of air pass by a stationary point in one minute. The higher the number, the more air is being forced through the system.  
 
Central Air Conditioning System - System in which air is treated at a central location and distributed to and from rooms by one or more fans and a series of ducts.  
 
Compressor - The Compressor is the most important piece of a heating or cooling system. Located in the outdoor unit, the compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout the system.  
 
Condenser Coil - The outdoor portion of a heating or cooling system that either releases or collects heat from the outside air, depending on the time of year. The Condenser Coil is connected directly to the home's Air Handler and is also known as the Outdoor Coil.  


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Damper - A movable plate that controls airflow through a ductwork system. Dampers are used to direct air to the areas of the home that need it most.  
 
dB - A decibel is a unit used to measure the relative intensity of sound.  
 
DOE - The Department of Energy is a federal agency responsible for setting industry efficiency standards and monitoring the consumption of energy sources.  
 
Ductwork - Hollow pipes used to transfer air from the Air Handler to the air vents throughout your home. Ductwork is one of the most important components of a home heating and cooling system.  


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Electronic Air Cleaner - An electronic device that filters out large particles and bioaerosols in indoor air.  
   
ENERGY STAR® - An EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) designation attached to HVAC products that meet or exceed EPA guidelines for high-efficiency performance above the standard government minimums.  
   
EPA - The Environmental Protection Agency develops and enforces federal environmental regulations. The EPA oversees the nationwide ENERGY STAR® program.  
   
Evaporator Coil - This is where refrigerant evaporates as it removes heat from the air that is passed over it. The Evaporator Coil is located in the indoor unit and is also referred to as the Indoor Coil.  


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FAQ - Stands for Frequently Asked Question. Also refers to a list of Frequently Asked Questions.  


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Garage Heaters - Garage heaters are an excellent product for combating cold garages and workshops during the winter months. Heating capacities provide warmth for a 1 car garage up to a 4+ car garage application. Separated combustion models provide heating for hard-to-heat applications. Available in natural or propane gas, units should be installed by a Lennox dealer/installer.  


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Heat Exchanger- The part of a furnace that transfers heat to nearby air. That air is then distributed through the Ductwork throughout your home.  
 
Heat Pump- A heating and air conditioning unit that heats or cools by moving heat.  
 
Horizontal Flow - When an air handler or furnace is positioned on its side and circulates air in one end and out the other. Ideal for attic or crawl space installations.  
 
HSPF- Stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Indicates how efficiently a Heat Pump is working. A higher number means the unit works more efficiently. Most new units have ratings from 7.0 to 9.4.  
 
HumidifierA component that adds moisture to the air before it is distributed by the Ductwork throughout the house.  
 
Humidistat - An automatic device used to maintain humidity at a fixed or adjustable set point.  
 
HVAC- Stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.  


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Indoor Coil - See: Evaporator Coil  
   
ISO 9000 - A family of international standards for quality management and assurance.  


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MERV Rating - The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of a filter describes the size of the holes in the filter that allow air to pass through. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the holes in the filter, the higher the efficiency.  
   
Micron - A unit of measure equal to one millionth of a meter, or one thousandth of a millimeter.  


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Odors/Chemicals - Air contaminants in the form of gases.  
   
Outdoor Coil - See: Condenser Coil  


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Particles - Any substances measuring less than 100 microns in diameter. The EPA has found that small particles (less than 2.5 microns) are responsible for the health effects of greatest concern.  
   
Programmable Thermostat - A thermostat with the ability to record different temperature/time settings for your heating and/or cooling equipment.  


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R410A Refrigerant - A chlorine-free refrigerant that meets the EPA's newest, most stringent environmental guidelines.  
 
Refrigerant- A chemical that cools air as it evaporates. Air conditioning systems use Refrigerant in the Evaporator Coil to cool air as it passes by.  
 
Refrigerant Lines- Two copper lines that connect the Condenser (Outdoor) Coil to the Evaporator (Indoor) Coil.  


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Scroll Compressor - A specially designed compressor that works in a circular motion, as opposed to up-and-down piston action.  
 
SEER- Stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. An efficiency measurement that is similar to Miles Per Gallon for cars. The higher this number, the more energy efficient they system is. New units have SEER ratings from 10 to 17 BTUs per watt.  
 
Single Package- One outdoor unit that contains both a heating and a cooling system.  
 
Split System- A combination heat pump or air conditioner with indoor components such as a furnace or blower coil. To maximize effectiveness, Split Systems should be matched.  


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Thermidistat - Monitors temperature and humidity and adjusts heating or cooling system to maintain desired levels.  
   
Thermostat - A device that allows you to control the temperature inside your home by telling the heating or cooling system how much air to produce.  
   
Ton - Unit of measurement for determining cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 Btuh.  
   
Two-Stage Operation - Provides two levels of heating or cooling output for greater temperature control, energy efficiency and improved indoor air quality.  


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Upflow - When an air handler or furnace is installed in an upright position and circulates air through the side or bottom and out through the top. Typically used in basement, closet and attic installations.  


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Variable Speed Motor - A motor that automatically adjusts the flow of warm or cool air for ultimate comfort.  
   
Ventilator - A system that exchanges stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.  


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Zoning - The dividing of a home into different areas each with their own heating and cooling properties. For example, you might prefer to have the kitchen area of your home be slightly cool, while at the same time keeping the temperature in the bedrooms warmer.  


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