BE IN THE KNOW: LIST OF COMMON HVAC TERMS
Below is a glossary of HVAC terminology to provide understanding of these frequently used terms in the industry.
Absolute Pressure
In the larger context of pressure measurement, absolute pressure is part of the “zero reference” trinity. This includes Absolute Pressure (AP), Gauge Pressure and Differential Pressure. AP is zero referenced against a perfect vacuum.
Absolute Temperature
Absolute temperature is the temperature of an object on a scale where 0 is used as absolute zero. Absolute temperature scales are Kelvin and Rankine. Absolute zero is the lowest temperature where the system is in a state of lowest possible (minimum) energy. No electronic device can function at this temperature.
Absolute Zero Pressure
Absolute zero, temperature at which a thermodynamic system has the lowest energy. It corresponds to −273.15 °C on the Celsius temperature scale and to −459.67 °F on the Fahrenheit temperature scale.
Absorbent
Ability to draw in and retain liquid: able to absorb liquid.
Absorption Refrigerator
An absorption refrigerator is a refrigerator that comes with a heat source (e.g., solar energy, a fossil-fueled flame, waste heat from factories or district heating systems) that provides the energy needed to complete the cooling process. The principle can even air condition buildings using the waste heat from a gas turbine or water heater. This use is exceptionally efficient, since the gas turbine then produces electricity, hot water and air-conditioning (called cogeneration/trigeneration).
ACCA
The ACCA (The Indoor Environment & Energy Efficiency Association) is a nonprofit association whose membership exceeds more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses in the indoor environment and energy services industry. ACCA hopes to promote professional contracting, energy efficiency, and healthy, comfortable indoor environments.
Accumulator
An accumulator is a storage tank that takes liquid refrigerant from the evaporator and prevents it from affecting suction lines before vaporizing
AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the amount of fuel converted to space heat in proportion to the amount of fuel combusted by the boiler or furnace. It won’t include the electricity used by the fan and controls.
AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is a trade association representing manufacturers of HVACR and water heating equipment across the globe.
BBB
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) helps people learn about and review businesses, brands and charities they can trust.
BTU
British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a simple measure of thermal (heat) energy. One BTU is the amount of energy necessary to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit, measured at its heaviest point.
CEE
Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a U.S. and Canadian association of gas and electric efficiency program administrators. CEE strives to strengthen the development and availability of energy-efficient systems and services for maximum public benefit.
COP
Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a system of measurement for the efficiency for heat pumps in the heating mode that illustrates the ratio of total heating capacity to electrical energy input. For example, if a heat pump has a COP of 3, it will provide three units of energy for every one unit of electricity consumed.
EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of a particular cooling device is the ratio of output cooling energy (in BTU) to input electrical energy (in Wh) at a specific operating point. EER is typically calculated using a 95 °F outside temp and an inside (actually return air) temp of 80 °F and 50% relative humidity.
HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a measure of a heat pump’s energy efficiency over one heating “season.” It illustrates the total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) across the normal heating season (in BTUs) as compared to the total electricity used (in watt hours) during the same season.
HVAC
HVAC is a popular acronym that stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This is the most frequently used term when referring to complex systems that do both heating and cooling.
Mini-Split
Mini-split systems are ductless room air conditioners or heaters. When only certain rooms need heating and cooling, mini-split heat pumps and air conditioners offer a smart, flexible solution. Robust efficiency in a small package.
NATE
NATE, North American Technician Excellence Inc., is an independent, third-party, nonprofit certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE certification tests represent real-world working knowledge of HVACR systems and technicians can gain installation and/or service certification in one or more particular areas. NATE certification tests are created by the NATE technical committee. The NATE technical committee is composed of industry experts who developed and monitor NATE’s Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs). Each exam is designed based on these knowledge areas of expertise. The technical committee offers a wide collection of perspectives from contractors, educators, manufacturers and utilities. Members also are diversely spread everywhere in the country.
SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the cooling output throughout a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input over the same period. The higher the unit’s SEER rating the more energy efficient it is.
SHGC
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a measure of how effectively a window blocks heat caused by sunlight.
U-Factor
U-factor is a measure of how well a window performs at stopping heat flow. Try windows with a lower U-factor (the lower the U-factor, the better).