Heating and Cooling Terms

Advanced Reciprocating Compressor - Type of compressor that uses a more efficient process

for compressing refrigerant for better cooling efficiency.

AFUE - Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Indicated as a percentage, your furnace’s AFUE

tells you how much energy is being converted to heat. For example, an AFUE of 90 means that

90% of the fuel is being used to warm you home, while the other 10% escapes as exhaust with

the combustion gases.

BTU - British Thermal Unit. Used for both heating and cooling, BTU is a measure of the heat

given off when fuel is combusted. One BTU is equal to the heat given off by a wooden kitchen

match.

Capacity - The ability of a heating or cooling system to heat or cool a given amount of space. For

heating, this is usually expressed in BTU’s. For cooling, it is usually given in tons.

Compressor - Part of a split system heat pump or air conditioner’s outdoor unit that controls the

pressure applied to the refrigerant, necessary for taking in heat to warm your home or getting rid

of heat to keep your home cool.

Condenser Coil - Part of a split-system air conditioner or heat pump. By converting refrigerant

that is in a gas form back to a liquid, the coil sends heat carried by the refrigerant to the outside.

Damper - A type of "valve" used in ductwork that opens or closes to control airflow. Used in

zoning to control the amount of warm or cold air entering certain areas of your home.

Downflow - A type of furnace that takes cool air from the top and blows warm air to the bottom common when your furnace must be located in a second-floor closet or utility area.

Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC) - An electronic device that filters out large particles and

contaminants in indoor air. It then electronically pulls out tiny particles that have been

magnetized, such as viruses and bacteria, drawing them to a collector plate.

Load Estimate - A series of studies performed to determine the heating or cooling requirements

of your home....