| Embarking on a new field of work or hobby can be | | | | centrifugal compressor, the reciprocating, the rotary |
| quite the adventure. After all, there is the thrill of doing | | | | screw, and the scroll. |
| something new, meeting others with similar interests, | | | | - Condenser- The outside of an air conditioning unit |
| and the opportunity to improve one's knowledge of a | | | | that condenses the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid to |
| subject. As part of these new experiences, comes a | | | | remove the unwanted hot or cold air from the building |
| new vocabulary relates to the chosen field. In the field | | | | to the outside. |
| of HVAC, (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) it is | | | | - Drip pan- A tray or pan in which the water collects |
| no different. However, for many homeowners the | | | | as it is condensed from the evaporator. |
| terms association with this field can be a bit intimidating. | | | | - Duct- The conduit through which heated or cooled air |
| Here are some of the more common terms and | | | | is moved from the condenser unit to the rooms of a |
| abbreviations one is likely to hear when talking to an | | | | building. |
| HVAC specialist: | | | | - EER- Energy Efficient Ratio; a ratio of the cooling |
| - ACCA- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America; | | | | capacity to the electrical input under specific conditions. |
| a group that represent HVAC and refrigeration | | | | The higher the number the better. |
| specialist. | | | | - Evaporator Coil- Tubes that move the heat and |
| - Activated carbon- Granular processed carbon, often | | | | moisture as the refrigerant evaporates back into a |
| used in air filters to clean the air. | | | | gas. |
| - Air balancing- Adjusting the air conditioning and | | | | - Matched system- A heating and air system which |
| heating to ensure the correct amount of air is delivered | | | | has components certified to perform at a certain level |
| to each room. | | | | when used together. |
| - AFUE- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency; a rating that | | | | - Packaged heat pump- A refrigerant system that has |
| shows the efficiency of furnaces and gas heating | | | | all its parts in one unit. |
| units. The number represents how much energy is | | | | - SEER- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; this shows |
| converted to usable heat. | | | | how effective an air conditioner or heat pump is, the |
| - Air Handling unit- The equipment that moves or | | | | higher the number the better the unit. |
| "mixes" the air being heated or cooled. Its components | | | | - Split system- Commonly used in homes. It is when |
| include a blower fan, heating/cooling coils, controls, drain | | | | two or more parts of an HVAC are located outside of |
| pans, and air filters. | | | | the home with lines running between the components. |
| - Compressor- A pump in an air conditioning system | | | | - Variable-speed motor- A type of motor that has |
| that moves the refrigerant from the evaporator coils | | | | multiple speeds to allow for better air circulation, as well |
| inside to the condenser outside then back into the | | | | as less noise and energy use. |
| building. There are 4 types of condensers: the | | | | |