- HVAC: an all-encompassing term for your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system
- Thermostat: the main control system for your HVAC. In order to control the temperature in your home, thermostat utilizes sensors and relays to turn your HVAC system on and off.
- SEER: Season Energy Efficiency Ratio. This term represents the measure of efficiency, either seasonal or annual, for your central air conditioner or heat pump. This measurement is determined from the varying temperature that occurs throughout each season, along with the average BTUs your air conditioner uses to cool your home during the cooling season. HVAC units with a higher SEER rating are considered more energy efficient. Most units manufactured in the U.S. must have a SEER of 13.
- BTU: British thermal units per hour, which is the standard classification for HVAC units. It is used to determine the amount of energy required to cool or heat one pound of water by one degree. For example, 12,000 BTUs is equal to cooling one ton of cooling.
- MERV: another common efficiency measurement, MERV stands for minimum efficiency reporting value. Most commonly, this measurement is used to rate air filter efficiency. A filter rated higher on the MERV scale will be better able to trap particles and keep them from getting into the air in your home. This higher rating also can translate into lower energy costs over the long run.
- Split system: This is the most common type of heating and cooling system found in homes. It combines both an air conditioner (outdoor unit) and an indoor unit (air handler). A split system must always be paired correctly to ensure it runs efficiently. If you should require HVAC repair in Jacksonville, FL, be sure to have your technician check to see if your split system is paired up correctly.
- Condenser fan: a fan that circulates air over an air-cooled condenser, which is located in the outdoor component of your HVAC system.
- Condenser coil: This is also known as the outdoor coil and is a series of coils filled with refrigerant. As the refrigerant moves through the coil it is turned from gas into liquid to help cool your home and remove hot air.
- Evaporator coil: This is also known as the indoor coil, and is a series of tubes filled with refrigerant. As warm air blows through these tubes, the heat and moisture are removed from that air as the liquid refrigerant turns from liquid to gas.
- Refrigerant: This is a chemical used in HVAC units and refrigerators to move heat in and out of an indoor space. As the liquid heats up, it evaporates as it absorbs the heat.
Now that you are aware of some of the most common HVAC terms used, you will be better able to discuss any issues that might arise should you need HVAC repair in Jacksonville, FL. Have more questions about your home’s HVAC system? Contact the heating and cooling experts at Snyder Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electric. Family-owned and operated, they have been serving the Jacksonville area since 1973. Snyder is proud to offer an array of installation, maintenance, and other services to address all of your home’s HVAC needs.
