You want to stay on top of your home’s condition, but when it comes to the HVAC system, it can seem overly technical. But coming to grips with the HVAC terminology that every homeowner should know goes a long way in understanding it.

HVAC Equipment

Knowing what each component in your HVAC system does helps you understand how they work together to produce conditioned air.

Outdoor Unit

Usually called the condensing unit, this is the outdoor equipment in a central AC system that disperses heat collected from your home. The refrigerant absorbs heat from inside and the condensing unit transfers that heat outdoors.

It consists of condensing coils, a compressor, and a fan.

Condensing coils

These are the coils in your outdoor condensing unit that carry the refrigerant that releases excess heat.

Compressor

The compressor compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure gas, which moves it back into your home for another cooling pass.

Condenser fan

This fan blows air across the coils to help remove the heat from the refrigerant-filled lines.

Air handler

The air handler is located inside your home and it often houses the evaporator coils or a heat pump. It contains the blower fan for distributing hot and cold through the ducts.

Evaporator

The evaporator is the indoor equipment in your central AC system. The evaporator coils are filled with refrigerant that absorbs heat from the inside air and moves it outside to the condensing unit.

Refrigerant

This chemical is capable of absorbing heat used in the coils of AC systems.

Split system

The combination of the condensing unit and air handler together is called a “split system.”

Ductwork

Ductwork is a series of tubes that move air from the air handler to various rooms in your home. They may be made of sheet metal, fiberboard, or flexible tubing.

Ductless system

Also called a “mini-split,” this system connects indoor and outdoor units without using ductwork. Many use up to four indoor air handlers for each outdoor unit, which allows you to control different areas of your home for better control and efficiency.

HVAC Concepts

There are a few concepts to define that will help you navigate the world of HVAC.

Efficiency ratings

There are several ways that energy use efficiency is measured and standardized. Understanding these ratings will help you make buying decisions in the future.

Load Calculations

To determine the “size” or capacity you’ll need, HVAC technicians perform a “load calculation.” This formula considers the integrity of the structure, the ductwork configuration, the local climate, and the structure’s orientation.

Air balancing

Air balancing is the process of optimizing your HVAC system to ensure a consistent and efficient flow of conditioned air throughout your home.

Defining Service

HVAC can seem fraught with mathematics, but you can find clarity. Make an appointment today with the experts at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning. They’re happy to explain how you can improve and maintain your HVAC system in detail.