Your Guide to HVAC Heating Season Lingo

Like other industries, the HVAC industry uses acronyms and terms to describe the systems, parts and correlating processes involved within the industry. While HVAC lingo comprises quite an extensive list, the following terms may help you when you need HVAC service, repair or installation this heating season.

HVAC

HVAC is an acronym for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. In terms of servicing, repairing and installing HVAC systems and parts, “HVAC” may also refer to any component or system that contributes or affects heating, cooling and/or ventilating your home.

Heat Pump

A heat pump is a machine that provides home heating (and cooling) by transferring heat energy to (or from) indoor air. Air-source split-system and rooftop packaged heat pumps are most common.

Air Handler

An air handler refers to the equipment of a heat pump system that heats (and cools) indoor air. In a split-system heat pump, the air handling unit is often located in a dedicated closet and sometimes in attic space. While air handlers consist of many parts, following are the major components of a heat pump’s air handler:

• Evaporator coil: The evaporator transfers heat to your home via super-heated refrigerant and airflow.
• Condensate pan: In cool mode, substantial amounts of condensate form on the evaporator, which drips into a condensate pan.
• Fan: A high-power fan pulls and pushes airflow through your home and air ducts.
• Cabinet: All of the components of your air handler are located in a cabinet.

HSPF

HSPF is an acronym for Heating Season Performance Factor. It is a measurement heating efficiency of heat pump systems. When you’re shopping for a new heat pump, look for a unit with a high HSPF, such as 10 HSPF.

AFUE

AFUE is an acronym for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It represents the heating efficiency of gas furnaces in regards to the percentage of fuel converted to home heating. For example, a high-efficiency furnace with 97 AFUE means that the furnace converts 97 percent of natural gas to heating energy for your home.

When you need HVAC services this heating season for your Orlando home, contact Rinaldi’s Energy Solutions.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Orlando, Florida and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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