# The Most Common HVAC Terms & Acronyms Decoded

- Link: https://alpscomfortair.com/common-hvac-terms-acronyms-decoded/
- Published: 2018-04-25T16:22:30+00:00
- Author: kathypuig

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Orange County Heating and AC⌉When you call your local HVAC company, do you try to
use proper terminology to explain the issue that you’re experiencing? Or do you 
use words like “thing-a-ma-jig” or “what-cha-ma-call-it?”

Our technicians know from experience that the components and functions of HVAC systems
are not common knowledge, especially for first-time homeowners.

Well, customer satisfaction is our top priority. So to help out, we have compiled
a list of the most common HVAC terms, acronyms, and their meanings.  We want to 
educate our customers so they can speak about their systems confidently. But don’t
worry; we won’t quiz you during your next maintenance appointment.

### **HVAC Terms & Acronyms:**

**– Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE):** A measure of furnace heating
efficiency. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace.

**– BTU:** stands for British Thermal Unit. The amount of energy needed to heat 
up 1 lb of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

**– Coil:** There are typically two HVAC coils in a system—the condenser coil in
the outside air conditioning condenser unit and the evaporator coil in the indoor
unit. The coils are what increase or decrease the temperature via heat transfer.

**– Combined Annual Efficiency (CAE):** Combined Annual Efficiency (CAE) is a measure
of the amount of heat produced for every dollar of fuel used to heat your home’s
air and water. It is used to compare efficiencies of integrated water and space 
heaters.

**– Compressor:** An AC or heat pump compressor is the part of an outdoor air conditioner
or heat pump that compresses and pumps refrigerant to meet household cooling requirements.

**– Condenser:** a heat exchange system that removes warm air and transfers it to
an external location.

**– Controller:** the technical device that controls part or all of the system. 
Often, these devices control the power to your system, and are automatic.

**– Damper**: An HVAC damper is a movable plate, located in the ductwork, that regulates
airflow and redirects it to specific areas

**– Duct:** the system by which the airflow travels.

**– Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER):** The ratio of cooling capacity to the power 
input (in watts). The higher the EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner.

**– Heat Exchanger: **A heating component that is located in the furnace and transfers
heat to the surrounding air, which is then pumped throughout the home.

**– HVAC**: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

**– MERV Rating**: The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating is used 
to rank the efficiency of air filters

**– Refrigerant**: A chemical that produces a cooling effect while expanding or 
vaporizing.

**– Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER):** Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (
SEER) is an energy efficiency rating for air conditioners. The higher the SEER, 
the more efficient the unit.

**– Split system:** a heating and cooling system in which certain components are
outside the home, while others are inside.

**– Ton**: Unit of measurement for determining cooling capacity.

With these basic terms, you will begin to have a much better understanding for troubleshooting
problems and explaining them to your technician. We know these terms don’t cover
everything, and in those cases, we are happy to assist in person or over the phone.
[Schedule an appointment ](https://alpscomfortair.com/contact-us/)or give us a call
at [866-830-5444](https://alpscomfortair.com/contact-us/).