Be In the Know: List of Common HVAC Terms
Below is a glossary of HVAC terminology to provide understanding of these common terms in the industry.
Absolute Pressure
In the larger context of pressure measurement, absolute pressure is part of the “zero reference” trinity. This includes Absolute Pressure (AP), Gauge Pressure and Differential Pressure. AP is zero referenced against a perfect vacuum.
Absolute Temperature
Absolute temperature is the temperature of an object on a scale where 0 is considered as absolute zero. Absolute temperature scales are Kelvin and Rankine. Absolute zero is the lowest temperature at which the system is in a state of lowest possible (minimum) energy. No electronic device can work at this temperature.
Absolute Zero Pressure
Absolute zero, temperature at which a thermodynamic system has the lowest energy. It corresponds to −273.15 °C on the Celsius temperature scale and to −459.67 °F on the Fahrenheit temperature scale.
Absorbent
Ability to pull in and trap liquid: able to absorb liquid.
Absorption Refrigerator
An absorption refrigerator is a refrigerator that comes with a heat source (e.g., solar energy, a fossil-fueled flame, waste heat from factories or district heating systems) that provides the energy needed to drive the cooling process. The principle can be used to air condition buildings using the waste heat from a gas turbine or water heater. This multipurpose appliance is very efficient, since the gas turbine then generates electricity, hot water and air-conditioning (called cogeneration/trigeneration).
ACCA
The ACCA (The Indoor Environment & Energy Efficiency Association) is a nonprofit association whose membership boasts more than 60,000 professionals and 4,000 businesses in the indoor environment and energy services trade. ACCA cooperates with members to encourage professional contracting, energy efficiency, and healthy, comfortable indoor environments.
Accumulator
An accumulator is a storage tank that takes liquid refrigerant from the evaporator and keeps it from reaching suction lines before vaporizing
AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the amount of fuel converted to space heat in proportion to the amount of fuel sent to the boiler or furnace. It does not include the electricity used by the fan and controls.
AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is a trade association representing manufacturers of HVACR and water heating equipment all over the globe.
BBB
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) helps people learn about and recommend businesses, brands and charities they can trust.
BTU
British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a basic measure of thermal (heat) energy. One BTU is the amount of energy necessary to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit, measured at its heaviest point.
CEE
Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a U.S. and Canadian organization of gas and electric efficiency program administrators. CEE encourages its members to accelerate the development and availability of energy-efficient systems and services for lasting public benefit.
COP
Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a measure of efficiency for heat pumps in the heating mode that illustrates the ratio of total heating capacity to electrical energy input. For example, if a heat pump has a COP of 3, it should deliver three units of energy for every one unit of electricity consumed.
EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of an individual cooling device is the ratio of output cooling energy (in BTU) to input electrical energy (in Wh) at a given operating point. EER is generally calculated with a 95 °F outside temp and an inside (actually return air) temp of 80 °F and 50% relative humidity.
HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a measure of a heat pump’s energy efficiency over one heating “season.” It is made up of the total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in BTUs) as compared to the total electricity rates (in watt hours) during the same season.
HVAC
HVAC is a common acronym that stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. This is the most commonly used term when referring to complex systems that perform both heating and cooling.
Mini-Split
Mini-split systems are ductless room air conditioners or heaters. When only certain rooms need heating and cooling, mini-split heat pumps and air conditioners offer a smart, versatile solution. Exceptional efficiency in a small package.
NATE
NATE, North American Technician Excellence Inc., is an independent, third-party, nonprofit certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE certification tests impart real-world working knowledge of HVACR systems and technicians can gain installation and/or service certification in one or more particular areas. NATE certification tests are created by the NATE technical committee. The NATE technical committee is composed of industry experts who developed and oversee NATE’s Knowledge Areas of Technician Expertise (KATEs). Each exam is designed based on these knowledge areas of expertise. The technical committee includes a wide collection of perspectives such as contractors, educators, manufacturers and utilities. Members also are diversely spread throughout the country.
SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the cooling output throughout an average cooling season divided by the total electric energy input in the same period. The higher the unit’s SEER rating the more energy efficient it is.
SHGC
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a measure of how well a window resists heat caused by sunlight.
U-Factor
U-factor is a measure of how well a window performs at stopping heat flow. Try windows with a lower U-factor (the lower the U-factor, the better).