Helpful HVAC Heating Season Terms to Know
January 26, 2017
Are you planning on installing a new HVAC system in your home? Or are you simply looking to learn more about the system that keeps your home at a comfortable temperature during the cold winters? Your HVAC system is comprised of complex machines and correlating components that are responsible for keeping you warm and comfortable this heating season. It can be confusing to know how it’s all connected and learning the jargon relating to HVAC isn’t always the easiest task.
When you need a tune-up or repair, it's good to know the basic lingo your technician is going to use when discussing what needs to happen with your HVAC system. At Lozier Heating and Cooling, we want to help you make more informed decisions when our technicians are talking with you.
Follow along as we break down terms surrounding the HVAC heating season!
HVAC Terms to Know
HVAC
Let’s begin with the most important term: HVAC. When using the acronym HVAC, it refers to the terms heating, ventilation and air conditioning. These units are used in your home to help keep you comfortable.
AFUE
The heating efficiency of your furnace or boiler is determined by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE. The AFUE rating, such as 98 AFUE, is the measurement expressed as a percentage of fuel converted to home heating. When a furnace has a higher AFUE, it means that the unit works at a higher efficiency.
In today’s day and age, the Federal Trade Commission require new furnaces to display their AFUE rating, allowing for consumers to compare the heating efficiency of different models and makes.
Air Balancing
Air balancing refers to the process of adjusting the heat output (i.e., airflow) of your heating system so that the correct amount of air is being delivered to your living spaces. Air balancing is key when it comes to maximizing home comfort, HVAC performance and energy efficiency.
Ductwork
Ductwork refers to all the conduits and parts used to move air to the living spaces of your home. Air ducts are typically fabricated from thin sheet metal and need to be insulated or located within the conditioned spaces of your home.
Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger in your furnace transfers heat from the combustion compartment to the airflow in the ductwork. Your heat exchanger should be professionally inspected each year to ensure it’s safely functioning.
Heat Pump
You hear about heat pumps often, but what role do they play in an HVAC system? The heat pump heats or cools by moving heat. In the winter months, a heat pump will draw cold air from the outdoors, heat it and circulate it using the home’s air ducts.
Load Calculation
A load calculation is the process of determining the amount of heating and cooling that is needed to most efficiently condition your home. Many factors contribute to load calculations, such as square footage, sun orientation, insulation levels, location of rooms, size and number of windows and doors and much more.
Condenser
A condenser is the outside portion of either an air conditioner or heat pump. The condenser collects or releases heat, depending on the season.
Thermidistat vs Thermostat
What’s the difference between a thermidistat and a thermostat? A thermidistat monitors your home’s indoor temperature, humidity levels and will automatically adjust your heating or cooling system to keep your home at desired levels.
A thermostat monitors your home’s temperature and adjusts the heating or cooling system to maintain the desired temperature.
HVAC Zoning System
An HVAC zoning system, which can also be referred to as zoned HVAC, is a heating and cooling system that use dampers within the ductwork to redirect air to a specific area of your home. Zoning systems allow for homeowners to customize the temperature zones through a home. Having different temperature zones allows for increased comfort and higher efficiency.
Don’t Let HVAC Terms Be Confusing
At Lozier Heating & Cooling, we speak the lingo when it comes to different HVAC terms. We know that understanding the jargon can be confusing, and we want to help you to make sure you understand your home’s HVAC system. Got questions? Contact us this heating season for a heating system tune-up, repair or installation.