Definitions & Helpful Tips
AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This term is used with any fossil fuel (gas, oil, propane) type system on how effective it is at producing heat from the fuel it burns. A gas furnace with an 80 AFUE converts 80% of the heat from the fuel it is burning into useable heat while the rest goes up the chimney with the exhaust gases.
Air handler - the indoor part of a central air conditioner or heat pump system that moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork of your home. an air handler is usually a furnace or blower coil.
BTU – British Thermal Unit. This is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
Carbon Monoxide – Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure. .
Compressor – The part of an air conditioning system that pumps refrigerant through the system by increasing the refrigerant pressure.
Condenser coil - part of a split-system air conditioner or heat pump. by converting refrigerant that is in a gas form back to a liquid, the coil sends heat carried by the refrigerant to the outside.
Efficiency -A rating on comfort equipment is similar to the miles per gallon rating on your car. The higher the rating number, the more efficient the system and the lower your fuel consumption will be.
Electronic air cleaner - an electronic device that filters out large particles and contaminants in indoor air. It then electronically pulls out tiny particles that have been magnetized, such as viruses and bacteria, drawing them to a collector plate.
Evaporator coil - part of a split system air conditioner or heat pump located indoors. the evaporator coil cools and dehumidifies the air by converting liquid refrigerant into a gas, which absorbs the heat from the air. the warmest refrigerant is then carried through a tube to the outdoor unit (condenser coil).
Humidification – The process of adding moisture to the air in your home or office.
HVAC - Heating, ventilating and air conditioning refers to the indoor comfort industry.
SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This is the term that is commonly used to identify how efficient an air conditioner is at using electricity. In 1992, a law was passed requiring all systems to be 10 SEER or better (the higher the number the more efficient the system). In 2006, a law took effect requiring a 13 SEER minimum. 20+ SEER systems are available currently today, but are priced accordingly.
Split system - refers to an air conditioner or heat pump that has components in two locations. usually, one part of the system is located inside (evaporator coil) and the other is located outside your home (condenser coil).
Ton - Heat pumps and air conditioners are generally sized in tons. Typical sizes for single family residences are between two and five tons. Each ton equals 12,000 Btuh.
Finally, we would like to leave you with a few things that you can do to save money and keep your unit running properly.
- Clean or Change Your Filter Monthly
Excessive dust or dirt in a filter can block airflow, which forces a unit to work harder to maintain your preferred temperature.
- Keep Outdoor Unit Clean
The outdoor unit should be clear of debris, leaves and shrubbery. The unit needs a free flow of air over the coil.
- Let the Thermostat Do Its Job
Your system will perform more efficiently when you let the thermostat control it. Continually adjusting the temperature can be very inefficient. Set the thermostat at a comfortable level and leave it there.
- Leave everything else to the professionals Avoid “do-it-yourself” type repairs on your system(s). By trying to fix it yourself, it could end up costing you far more than the original cost of repair. Not only could you harm your system, you could seriously injure yourself.
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