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Heating and Cooling Terminology you should know!

Welcome to the Resource Services guide to Essential HVAC Terminology for Homeowners! Whether you’re facing a repair, planning an upgrade, or simply want to understand how your heating and cooling systems work, knowing the basics of HVAC terms is essential. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll break down common HVAC jargon, helping you to better communicate with technicians and make informed decisions about your home’s comfort. Have a question? Give us a call! 515-266-9900

  1. HVAC: An acronym standing for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, referring to the systems responsible for maintaining indoor comfort.
  2. Thermostat: A device used to control the temperature of a heating or cooling system by sensing the ambient temperature and adjusting accordingly.
  3. Furnace: The heating component of an HVAC system that burns fuel (gas, oil, or electricity) to generate heat for the home.
  4. Air Conditioner: A system that cools indoor air by removing heat and moisture, often using a refrigeration cycle.
  5. Plasmaguard: Cutting-edge air purification technology that utilizes plasma to neutralize airborne contaminants such as Covid and other viruses, bacteria, and odors. By generating highly reactive ions, Plasmaguard effectively eliminates harmful particles, contributing to improved indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment. Resource Services in Des Moines, IA is your licensed Plasmaguard installers. Give us a call: 515-266-9900 to discuss Plasmaguard.
  6. Heat Pump: An HVAC unit capable of both heating and cooling by transferring heat between the indoor and outdoor environments.
  7. Ductwork: The network of channels or pipes used to distribute heated or cooled air throughout a building.
  8. Filter: A component within the HVAC system designed to trap dust, debris, and other particles, preventing them from circulating in the air.
  9. HVAC Efficiency Rating: A measure of how effectively an HVAC system converts energy into heating or cooling output, often indicated by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for air conditioners and AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) for furnaces.
  10. HVAC Maintenance: Regular upkeep tasks performed on HVAC systems to ensure proper functionality and efficiency, including filter replacement, duct cleaning, and system inspections.
  11. Zoning: A system that divides a building into separate areas or zones with independent temperature controls, allowing for customized comfort settings.
  12. Humidifier: An add-on device for HVAC systems that adds moisture to the air, increasing indoor humidity levels for improved comfort and health.
  13. Dehumidifier: An accessory used to remove excess moisture from the air, reducing humidity levels to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
  14. HVAC Load Calculation: The process of determining the heating and cooling requirements for a building based on factors such as size, insulation, and occupancy to properly size HVAC equipment.
  15. Heat Exchanger: A component within a furnace or heat pump that transfers heat from one fluid to another without them coming into direct contact, essential for heating air in winter.
  16. Refrigerant: A chemical compound used in air conditioners and heat pumps to absorb and release heat during the refrigeration cycle, facilitating cooling.
  17. Ventilation: The process of exchanging indoor air with outdoor air to maintain indoor air quality and freshness, often achieved through mechanical or natural means.
  18. Programmable Thermostat: A thermostat that allows users to schedule temperature adjustments throughout the day, optimizing energy usage and comfort levels.
  19. Ductless Mini-Split System: An HVAC system that does not require ductwork, consisting of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air-handling units, ideal for retrofitting older homes or room additions.
  20. Air Handler: The indoor component of a split-system HVAC unit responsible for circulating conditioned air throughout the building.
  21. Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) / Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV): Devices that improve indoor air quality by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering energy from the exhaust air stream.
Heating and Cooling Terminology HVAC lingo What does HVAC stand for Air conditioning furnace
HVAC Terminology You Should Know!

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