Air Handler
The indoor portion of an HVAC system that circulates conditioned air throughout the home.
Airflow
The movement of air through your HVAC system, ductwork, and living spaces. Proper airflow is essential for comfort and efficiency.
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
A measurement of heating and cooling capacity. HVAC systems are sized based on the number of BTUs needed for a home.
Capacitor
An electrical component that helps HVAC motors start and run properly.
Coil
A component that transfers heat. Evaporator coils absorb heat indoors, while condenser coils release heat outdoors.
Condensate Drain Line
The pipe that removes moisture produced during the cooling process.
Ductwork
The network of ducts that distributes heated or cooled air throughout a building.
Energy Efficiency
A measure of how effectively an HVAC system uses energy to provide heating or cooling.
Evaporator Coil
The indoor coil that absorbs heat from the air during the cooling process.
Heat Pump
A system that can both heat and cool a home by transferring heat rather than generating it.
HVAC
Stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Humidity
The amount of moisture in the air. Maintaining proper humidity levels improves comfort and indoor air quality.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The condition of the air inside a home or building, including factors such as dust, allergens, mold, and humidity.
Mini Split System
A ductless heating and cooling system that provides zoned comfort to specific areas of a home.
Mold Growth
The development of mold caused by excess moisture, high humidity, or water intrusion.
Refrigerant
The substance that absorbs and releases heat as it circulates through an HVAC system.
Return Air
Air that is pulled back into the HVAC system to be filtered and conditioned.
SEER Rating
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A higher SEER rating generally indicates greater cooling efficiency.
Static Pressure
The resistance to airflow within an HVAC system caused by ductwork, filters, or other restrictions.
Supply Vent
The vent that delivers conditioned air into a room.
Thermostat
A device that controls the temperature settings of an HVAC system.
Ventilation
The process of exchanging indoor and outdoor air to improve air quality and reduce contaminants.
Whole-Home Dehumidifier
A system designed to reduce excess moisture throughout the entire home.
Zoned HVAC System
An HVAC setup that allows different areas of a home to be heated or cooled independently.
HVAC Inspection
A detailed evaluation of a heating and cooling system’s condition, performance, safety, and expected lifespan.
HVAC Maintenance
Routine service designed to improve performance, reduce breakdowns, and extend equipment life.
Duct Leakage
Air escaping through gaps or damaged sections of ductwork, reducing system efficiency and comfort.
Relative Humidity
The percentage of moisture present in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature.
UV Air Purifier
A device that uses ultraviolet light to help reduce biological contaminants inside HVAC systems.
MERV Rating
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. A scale used to measure how effectively an air filter captures airborne particles.
Short Cycling
When an HVAC system turns on and off frequently without completing a full heating or cooling cycle.
Variable-Speed System
An HVAC system that adjusts its operating speed based on demand, improving comfort and efficiency.
Indoor Air Quality Assessment
An evaluation of factors affecting indoor air quality, including humidity, ventilation, filtration, and potential contaminants.
HVAC Lifecycle
The expected service life of heating and cooling equipment based on age, maintenance history, and operating conditions.
Moisture Intrusion
Unwanted water entering a home or HVAC system, potentially leading to mold growth and structural damage.
Air Balancing
The process of adjusting airflow throughout a home to improve comfort and system performance.
Building Envelope
The physical barrier between indoor and outdoor environments, including walls, windows, doors, and insulation that impact HVAC performance.