HVAC

The acronym for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Modern systems also include air cleaning and moisture control.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio measures the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. It is equal to the Total Cooling Output Over the Cooling Season / Total Electrical Energy Input Over the Cooling Season. It measures the total cooling of your air conditioner or heat pump in BTUs compared with the energy output (in watt hours) used within the same period. The higher the SEER rating on your air conditioner, the more energy efficient it is, meaning lower energy costs to run it.

Heat Pump

A compressor that cycles both hot and cold air. It is designed to move thermal energy in the opposite direction of heat flow by absorbing heat from a cold space, which is released to a warmer space.

AC (Air Conditioner)

An appliance/mechanism (or system) designed to extract heat and dehumidify a room or building. A room air conditioner is installed in a window or a wall and delivers conditioned air without a duct work system. Central air conditioning uses fans and ducts to deliver cool air from a central unit to the rooms in your home.

BTU (British Thermal Unit)

A measurement of energy (heat) used to indicate the rate of cooling, dehumidifying, or heating in an HVAC system. One BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of pure water by one degree Fahrenheit.

FACT: One BTU is approximately: 1.05 to 1.060 kilojoules, 252 to 253 calories (or little calories), 0.25 kilocalories (or food calories), and 778 to 782 foot pound force (ft. lbf.)