The fact that the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry identifies itself using an acronym should give you some hint that your NATE-certified HVAC contractor is probably going to use some industry lingo. Here are some of the common terms used during the heating season.

Air Handler

An air handler is a component of a split-system heat pump that is typically located in a closet or your basement. The air handler’s case contains a blower fan, evaporator coil, condensate drain and other parts. Your air handler should be serviced prior to peak heating season for optimal home heating.

Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)

AFUE is a measure of furnace heating efficiency expressed as a percentage of how much fuel is converted to home heating. For example, a high-efficiency furnace with 95 AFUE converts 95 percent of your energy dollars to heat your home.

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

If you use a gas furnace, you should have CO detectors installed through your home. CO is a poisonous gas that is dangerous if leaked inside your home, which can occur when combustion is incomplete and there’s a leak in the heating system.

Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your heat pump that prepares and pumps refrigerant to the evaporator to heat your home.

Dual Fuel

A dual-fuel heating system is the combination of an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. This way, you receive the most efficient energy source for home heating depending on outside temperatures and heating demand.

Garage Heaters

If you want to keep your garage at a reasonable comfort level when the temperature outside drops, consider installing a natural or propane gas garage heater.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)

Heat pump heating efficiency is indicated by its HSPF number. The HSPF is a ratio of heating output to energy input.

Variable Speed Motor

Variable speed blower motors for your furnace or heat pump deliver the precise amount of airflow your home needs to maintain a consistent temperature.

When you need HVAC service this heating season, contact us at Powers Heating & Air for clear communication and exceptional service!

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.

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