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HVAC Glossary: Understanding Heating and Cooling Terms

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the technical jargon surrounding heating and cooling systems? Birch Heating and Cooling Fireplace and Patio is here to help you in understanding the ins and outs of heating and cooling terminology with our HVAC glossary.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to make informed decisions about your HVAC system or a curious enthusiast eager to expand your knowledge, our HVAC glossary offers clear explanations of common heating and cooling terms. If you have any questions about our HVAC glossary or services, our team is always available to help.

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HVAC Glossary

  • HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): An abbreviation referring to the systems used for heating, cooling, and maintaining indoor air quality within buildings.
  • Thermostat: A device that controls the temperature of a heating or cooling system by sensing the ambient temperature and adjusting accordingly.
  • SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): A measure of the efficiency of an air conditioning system over an entire cooling season, calculated by dividing the total cooling output by the total energy input.
  • AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): A measure of the efficiency of a furnace or boiler in converting fuel into heat over the course of a year.
  • Heat Pump: A device that transfers heat from one location to another, typically used for heating or cooling indoor spaces by extracting heat from the air or ground.
  • HVAC Ductwork: A system of ducts used to distribute heated or cooled air throughout a building, ensuring proper airflow and temperature regulation.
  • Air Filter: A device used to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne particles from the air passing through an HVAC system, improving indoor air quality.
  • Compressor: A component of an air conditioning or heat pump system that pressurizes refrigerant gas, allowing it to absorb and release heat as it circulates through the system.
  • Evaporator Coil: A coil within an air conditioning or heat pump system where refrigerant absorbs heat from indoor air, causing it to evaporate and cool the air.
  • Condenser Coil: A coil within an air conditioning or heat pump system where refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air, causing it to condense back into a liquid state.
  • Humidifier: A device that adds moisture to the air in a building, increasing indoor humidity levels for improved comfort and health.
  • Dehumidifier: A device that removes moisture from the air in a building, reducing indoor humidity levels to prevent mold, mildew, and other issues.
  • Vents: Openings in a building’s walls, floors, or ceilings equipped with louvers or dampers to regulate the flow of heated or cooled air from an HVAC system into the indoor spaces.
  • Zoning System: A system that divides a building into separate zones, each with its own thermostat and damper controls, allowing for personalized temperature settings and energy savings.
  • Heat Exchanger: A component of a furnace or boiler that transfers heat from combustion gasses to the air or water being heated, increasing efficiency and safety.

We Proudly Service Dubuque, IA and Surrounding Areas

  • Asbury
  • Bellevue
  • Dickeyville
  • Dubuque
  • Dyersville
  • Epworth
  • Farley
  • Hazel Green
  • Lancaster
  • Maquoketa
  • Peosta
  • Platteville
  • Scales Mound
  • Galena

We Proudly Service Dubuque, IA and Surrounding Areas

  • Asbury
  • Bellevue
  • Dickeyville
  • Dubuque
  • Dyersville
  • Epworth
  • Farley
  • Hazel Green
  • Lancaster
  • Maquoketa
  • Peosta
  • Platteville
  • Scales Mound
  • Wisconsin Galena
(563) 500-2087