HVAC Contractors Terminology

Accumulator: shell device designed to prevent liquids from entering the compressor

Active Cooling: HVAC contractors' reference to compressor driven air-conditioning

Boiler Pressure: measured steam or water pressure in a boiler

Central heating System: in HVAC units it refers to a single appliance that spreads heat through a network of ducts to areas of the building

Cooling Capacity: the quantity of heat an appliance is able to cool in an hour

Dampers: dampers control the airflow through an air outlet or duct

Dual Duct System: an air conditioning system with a heated and a cooled duct

Exhaust Ventilation: mechanical removal of air from a part of a building

Filter (air): mechanical filtration device that removes contaminants before the air enters living space

Fuel Efficiency: ratio of heat produced by fuel

Home Energy Rating System (HERS): an energy rating program that indicates energy losing deficiencies in a property

IAP: indoor air pollution

Integrated Heating Systems: heating solutions that perform more than one function

Mechanically Ventilated Crawlspace System: application designed to increase ventilation within a crawlspace

Outdoor Air Supply (or Make-Up Air): air brought into a building from outdoors

Radiant Heating System: HVAC reference to systems where heated surfaces supply heat to a room

Space Heater: mobile heater designed for the heating of individual spaces

Tankless Water Heater: system that heats water before it is distributed for end use