Glossary of terms used on this site
There are 23 entries in this glossary.All
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| AFUE |
This is a percentage measurement of a furnace's heating efficiency. The U.S. Government's minimum efficiency level is 78%. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. The initials stand for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. |
| Air Handler |
This is the indoor section of a split system. It can be a dedicated air handler, or could be your furnace. Also known as a fan-coil. |
| Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Insti |
ARI is an industry trade association that develops standards for measuring and certifying product performance. For instance, ARI Standard 270 provides guidelines for establishing sound levels for outdoor air-conditioning equipment. |
| Airflow |
The distribution or movement of air. |
| Ambient Temperature |
This is the air temperature (usually the outdoor air temperature) surrounding the equipment. |
| ARI |
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, a non-profit, voluntary organization composed of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturers. ARI publishes standards for testing and rating heat pumps and air conditioners. |
| Bioaerosols |
Microscopic living organisms suspended in the air that grow and multiply in warm, humid places. |
| BTU |
British Thermal Unit. This is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. You'll see this measurement when you look at heating and cooling capacities - for example, your dealer may recommend a 75,000 Btu furnace and a 24,000 Btu air conditioner for your home. |
| Condensing Unit |
This is the outdoor section of a split system air conditioning system. You'll know it best as the air conditioner that sits outside your home. |
| COP |
Coefficient Of Performance. A ratio that compares a heat pump system's heating efficiency to that of electric resistance heat. For example, a heat pump system with a COP of 3.0 provides heat at 3 times the efficiency of electric resistance heat. A heat pump's system COP will decrease as outdoor temperatures drop, eventually providing little or no efficiency advantage over electric resistance heat - and that's when your auxiliary heat strips start to heat your home. |
| Dual Fuel |
For even greater efficiency, this heat pump can be paired with a furnace. Called a Dual Fuel System, this combination minimizes heating costs by seamlessly alternating between the two energy sources, depending on outdoor conditions. |
| EER |
Energy Efficiency Rating |
| ENERGY STAR |
Products/Homes/Buildings that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. To learn more, please visit www.energystar.gov. |
| GPH |
Gallons Per Hour. You might see this rating if you are looking at an oil furnace. In addition to input and output, an oil furnace also has a rating of gallons per hour, the volume of oil a furnace is capable of burning in 60 minutes. |
| Heat Pump |
A unit that both cools and heats your home. A heat pump system can be either a split system or a packaged system. A heat pump can be used in conjunction with a gas/oil/LP furnace (using the furnace instead of electric resistance heat when temperatures fall below about 35° F) with the addition of a fossil fuel kit. |