Learn the ABCs of HVAC!
How much do you know about your HVAC system? If you are like most people, you only have basic knowledge that doesn't go far beyond knowing it regulates the temperature in your home by heating or cooling it as required. However, you may also have found that when you need HVAC maintenance in Knoxville or are considering purchasing a new HVAC unit, it can be tricky to communicate with your technician effectively because you don't know the correct terminology. With that in mind, we are here to help you learn the ABCs of HVAC maintenance in Knoxville!
ACH (Air Changes Per Hour)
ACH stands for air changes per hour, a measure of how many times each hour a room is supplied with or removed air through the use of both mechanical and natural ventilation methods.
AC (AirConditioner)
AC is a simple term that most people will already know. It is a quick way to say air conditioner, which is, of course, an appliance designed to extract heat and dehumidify an area. This could be a small wall or window-mounted unit, or it could be part of a larger central air system delivered through ductwork.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Efficiency Ratio)
If you are in the market for a new HVAC unit, you may come across AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Efficiency Ratio. This is similar to the more well-known SEER rating that we will discuss later in the list. It measures how efficient your heating system is by calculating the amount of fuel used versus the energy lost through the exhaust. For example, if your furnace has an 80% AFUE rating, it means you are losing 20% through its exhaust while the other 80% of the fuel is converted into heat.
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
British Thermal Units, or BTU, are a measurement of heat energy to represent the rate of cooling, heating, or dehumidifying achieved by an HVAC system. It takes one BTU of energy to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Fun Fact! One BTU is equivalent to approximately 252 calories or 780-foot pound-force!
Ductwork
Ductwork refers to the pipes or channels that carry airflow around your home. They can be made from many different materials, including galvanized steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and polyurethane. Having your ductwork cleaned occasionally is necessary as part of your HVAC maintenance in Knoxville.
Dehumidifier
Your HVAC system might be equipped with a dehumidifier to help reduce the humidity level in the air. It does this by cooling the air until it becomes liquid vapor, which is then removed.
Fresh Air Intake
If you have noticed the opening on the side of your home, this is called a fresh air intake. It is used to pull air in from outdoors to replace the air that has been exhausted by the HVAC system.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is a type of compressor that is able to cycle both hot and cold air. It is there to move thermal energy in the opposite direction to the flow of heat. It achieves this by absorbing heat from cold spaces and releasing it in a warmer areas.
HVAC
This one is the most simple term on the list! HVAC is a short way of saying Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning!
Packaged Unit
When arranging HVAC maintenance in Knoxville, you may be asked if you have a packaged unit. This is an air handler that is created for outdoor installation and has either a once-through or a recirculating design. In most cases, they will have their own internal heating and cooling devices. You may also hear this referred to as a Rooftop Unit (RTU).
Refrigerant
Most air conditioners and cooling systems use refrigerant to produce their cooling effect.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating)
If you are buying a new HVAC system, one of the most important things to take into consideration is the SEER rating. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, designed to measure your HVAC unit's energy efficiency. It is calculated by dividing the Total Cooling Output Over the Cooling Season by the Total Electrical Energy Input Over the Cooling Season. The higher your HVAC's SEER rating, the more energy efficient it is. That means it will cost less to keep it running.
Split System
Split, or Zoned, HVAC systems are designed to let you set different comfort levels in different areas of the home. This means you can choose not to heat or cool rooms you don't need or have different spaces in the property at different temperatures.
Thermostat
The thermostat is a key part of any HVAC system, and it is something that should be addressed when booking HVAC maintenance in Knoxville. It is the device that is used to set the desired temperature in the room.
Fun Fact! The earliest example of a thermostat is a design by Dutch inventor Cornelius Drebbel in 1620. He created a mercury thermostat to use in his chicken incubator to regulate the temperature.
Ton
When talking about HVAC equipment, a ton does not refer to a measurement in weight; instead, it represents 12,000 BTUs. For every ton that an HVAC is rated to remove, 12,000 BTUs must be removed from the home.
Now that you know the ABCs of HVAC, you will feel more confident in your communication when you need to book HVAC maintenance in Knoxville.
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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.
Call 865-213-9202 or email office@genthvac.com