References

AFUE is the abbreviation for ‘Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency’ ratio. AFUE is used to rate furnace efficiencies by dividing the ratio of heat output by heat input. This measurement describes how well fuel; gas or oil is consumed to produce heat by a furnace. As the AFUE rate increases, the efficiency of your furnace also increases, lowering your fuel costs. Furnaces manufactured in the United States are required to have at least an 80% AFUE.

Duct distributes air throughout the air conditioned space. There is also a grill for the return air delivery, which is directed back to the air handling system, which when installed correctly, balances the temperature throughout the space for maximum comfort.

There are many different levels of filters. Disposable (or throw away) filters are the least
efficient and should be replaced monthly. Electronic filters are more efficient and should be taken out and cleaned quarterly.

A heat pump is a device used for either the heating or cooling of a space by transferring hot and cold between two reservoirs. A heat pump can act like an air conditioner, transferring heat from inside to out, or like a heater as it transfers exterior heat to the interior. A winter day with a temperature of 32? Fahrenheit still produces enough heat to warm a space when the air is transferred by heat pump.

HSPF is the abbreviation for the ‘Heating Seasonal Performance Factor’. This factor rates the efficient operation of the heating portion of the heat pump. As the HSPF increases, the unit functions at a more efficient level. New units in the United States have HSPF ratings from 7.0 to 9.4.

This equipment controls and regulates the humidity in the air conditioned space.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration – This term describes the entire
indoor air quality and environmental comfort. HVAC incorporates the entire system, from the actual heating and air conditioning units to the duct system supplying the air throughout the structure.

R-22 is the common name for hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). HVAC manufacturers have used R-22 as a refrigerant for over 40 years, but studies in the past decade have shown that HCFC’s contain chlorine, an ozone-depleting agent. For this reason, the United States Clean Air Act has set a target date for January 1, 2010, on which HVAC manufacturers must cease the production of products that use R-22.

R-410A/Puron is the common name for an emerging hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) that is being used as a refrigerant in the HVAC industry. R-410A/Puron is more environmentally friendly than R-22 and is being seen as the most likely replacement for R-22 by HVAC manufacturers. At the beginning of 2010, the use of alternate refrigerant will be required in HVAC manufacturing.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating – This term defines the efficiency of the air conditioning
unit, much like the “miles per gallon” on your car. The more efficient the unit (the higher the SEER), the less electricity/gas/fuel your HVAC system will use. The less electricity/gas/fuel your system uses, the lower your energy bill. Effective January 26, 2006, national law requires all HVAC systems manufactured to be a minimum of 14 SEER.

This equipment controls and regulates the air conditioned space. There are many
different models, including type, digital, programmable.

Larger spaces tend to have zones to differentiate the various areas being air-conditioned. For example, a house may be zoned by the floors or by various rooms in the house.