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HVAC Glossary
A simple guide to common HVAC terms used in heating, cooling, ventilation, and indoor air quality. Perfect for homeowners looking to understand their system better.
Common HVAC Terms
- AFUE
- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency — measures furnace efficiency as a percentage of fuel converted to heat.
- SEER
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio — measures AC and heat pump cooling efficiency over a season.
- BTU
- British Thermal Unit — measures heating or cooling capacity of an HVAC system.
- Heat Pump
- A system that provides both heating and cooling by moving heat rather than generating it.
- Air Handler
- Indoor unit that circulates conditioned air throughout the home for heat pumps and AC systems.
- IAQ
- Indoor Air Quality — encompasses air purification, filtration, humidity control, and ventilation.
- HRV / ERV
- Heat Recovery Ventilator / Energy Recovery Ventilator — systems that exchange stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air.
- Modulating Furnace
- Adjusts heat output in small increments for precise comfort and maximum efficiency.
- Two-Stage System
- Operates at low and high stages for improved efficiency and more consistent comfort.
- Variable-Speed
- Motor that adjusts airflow smoothly for quiet, efficient, and consistent operation.
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