Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Key Terms

Ensure a complete understanding of HVAC units by knowing some industry terms

By Casey Holley

Purchasing a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit can put a big dent in your budget. With a purchase this large, making sure that you have the most appropriate system for your needs is vital. A system too large can waste electricity or gas and a unit too small won't work efficiently.

Whether you are an HVAC dealer or a business owner shopping for an HVAC unit, there are some terms that you should be familiar with to help you make an informed decision.

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF)

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) are the formulas the government uses to rank the efficiency of the heating and cooling of the unit.
Try: 1-800-Any-Tyme offers information about the HSPF and SEER.

Heat pumps

A heat pump is a unit that heats and cools a home. These are commonly used in areas with year-round mild climates.
Try: You can find information about heat pumps and other HVAC related terms on Don Vandervort's HomeTips.com.

Capacity

The capacity of an HVAC unit is the amount of energy it takes to operate. Heaters are measured in British thermal units (BTUs) or gallons per hour (GPH). Air conditioning units are measured in tons, a measurement not of weight but of capacity to cool 12,000 BTUs per hour.
Try: Armstrong Air offers explanations about capacity ratings. American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning offers information about BTUs.

Energy Star

When you see the Energy Star certification on an HVAC unit, that means the unit is energy efficient and has a low environmental impact. Energy Star units must be government approved to keep the certification.
Try: WiseGeek provides information about the Energy Star system.

Load estimate

A load estimate is a formula that takes into consideration the size of the area to be heated and cooled, the insulation of the areas and the climate in order to determine the size and type of HVAC unit a building needs.
Try: McAfee Heating and Air Conditioning provides information on how to determine the load estimate amount.

Geothermal equipment

Geothermal equipment use the ground to help transfer heat. This is most common with heat pumps. This type of equipment is considered environmentally friendly.
Try: You can find information about geothermal equipment at Air Turbine Propeller and ToolBase.