HVAC Distributors and Wholesalers Key Terms

Learn the key terms to help you deal with HVAC distributors and wholesalers

By Catherine Ryan

Whether you are an HVAC contractor or an HVAC equipment retailer, you will need to know how to work with HVAC distributors and wholesalers. One of the best ways to prepare yourself for a successful relationship is to learn the important terminology associated with the industry.

Before you select your next HVAC distributor or wholesaler, be sure to learn the following terms: absorption cycle, ASHRAE standards, AHRI certification, seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), load calculation, and halide refrigerants.

Absorption cycle

Absorption cycle is the term applied to water chilling units that use a chemical process, rather than mechanical, to create refrigeration. It's important to understand this distinction when ordering chilling units from a wholesaler.
Try: Anytyme provides a definition of absorption cycle along with many other useful definitions in its online glossary.

ASHRAE standards

It's important to look for residential and commercial HVAC systems that meet the standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers(ASHRAE). These standards ensure that systems meet important environmental, efficiency and safety standards.
Try: Learn more about ASHRAE and its standards and certification processes at its website.

AHRI certification

Another important label to be aware of when working with HVAC wholesalers is AHRI certification. The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) certifies products that it tests to verify the performance claims of the manufacturers.
Try: Learn all about the AHRI and its certification process at its website.

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)

The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is the total cooling output of an air conditioning unit over a specific period divided by the electrical input of that unit over the same period. It's important to be aware of a unit's SEER when placing an order with an HVAC wholesaler.
Try: Learn about SEER and other important HVAC terms at All Material.

Load calculation

Load calculation is an important term to understand when selecting a cooling or heating unit. Load calculation is the mathematical method of determining how much heating or cooling a system must put out in order to operate safely in a particular commercial or residential environment.
Try: Learn about load calculation at the Water Energy Distributors website.

Halide refrigerants

Halide refrigerants are refrigerants that contain halogen chemicals.
Try: You can learn more about halogen chemcials by visiting the website Chemical Elements.com.