Have you ever been researching HVAC operations or discussing them with your technician, and it feels like you are trying to learn a new language? Our Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing technicians try their best to explain the terminology and break down acronyms, but here is a little cheat sheet to help you next time your South Florida home requires A/C repair.
ACH (Air Changes Per Hour)
The ACH in your home refers to the number of times per hour that a specific room is provided with new air (or air is removed) through ventilation by mechanical or natural means. According to the EPA, it is recommended that residential homes receive .35 air changes per hour. Standard ACH rates differ depending on the type of building.
Coils
Coils are an element that allows for heat transfer within your HVAC unit or its ductwork. Coils are generally heated/cooled by either electrical means or by circulating a liquid (like refrigerant) or steam within it. There are several different coil components in your HVAC system, including the condenser, evaporator, and heating coils.
Heat Pump
A heat pump is an excellent way to keep your South Florida home comfortable year-round. Heat pumps use the outside air to heat a home in the winter and cool it in the summer. It essentially moves warm air from one place to another, providing efficient temperature control no matter the season.
IAQ (Indoor Air Quality)
The IAQ in your home is vital for your family’s health. The U.S. Environmental Agency has reported that the quality of indoor air can be up to 100 times worse than the air outside. At Lindstrom, we provide several measures to improve your home’s IAQ, including air cleaners and purifiers, germicidal UV lights, dryer vent or duct cleaning, and more.
Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical substance that produces a cooling effect by absorbing environmental heat while expanding and vaporizing, to send that cool air back into your home. A unit’s refrigerant charge means the required amount of refrigerant in a system.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
The SEER is a measure of seasonal or annual efficiency of a central air conditioner or air conditioning heat pump. The higher a unit’s SEER, the more efficient it is and the lower the operating cost. The minimum SEER rating is the U.S. is 10, but most of our Carrier units offer SEER ratings between 16-20.
You can learn about more commonly used HVAC terms in our glossary or by speaking with one of our expert technicians. Give us a call today at (800) 813-1824 to set up your next visit.