Air Cleaner (also Air Filtration System) -A device that removes allergens, pollutants and other undesirable particles from air that is heated or cooled.
Air Handler -The indoor component of your air conditioner or heating system that moves air throughout your home.
All-In-One System (also Packaged System) - An air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet. Used in certain localities and for certain building types, the all-in-one system is installed either beside or on top of your home.
BTU - British Thermal Unit. In scientific terms, it represents the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. One BTU is the equivalent of the heat given off by a single wooden kitchen match. For your home, it represents the measure of heat given off when fuel is burned for heating, or the measure of heat extracted from your home for cooling.
CONDENSING UNIT - Known to an air conditioning company or an air conditioning contractor often times as an "outdoor unit," the condensing unit is the air conditioning unit used to cool the entire house. The condensing unit works with the air handler, or "indoor unit", to absorb the vaporized refrigerant that is given from the air conditioning refrigerant located inside the air handler. The condensing unit then liquefies the vapor and returns it to blow heat or air conditioning in all the rooms throughout your house. It contains vital air conditioning parts, as well as, an outdoor fan to help with circulating air in your air conditioning system so that one room doesn’t receive all of the air conditioning at any one time.
Some people that live in colder environments have concerns about covering the condensing unit in the wintertime. However, there is really no need for concern because the outdoor unit was made to withstand all temperatures and conditions. Rain actually helps clean the condensing unit as well. If your area is prone to hail storms, a hard cover placed over the top of the unit can help against damage.
Make sure to rake the leaves in the fall season and pull any weeds surrounding the condensing unit so that they do not get inside the fan. Planting farther away from the unit can help with the operation and overall performance of the condensing unit as well. If you can see any water collecting outside of the unit, it may mean the level is off so just adjust the level the unit is on so that the water can be drained away from the system so there will be no damage.
Often times, if problems are severe, replacing a condensing unit is more cost effective than repairing the air condition parts . Any cooling inspection should cover those areas with the advice of an expert air conditioning company or air conditioning contractor after reviewing their credentials.
Ductwork - Pipes or channels that carry air throughout your home.
HVAC -The classic acronym for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Today, an HVAC system also includes air cleaning and moisture control.
SEER -Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, a rating that measures the cooling efficiency of a heat pump or air conditioner. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.
Ton -A unit of measurement used for determining cooling capacity. One ton is the equivalent of 12,000 BTUs per hour.