HVAC Glossary
Our glossary will touch on some of the terms for parts that makeup a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system.
- Central Heating/Local Heating
- The difference between central heating and local heating is a matter of location. Local heating emanates from one source and usually warms one room. Central heating takes heat from one source and physically spreads it throughout a building via radiators or air ducts.
- Chilled-Water System
- A Chilled-Water System operates much like a radiator in heating systems. Super-cold water is sent through metal pipes throughout a building to cool the air via convection.
- Compressor/Expansion Valve
- These are similar parts in a refrigeration system. Freon, which is a gas at room temperature is forced through a compressor and becomes a liquid. This liquid, in its unnatural state gives off a great deal of heat energy. This is where the hot air that an air-conditioner blows outdoors comes from. The Freon is then sent through an expansion valve, which brings it back to gaseous form. The loss of energy that results from hot fluid transforming into a gas causes a great deal of cold.
- Freon
- Freon is a stable, harmless element that is a gas at room temperature. It is one of the most important parts in traditional refrigeration or air-conditioning systems. It is useful because its gaseous state at room temperature allows it to act as a coolant.
- Forced/Natural Ventilation
- Forced ventilation is the placement of mechanical fans and other devices to forcefully move air around a house. Natural ventilation is a process by which windows and doors are opened to maximize natural air flow.
- HVAC
- HVAC stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.” The term can apply to any of those components individually, however more often than not it is used to refer to a system that combines all of them. HVAC professionals are usually adept at repairing and installing all three types, and their skills lay in their ability to build a system that serves all three purposes at once. It can also be referred to as “climate control."
- Split-System
- A split-system air-conditioning set-up is one that separates the heating and cooling elements of an air-conditioner, sending the heat outside and the cool air inside. A traditional window air-conditioner can be seen as a simple, small-scale illustration of this type of system.
How can I find out more information?
When you Request a Central Air Conditioning Quote one of our recommended Air Conditioning specialists will give you an estimate on your Home Improvement project and will help review your options to make the best possible choice regarding your particular needs and budget.