As a homeowner, you know that things can occasionally go wrong. Water heaters break, pipes clog, and A/C’s go out in the most inconvenient times. It’s one of the many nuisances of being a homeowner. It doesn’t help that when these things happen, you have to try to explain the problem to the technicians on the phone, which can often feel like a game of Pictionary if you don’t know where to start. Don’t worry. Avis techs want to help you, help us, with a list of must-know HVAC terms every homeowner should know. Just call us your HVAC dictionary.
These aren’t the most well-known terms, but they are definitely important to know.
MERV – Minimum efficiency reporting value. The Merv measures the efficiency of an air filter. This rating system tells you how well it can trap small particles and keep them from getting into your home’s ventilation system. A higher number on this scale means better filtration, reducing allergens and breathing problems.
SEER- The Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures how efficient your central air conditioner or heat pump will be during different seasons. The higher the number, the better! Most units made within America have a SEER rating between 13 and 16, making them very energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Ducts- Passages used to deliver and remove the air inside a home. It’s easy to understand the importance of heating and cooling systems in a home. But what about all those other pipes? Ducts bring fresh outside air into your house and send old dirty heated /ventilated fumes away.
Heat pump- Many people get a furnace and heat pump confused. A furnace only heats your home, whereas a heat pump can heat or cool. It works by transferring cool air to a warmer area in the house, which means they’re much more efficient than furnaces and can easily handle milder weather conditions!
Indoor Air Quality – IAQ refers to your home’s indoor environment. Common allergens and pollutants found indoors include pollen from plants, dust mites, pet dander/hair, and smoke. These pollutants can significantly affect how you and your family feel.
Furnace: Furnaces warm air and distribute it throughout the duct system to achieve your ideal indoor temperature.
Split System – A split system is a popular type of HVAC installation. It has both indoor units paired with outdoor ones for efficient energy use – all connected by copper tubes! There’s more than one kind out there: some even include heat pumps so you can have comfort no matter what season.
Now that you’re an HVAC expert (at least in understanding the terminology), what should you do if something goes wrong? We’re experts at repairing all types of HVAC systems. We’re always happy to help our customers keep their homes comfortable and running smoothly! Give Avis a call at 714-597-6997.
