Glossary:
Scroll down this page to find definitions of some of the most common
terminology used when referring to home comfort systems, or click on any
of the links throughout the site to return to this page.
AFUE% -
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A measure of a furnace's heating
efficiency. The higher the AFUE%, the more efficient the product. The
government's established minimum AFUE rating for furnaces is 78%.
Air Handler -
The portion of the central air conditioning or heat pump system that
moves heated or cooled air throughout a home's ductwork. In some systems
a furnace handles this function.
Balance Point -
An outdoor temperature, usually between 30° F and 45° F, at which a heat
pump's output exactly equals the heating needs of the home. Below the
balance point, supplementary electric resistance heat is needed to
maintain indoor comfort.
Btu -
British thermal unit. The amount of heat required to raise the
temperature of one pound of water (about one pint) by one degree F.
Compressor -
The pump that moves the refrigerant from the indoor evaporator coil to
the outdoor condensing unit and back to the evaporator. The compressor
functions as the heart of the system, because it circulates the
refrigerant in a loop.
The portion of a central air conditioning system that is located outside
the home and functions as a heat transfer point for collecting heat from
and dispelling heat to the outside air.
Condenser Coil -
A network of refrigerant-filled tubes where heat leaves the hot
refrigerant vapor. The vapor then condenses into a liquid capable of
absorbing more heat.
Evaporator Coil -
The portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is
located in the home and functions as the heat transfer point for warming
or cooling indoor air.
Heat Pump -
An air conditioner that contains a valve that allows it to alternate
between heating and cooling.
Heat Source -
A body of air or liquid from which heat is collected. With York heat
pumps, the air outside the home is used as the heat source during the
heating cycle.
HSPF -
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. A measure of a heat pump's heating
efficiency. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the product. There
is no government established minimum HSPF rating for heat pumps.
SEER -
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A measure of an air conditioner's
cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the product.
The government's established minimum SEER rating for air conditioners
manufactured after January 2006 is 13.
Single Package -
A year-round heating and air conditioning system that has all of the
components completely encased in one unit outside the home.
Split System -
A heat pump or central air conditioning system with components located
both inside and outside the home. The most common design for home use.
Supplementary Heat -
The auxiliary or emergency heat, usually electrical resistance heat,
provided at temperatures below a heat pump's balance point.