As a homeowner or business owner, you certainly don’t need to know everything about HVAC systems or equipment. However, it’s often helpful to understand a handful of industry terms for whenever you need service. To get you started, here are some common HVAC acronyms that would be a good idea to learn:
AFUE
When you’re in the market for a new furnace, you definitely want to pay attention to the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This will tell you how efficiently the furnace will utilize its fuel, which will obviously help with better heating.
SEER
With air conditioners, you want to pay attention to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This determines the efficiency rating by dividing the cooling output by the amount of electricity used during a typical cooling season.
BTU
This international measure of energy is the acronym for the British Thermal Unit. For the HVAC industry, it is used to indicate how much heat a unit can add or remove from the air in an hour.
ACCA
Standing for Air Conditioning Contractors of America, this is the leading HVAC industry trade organization for air conditioning professionals and contractors. You should only do business with licensed contractors who are a part of the ACCA.
IAQ
This common acronym stands for Indoor Air Quality, which most people will understand refers to the cleanliness of the air in your home or business. Maintaining good indoor air quality is essential for keeping people healthy.
CFC
The term CFC often comes up when discussing indoor air quality. This refers to chlorofluorocarbons, which are linked to HVAC refrigerants and can be responsible for health issues and the destruction of the ozone layer.
NATE
Certification by North American Technician Excellence is an industry standard that ensures the most knowledgeable and skilled HVAC workers. You always want to look for NATE certification when searching for a reputable contractor.
If you have any questions about HVAC acronyms or would like to schedule service, contact the technicians at Ace Hardware Home Services today. We’ve been serving Dayton and the surrounding communities since 1978.
