Learn From Air Conditioning Experts

When you’re working with an air conditioning contractor, understanding the most common AC terms empowers you to make better decisions, avoid miscommunication, and confidently evaluate quotes or system recommendations. Clear knowledge of HVAC lingo not only helps you explain your comfort needs more accurately but also protects you from unnecessary upsells or misunderstandings. Whether you’re scheduling a repair, considering a replacement, or planning a system upgrade, being familiar with HVAC vocabulary fosters a more productive partnership between you and your contractor.

Common Air Conditioning Terms (Alphabetical Order)

• AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) – Measures the efficiency of a furnace in converting fuel into energy.

• BTU (British Thermal Unit) – A unit that measures cooling or heating capacity. Higher BTU = more cooling power.

• Central Air Conditioning – A system that cools air in a central location and distributes it throughout the home via ducts.

• Compressor – The component in an AC system that pressurizes refrigerant and enables heat transfer.

• Condenser Coil – Part of the outdoor unit that releases heat absorbed by the refrigerant inside the home.

• Ductwork – Network of metal or flexible tubes that distribute cooled or heated air throughout a building.

• EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) – Indicates an AC unit’s efficiency at a specific temperature; higher numbers are better.

• Evaporator Coil – Located inside or near the air handler, it absorbs heat from the air inside your home.

• Heat Pump – A system that provides both heating and cooling by reversing the refrigeration cycle.

• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) – An umbrella term for the systems used to move air between indoor and outdoor areas.

• MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) – Indicates the effectiveness of an air filter at trapping particles.

• Refrigerant – The chemical compound used in AC systems to absorb and release heat during the cooling cycle.

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) – Measures the energy efficiency of an AC system over an entire cooling season.

• Split System – A common AC setup with separate indoor and outdoor units.

• Thermostat – A device that controls the indoor temperature by signaling the HVAC system to turn on or off.

• Zoning System – Allows different areas of a home to be cooled or heated independently using multiple thermostats and dampers.