Your EER rating is low. Your refrigerant is leaking. Your compressor is broken. These are all common issues you may come across with your HVAC unit. It’s easier to understand the problem when you know the correct terminology. Here are some of the top industry terms every homeowner should know:
- Bioaerosols – High concentrations of bioaerosols, or tiny airborne particles, in your indoor air can lead to serious health problems.
- Compressor – An HVAC compressor is the part of the outdoor unit that pumps refrigerant to cool your home. (Definition of refrigerant below).
- Condenser – This is another part of the outdoor HVAC unit. It either either releases or collects heat, depending on the time of year.
- EER Rating – This is the ratio of a unit’s cooling capacity to power input. The higher your EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, the more efficient your unit is.
- Evaporator Coil – This part is usually found inside the air handler or attached to the side of a furnace. It absorbs the heat from your house.
- Heat Pump – A heat pump draws heat from outside and circulates it throughout the home.
- MERV Rating – Unlike an EER rating, a MERV rating is used to rank the efficiency of your filters, rather than the entire unit. The higher your MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, the smaller (and therefore more efficient) the holes are in your filters.
- Refrigerant – Refrigerant, also known as R-22 or freon, is a chemical that produces a cooling effect while expanding or vaporizing.
It’s important for homeowners to understand this list of terms since they are frequently brought up on the job! If you need an experienced plumber in Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, and Staunton, choose Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. We are fully licensed, insured, and have many years of experience in the residential plumbing industry. Visit our website or Call 540-942-2700 to schedule a service or repair.
