Acronyms are widely used to streamline communication in almost every industry. However, if you’re not familiar with the specific terminology, it can be challenging to understand. The HVAC industry is no exception, which might not be surprising, given that HVAC itself is an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Abbreviations are prevalent throughout the HVAC field, making it crucial to know their definitions. Many of these acronyms, consisting of just 2-4 letters, can provide answers to a wide range of questions. Whether you’re maintaining your system, buying a new one, hiring an HVAC company, or purchasing a property with an existing system, this list will help you decode HVAC terminology.
AC — Air Conditioning
Most are familiar with air conditioning, which cools and reduces moisture from a building’s interior to improve comfort.
AFUE — Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
AFUE measures the thermal efficiency of combustion systems like furnaces, boilers, and water heaters. When purchasing a system of this variety, keep this acronym in mind. It indicates how well a system converts fuel into heat; higher percentages indicate more efficient systems.
AHU — Air Handling Unit
An Air Handling Unit (AHU) is a central unit that moves air throughout a building. Knowing what and where an AHU is located is essential if you’re looking to address circulation issues.
BAS — Building Automation System
For those looking to automate the comfort of their home or business, your HVAC tech may recommend some form of a BAS, also referred to as smart technology. A BAS controls and monitors building climate using schedules, real-time data, and more to optimize performance and efficiency.
BTU — British Thermal Unit
A BTU is used to measure the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. When applied to HVAC equipment, it measures the energy output of heating and cooling systems, helping to size equipment appropriately for the space it serves. When looking for an HVAC system, only choose one that matches the BTU number provided by a technician after they’ve sized your home or business.
COP — Coefficient of Performance
COP is one way to measure efficiency, and it does so based on heating output. Higher COP values signify more efficient systems.
DCV — Demand-Controlled Ventilation
Demand-controlled ventilation automatically adjusts the amount of ventilation based on occupancy, air quality, etc.
DOE — Department of Energy
In the context of HVAC, the DOE is a US government department responsible for developing and enforcing energy efficiency standards for HVAC systems.
DPT — Dew Point Temperature
The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and dew forms. Be sure to consult with your HVAC tech about DPT if you have concerns about humidity.
DX — Direct Expansion
DX systems cool efficiently by exchanging heat more directly and without secondary circuits.
EER — Energy Efficiency Ratio
EER is the ratio of the cooling capacity and efficiency of an air conditioner, which is helpful when comparing the performance of different models.
EPA — Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA is a US government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing national standards. Therefore, you can use their sources to verify the efficiency of a system you are interested in.
ERV — Energy Recovery Ventilator
ERV devices improve energy efficiency by using the temperature from air being circulated out for ventilation to condition the incoming fresh air.
EVAP — Evaporator Coil
An Evaporator Coil is a crucial part of an air conditioning system or heat pump that absorbs heat from the air inside a building. You’ll want to know this term for maintenance purposes. While hiring a professional technician is ideal, checking to see if the evaporator coil is covered in debris can give you a straightforward answer as to why your system isn’t operating optimally.
GSHP — Ground Source Heat Pump
A Ground Source Heat Pump, also known as a geothermal heat pump, is an HVAC system that transfers heat to or from the ground to provide heating and cooling. GSHPs are known to be the highest-efficiency HVAC system.
HRV — Heat Recovery Ventilator
HRVs transfer heat from outgoing air to incoming fresh air. They are similar to ERVs but only operate with the ability to transfer heat.
HSPF — Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
HSPF measures the efficiency of heat pumps in heating mode. Higher HSPF values indicate more efficient heat pumps.
HVAC — Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
HVAC is an all-encompassing term for indoor air comfort and cleanliness. HVAC units include furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, ventilation systems, etc.
IAQ — Indoor Air Quality
The presence of pollutants, allergens, and humidity defines indoor air quality. A system that improves indoor air quality is ideal for comfort and health.
MERV — Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
MERV is a rating scale designed to evaluate the effectiveness of air filters in capturing airborne particles. Higher MERV ratings can trap smaller particles. However, keep in mind that the highest MERV ratings aren’t always necessary or convenient for home use and are better suited for buildings like hospitals.
R-22 — A type of refrigerant (phased out)
R-22, also known as Freon, has been phased out for environmental reasons, so you may want to ask about the use of this refrigerant when purchasing a home with a refrigerant-using system.
SEER — Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
SEER ratings help consumers compare the energy efficiency of different HVAC systems. Higher SEER values indicate greater efficiency and lower energy costs.
SMART Thermostat — SMART is an acronym for Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology. A smart thermostat is an advanced thermostat that allows you to control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or computer. These devices typically offer features such as programmable schedules, learning capabilities that adapt to your preferences over time, energy usage reports, and integration with other smart home systems. By optimizing temperature settings based on factors like occupancy, time of day, and even weather conditions, smart thermostats help improve energy efficiency, reduce utility bills, and enhance overall comfort.
T-stat — Thermostat
If the word thermostat has a few too many syllables for your technician, you may notice them referring to it as a T-stat. A T-stat dictates the temperature of a building just as a thermostat (because it is one) and has no additional function.
VAV — Variable Air Volume
VAV is a good acronym to look for if you’d like your system to be able to adjust the amount of air delivered to different zones by matching airflow to the actual demand to enhance comfort and energy efficiency.
VRF — Variable Refrigerant Flow
Typically found in heat pump systems, the VRF feature provides precise temperature control and energy efficiency by varying the refrigerant flow to multiple indoor units based on the demand of each zone.
We hope you found this article helpful and look forward to continuing to ensure your comfort and safety. Thank you for choosing CPS.
If you are in need of more information or would like to schedule a free consultation, you can reach us at 508-460-6691 or fill out this form.
