If you’re shopping for a heating or cooling system, air filters, or a ventilation system, you’re likely to come across several HVAC acronyms about which you have questions. Right off the bat, you’re going to see the acronym HVAC, which stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. To help you make informed decisions when it comes to HVAC troubleshooting needs in your home, keep reading to learn some of the most commonly used HVAC acronyms in the industry.
Heating and Cooling Acronyms
- AFUE. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency measures a furnace’s efficiency when it comes to converting fuel to heat. Today’s high-efficiency furnaces reach more than 95% AFUE.
- SEER. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measurement of cooling output divided by energy usage during an average season. Heat pumps and central air conditioners with higher than 18 SEER are considered high efficiency.
- HSPF. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is a measurement of heating efficiency for heat pumps. Heat pumps with 10 HSPF and higher are considered high efficiency.
Ventilation Acronyms
- AHU. Air handling units are utilized by forced-air HVAC systems to blow heated and cooled air through the ductwork. Variable-speed AHUs deliver greater comfort and efficiency.
- HRV. A-heat recovery ventilator is a whole-home ventilation system that uses a heat-exchanger core to transfer heat energy between intake air and exhaust air.
- ERV. An energy recovery ventilator works the same as an HRV, but an ERV also exchanges moisture to help regulate indoor humidity.
Air-Filtration Acronyms
- HEPA. High Efficiency Particulate Air filters, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy, are pleated mechanical air filters that potentially remove nearly 100% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
- MERV. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is a rating system for air filters that expresses a filter’s capability to capture airborne particles between 0.3 microns and 10 microns.
We hope these explanations of HVAC acronyms help you when it comes to understanding your home HVAC system and common HVAC acronyms. When you do need HVAC home services, please call on the HVAC pros at Ace Hardware Home Services.
