AIR CONDITIONER GLOSSARY

A Glossary Of Air Conditioner Repair Terms
A Glossary Of Air Conditioner Repair Terms
What You Should Know
When choosing an air conditioner repair service for your air conditioning and heating needs this coming season, it is important to make sure that you know some of the basic terms they will use when describing any issues that may arise with your air conditioning unit, as well as the repair if it is needed. Listed below are 10 common terms that your AC contractor will use when servicing your air conditioning unit.

Condenser:
A condenser is a device found in most residential AC units. It is used to condense water from its gaseous state to its liquid state, usually by cooling it down. By doing this, the left over heat is given up by the water and then transfers to the coolant in the condenser. Condensers come in many sizes and designs, from small ones to industrial ones. They are not just found in AC units, and can be found in things such as refrigerators.

De-humidification:
De-humidification is the process of removing water from the air, usually for health reasons. When the air is humid, it can cause mold to grow and the mold can cause lung issues. If your house has a high humidity level, it can be the target for a number of unsightly pests such as fleas, roaches, and moths. The way a dehumidifier works is fairly simple, in that they produce the excess water, called condensate, which has been taken from the conditioned air.

Duct:
When installing an AC unit, there will be tubes made of sheet metal or fiber glass called ducts installed into your home attached to the AC unit. These tubes conduct and convey cool air from the AC unit into your home as well as from your home into the AC unit to be cooled. These ducts will usually connect to most rooms in the home, if not each room. They should be installed properly and with coverings called vents.

Duct-work:
Duct-work is the name of the system of ducts that will be installed into your home when you install an AC unit. This series of ducts will be the major part in what helps cool and heat your home. The duct-work inside your home will distribute the cool air from the air conditioner unit to the rest of the house, as well as heat from the furnace. Duct-work should be carefully placed and out of site.

Electronic Air Cleaner:
An electronic air cleaner is a device that uses electricity to remove viruses and bacteria from the air, as well as unwanted pollutants like dust and pollen. An electronic air cleaner uses a filter, usually placed on the outside of the air duct used to vent air to the AC unit, to filter out large particles and contaminants in the air. It also filters out bacteria and viruses by magnetizing them and drawing them to a collector plate inside the device.

Filter:
A filter is a device that is used in electronic air cleaners to remove dust and particles from the air. Filters are used to protect the AC unit. There are many different types of filters, and many different grades to how well their work. A good way to tell how well a filter will work is the check the MERV rating. The higher this rating is, the better the filter will work to clean your home of unwanted particles.

Furnace:
A furnace is the part of the air conditioning unit that converts electricity into heat. This part of the AC unit is used to distribute heat within the home or building that it is providing service for. Furnaces are used mainly during the winter and fall months to provide a warm environment for the home. Regular service checks are needed at the beginning of the winter months so that you can be sure your home will be heated in the safest and most efficient way possible.

Horizontal Furnace:
A horizontal furnace is a furnace that lies down on its side and pulls in air from one end, and expels warm air from the other. These are mainly found in industrial units but may also be found in residential homes as well. This type of furnace is good for places that are small and compact, such as a building that needs more than one furnace.

Insulation:
Insulation is material used to insulate a building so that heat put out by the furnace stays inside the home, and the cold winter air stays outside. Insulation is a product that, by definition, slows down the transfer of heat. When building your home and installing the AC unit and furnace, it is a good idea to insulate each room as well so that during the cold months your home is nice and warm. During the summer, insulation is great for keeping your house cool and keeping the heat outside.

Thermostat:
A thermostat is the device that tells your AC unit when to pump out air or heat. This device regulates the temperature automatically. Most thermostats are digital and to set them is easy. Simply set the temperature to the setting you want and let it run its course. The thermostat sends the information to the AC unit and then the AC unit responds by turning on the AC or turning on the furnace and heat.

Finding an AC contractor for air conditioner repair can be as simple as a phone call away, but knowing these terms that the air conditioner contractor will use can help you determine if the issue is serious or something simple. It is also a good idea to know these terms when something breaks or gets damaged on your AC unit because you will be able to tell the repairman what and where the broken or damaged area is.
REQUEST A PHONE QUOTE

Contact Us

Feb 19, 2018 by Chris Reynolds
I am very happy with my new Trane system!!! Temperature Masters had great customer service and the quality of the work was phenomenal. Attention... Read More
Feb 19, 2018 by Raceme Delmonte
Temperature masters was absolutely fantastic! I was very impressed with them from the very moment they spoke to us on the phone to the moment... Read More
Jan 12, 2018 by Mike Kapuscinski 
Great Company To Work With
Just had Temperature Masters install a new Heat Pump and duct work in my home. I received quotes from 4 companies and they provided the best... Read More
Share by: