As Florida residents, we know how important it is to have a functioning
AC system throughout the year. And while most people know when their systems
aren’t working properly, they may not understand the specific source
of the problem. Not only does learning a few key terms help you understand
your system better, but it also enables you to communicate with your AC
contractor more effectively when something goes wrong and Tampa air conditioning services are needed for your unit. Here are some of the top HVAC terms that every
Floridian should add to their vocabulary:
Efficiency ratings – SEER, also known as Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Ratio, measures how much heat the system can remove from the air without
exceeding certain electricity consumption. Units with a higher SEER are
more efficient than those with a lower rating.
Size – Rated by tons, the size of central cooling systems and heat
pumps range from 1 to 5 tons for a typical residential system. Choosing
the right system size for your home helps ensure maximum comfort and efficiency
for your family throughout the year.
Load calculation – HVAC contractors make load calculations to estimate
the size of an air conditioning unit needed to cool a given home. Factors
that affect load calculation include home size, roofing material, insulation,
and window quantity and location.
Coils – Made up of a network of tubing and pipes, the coil circulates
fluid to heat or cool the air. Both AC systems and heat pumps use evaporator
coils to remove heat from indoors and distribute it outside the home.
When not cleaned properly, coils may be unable to dissipate temperature,
causing the system to overheat.
Compressor – The compressor, an outdoor component of the AC system,
pressurizes and circulates the refrigerant for cooling. After turning
the refrigerant into a hot liquid, the compressor sends it into the condenser
where it moves through the coils.
