Your A to Z’s of Air Conditioning
Have you heard your air conditioner repairman use terms that didn’t make sense to you? Or are you getting a new aircon system installed in your Central Coast home and the technician is using words you’ve never heard of before?
Making informed purchasing decisions and getting the most from your home or office heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is easier when you understand basic air conditioning terminology.
We’ve compiled a glossary of the most commonly used terms for your reference.
Aircon Filter
Filters are one of the most important components of your AC system. Filters are made of a fine material such as pleated paper or cloth stretched across a frame. Their purpose is to purify the air that passes in and out of your air conditioner, collecting any dust, dirt, or pollen, etc.
ARC (Australian Refrigeration Council)
The ARC is the responsible body for permitting refrigeration handling licenses to approved Australian technicians.
COP (Coefficient of Performance)
A measurement of efficiency that tells you how much heating or cooling you get per unit of electricity consumed. Higher COP values indicate more efficient systems.
Commissioning
The service conducted by the technician following an AC installation to ensure all equipment is functioning properly.
Condenser
The outdoor portion of an AC or heat pump that either releases or collects heat, depending on whether you are using the heating or cooling function of your system.
Duct
Tubes that are used for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) that assist in the process of supplying and removing air.
Ducted System
A Ducted air conditioning System is installed internally, often within a roof. From a central unit, a number of ducts either cool or heat separate rooms. This type of AC system requires a certain amount of space for installation, therefore making it more suitable for commercial spaces or larger homes.
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)
A measurement specifically for cooling performance, indicating how efficiently an air conditioner uses electricity. The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit.
Energy Star Rating
The Australian energy efficiency certification system that rates appliances including air conditioners on a scale (usually from 1-10 stars) to help consumers choose energy-efficient models.
Evaporator
The indoor component that absorbs heat from the air inside your home or building when in cooling mode, allowing the system to produce cool air.
Gas Charge
The amount of refrigerant in the system, which needs to be at the correct level for optimal performance and efficiency.
HVAC
Stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning and is referring to the whole discipline of air conditioning.
Hydronic Cooling/Heating
A system that uses water rather than air to transport heat throughout a building, often providing more consistent temperature control.
Indoor Unit
The indoor unit is the machine that blows cold or hot air into a room and is located inside the property. It includes the filters, heat exchange coil, remote receiver, and fan.
Inverter Technology
Helps to gradually increase and decrease power. Inverter technology assists in achieving the desired room temperature, resulting in lower operating costs and continuous comfort without sudden fluctuations in temperature.
Multi-Split System
A variation of the split system where one outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units, allowing for different temperature zones within a building.
Outdoor Unit
Is the external part of an AC system, which contains the fan, heat exchange coil, compressor, and works by pumping refrigerant to and from the indoor unit where it is cooled or heated.
RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark)
A mandatory certification mark for electrical products sold in Australia, indicating they meet safety standards and regulatory requirements.
R-Value
A measure of insulation’s resistance to heat flow, relevant when considering overall HVAC efficiency and the performance of your air conditioning system.
Refrigerant
The substance or chemical that absorbs heat and creates cool air when run through the coils and other parts of an air conditioning system.
Reverse Cycle
A type of air conditioner that can both cool and heat by reversing the refrigeration cycle, making it versatile for year-round use.
Split System
Split Systems are one of the more popular types of air conditioning systems used in homes – these systems have 2 units, one that’s on the inside and one that’s on the outside. They are relatively simple to install and are recognised for being energy efficient and quiet.
Thermostat
A device used to control the temperature inside your space/home.
VRV/VRF (Variable Refrigerant Volume/Flow)
Advanced systems that can precisely control the amount of refrigerant flowing to multiple indoor units, offering superior energy efficiency and zoning capabilities.
Zoning
A process of controlling the climate of separate rooms in a building. Modern technologies allow the temperature to be controlled in individual rooms with one unit.
Now You Know the A to Z’s of Air Conditioning!
Central Coast Air Conditioning have been installing, supplying, and servicing Daikin and Fujitsu Air Conditioners across the Central Coast NSW since 1973. We are more than happy to offer more knowledge on air conditioning terminology and can provide hassle-free quotes for installation and service. For more information, contact Central Coast Air Conditioning for the right air conditioner suitable for your premises.
Ph: 02 4365 2677
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