Communicating with your HVAC tech requires that you learn the language. Then you can confidently work with your contractor to upgrade, repair or maintain your furnace, and you’ll both be working from the same page.
Here are some of the heating terms you’ll need to know:
- AFUE – The rating system for furnace efficiency, Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) shows the ratio of a furnace’s fuel input to heating output as a percentage. So a 90 percent AFUE furnace will convert 9/10’s of its fuel into heat.
- BTU – British Thermal Unit (BTU or Btu) is used to define the heating capacity of a furnace. With higher BTUs, capacity increases.
- Heat exchanger – The crucial component inside the furnace that acts as the “heat exchange” location for moving heat generated by the furnace into the air. That heated air is then pumped into the home.
- Air filter – The device that traps pollutants and dirt and protects the furnace’s interior components from dirt buildup. In general, higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)-rated air filters trap smaller and more pollutants; however, as MERV ratings increase, so does the possibility that the filter will impeded airflow in your HVAC system.
- Programmable thermostat – Fast becoming the standard in homes today, programmable thermostats allow users to program settings to match their daily and weekly schedules. This saves energy and money during the long hours when you’re away at work or play.
- Gas valve – This device releases fuel into the furnace for generating heat. Two-stage valves can automatically adjust the fuel output.
- Air handler – The component of the furnace, also called a furnace blower, that pushes heated air out of the furnace and into the home. This component is available as a variable-speed unit, which ramps up the speed as necessary to meet the heating needs of the home.
With this heating terminology, communicating with your HVAC tech becomes a snap. For quality HVAC services in western Colorado, please contact us at Climate Control Company. We’re happy to help you with furnace installation, repairs or service.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Aspen, Vail and the surrounding Western slope communities in Colorado about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about communicating with your HVAC tech and other HVAC topics, please visit our website.
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