When it comes to having your HVAC system inspected and repaired by a professional contractor, there’s probably a lot about it that you don’t know. To make communicating with your HVAC contractor easier, review the following terms that are often used during conversations about furnace repair or replacement:
- AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) – A percentage used to judge the heating efficiency of a furnace or boiler. The higher the percentage, the more fuel the equipment will convert into heat. High-efficiency furnaces start at 90 percent AFUE.
- Btu (British thermal unit) – A measurement for how much heat is required in order to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. The higher the BTU rating, the greater the heating capacity of the furnace.
- CO (carbon monoxide) – A tasteless, odorless and colorless gas that is normally produced by a furnace in small amounts as a byproduct of the combustion process. It can be deadly if released in high amounts or for an extended period.
- Energy Star – A label of excellence given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to designate HVAC products that perform at high levels of efficiency and performance.
- Heat exchanger – A key component inside of the furnace that transfers heat to the air surrounding it, which in turn is pumped throughout your home. If the heat exchanger cracks, you have big problems, both in terms of safety (carbon monoxide) and the survival of your furnace.
- Heating load – This is the amount of heat that’s needed to warm your house to a specific, comfortable temperature. Assessing the heating load is a key part of the furnace selection process. The heating load takes into account a variety of factors including the size of your home, how airtight it is, and how much insulation it has, among many others.
- Whole-house humidifier – A device that adds moisture to the air as it is passed from the furnace into the ductwork. Portable models are also available for rooms and small areas.
Become familiar with these terms in order to make communicating with your HVAC contractor easier. Contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning for the best service for your furnace in the Twin Cities area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace terms and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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