Air Conditioning Terms
Air Conditioning (AC)
A system that removes heat and humidity from indoor spaces to maintain a comfortable temperature. AC systems work by circulating refrigerant through a closed loop to absorb heat from inside your home and release it outside.
Air Handler
The indoor unit of an air conditioning or heat pump system that circulates cooled or heated air throughout your home via ductwork. It contains a blower fan and filtering system.
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
A standard unit of measurement for heating and cooling capacity. One BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Higher BTU ratings indicate stronger cooling or heating capacity.
Capacitor
An electrical component in your AC system that stores energy and helps start the compressor and fan motor. When a capacitor fails, your system may not run properly.
Compressor
The central component of an air conditioning system that pressurizes refrigerant gas, allowing it to circulate through the system to absorb and release heat. Often called the “heart” of the AC system.
Condenser Unit
The outdoor component of an air conditioning system that releases heat absorbed from your home to the outside air. It contains the compressor, condenser coil, and fan.
Condenser Coil
Tubes inside the outdoor AC unit where refrigerant releases heat. As hot refrigerant passes through these coils, a fan blows outside air across them to cool the refrigerant back into liquid form.
Evaporator Coil
Indoor coils that absorb heat and humidity from your home’s air. Cold refrigerant flows through these coils, and warm indoor air passes over them, transferring heat to the refrigerant.
Freon (Refrigerant)
A chemical compound circulated through your AC system that absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outside. In 2025, the EPA phased out R-410A refrigerant due to its high global warming potential. Modern systems now use environmentally friendly alternatives like R-454B (most common in North America) and R-32 (used by manufacturers like Daikin, Goodman, and Amana). Both new refrigerants have significantly lower environmental impact while maintaining excellent cooling performance..
Refrigerant Leak
A rupture or hole in the AC system allowing refrigerant to escape. This reduces cooling efficiency and requires professional repair to locate and seal the leak, then recharge the system.
Thermostat
A device that controls your HVAC system by measuring indoor temperature and signaling the system to turn on or off to reach your desired temperature setting.
SEER Rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
A measure of air conditioning efficiency calculated by dividing cooling output by energy input over a typical cooling season. Higher SEER ratings indicate better energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Current minimum ratings are 13-15 SEER.
Heating Terms
Furnace
A heating system that burns fuel (natural gas, oil, or propane) or uses electric resistance to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout your home via ductwork.
Burner
The component in a furnace where fuel is ignited to create heat. Gas burners ignite natural gas, while oil burners atomize and ignite heating oil.
Heat Exchanger
A component inside your furnace where heated gases transfer thermal energy to the air that gets distributed throughout your home. Cracks in the heat exchanger are serious safety concerns.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
A rating indicating how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into usable heat. An 90% AFUE furnace converts 90% of fuel energy to heat; the remaining 10% escapes through the exhaust. Higher ratings mean lower heating costs.
Pilot Light
A small flame in older furnaces that ignites the main burner when heat is needed. Modern furnaces often use electronic ignition instead.
Heating Capacity
Measured in BTU, this indicates how much heat a furnace can produce. Proper sizing ensures your home heats evenly and efficiently during Orlando’s cooler months.
Heat Pump Terms
Heat Pump
A system that transfers heat between indoor and outdoor air for both cooling (air conditioning) and heating. Heat pumps are highly efficient for Florida’s mild winters and work well with AmeriTech’s service coverage area. AmeriTech offers heat pump repair and installation of new heat pumps.
Heat Pump Cycle
The process where a heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air (even in cold weather) and moves it indoors for heating, or reverses the process to provide air conditioning.
Reversing Valve
The component in a heat pump that switches the direction of refrigerant flow between heating and cooling modes. A faulty reversing valve prevents the system from switching between heating and cooling.
Defrost Cycle
An automatic function in heat pumps that melts frost buildup on the outdoor coil during heating mode in cold weather. During this cycle, heating shifts indoors briefly while the outdoor coil is warmed.
Ductwork & Air Distribution
Ductwork
A network of insulated or metal tubes throughout your home that distribute heated or cooled air from your furnace or AC unit to individual rooms. Proper ductwork design improves efficiency and comfort.
Ducts
Individual tubes that carry conditioned air from your central unit to rooms in your home. Sealed ducts prevent energy loss and maintain system efficiency.
Return Air
The ductwork that pulls warm or cool air back to the heating or cooling unit for reconditioning. Return air registers appear as large grilles on walls, ceilings, or floors throughout your home.
Supply Air
The ductwork that carries conditioned air from your unit to individual rooms. Supply registers and vents deliver this air throughout your home.
Ductless System (Mini-Split)
An air conditioning or heating system without ductwork. Indoor wall units connect directly to an outdoor compressor via refrigerant lines, ideal for homes without existing ducts or room additions.
Air Filter
A pleated or mesh screen in your HVAC system that traps dust, pollen, pet dander, and debris to protect your unit and improve indoor air quality. Regular filter changes are essential for efficient operation.
Damper
An adjustable gate inside ductwork that controls airflow to specific rooms or zones. Dampers allow you to balance temperature differences between rooms.
Vent
An opening in walls, ceilings, or floors where conditioned air enters a room from the ductwork system.
Louver
Angled slats inside a vent or return air register that direct airflow and control the spread of air into a room.
Indoor Air Quality Terms
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The overall health and comfort of indoor air, including temperature, humidity, pollutant levels, and circulation. AmeriTech offers solutions to improve IAQ through filtration and humidity control.
Humidity
The amount of moisture in the air. Proper humidity levels (30-50%) improve comfort and prevent mold growth. High humidity in Florida’s climate requires dehumidification.
Dehumidification
The process of removing excess moisture from indoor air. AC systems naturally dehumidify, but additional dehumidifiers may be needed in very humid conditions.
Air Purifier
A device that removes contaminants like dust, pollen, bacteria, and viruses from indoor air. Different types include HEPA filters, UV systems, and ionizers.
HEPA Filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air)
A high-performance air filter that captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, including dust mites, pet dander, and allergens. HEPA filters significantly improve indoor air quality.
UV Light System
An indoor air quality device using ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold spores growing on AC coils or in ductwork.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
An odorless, colorless, deadly gas produced by burning fuel. Furnaces should be inspected regularly to prevent dangerous CO leaks into your home.
System Performance & Maintenance
Maintenance Plan
A scheduled service agreement where professionals inspect and service your HVAC system regularly to prevent breakdowns, extend equipment life, and maintain efficiency. AmeriTech offers maintenance plans for both AC and heating systems.
HVAC Inspection
A professional evaluation of your heating and cooling system to identify issues, check refrigerant levels, test airflow, and ensure safe operation.
Charge
The amount of refrigerant in your AC system. An undercharge reduces cooling capacity; an overcharge can damage the compressor. Proper charge is critical for efficiency.
Refrigerant Recharge
Adding refrigerant to your AC system when levels drop below manufacturer specifications. Recharging should only be done by certified technicians.
Evaporator Coil Cleaning
A maintenance service that removes dirt and debris from indoor coils to restore cooling efficiency and prevent mold growth.
Condenser Coil Cleaning
Professional cleaning of outdoor coils to remove dirt, leaves, and debris that reduce cooling efficiency. Regular cleaning improves system performance.
Blower Fan
The motor and fan inside the air handler that circulates air through your home. A failing blower reduces airflow and heating/cooling effectiveness.
Thermostat Calibration
Adjusting a thermostat to ensure accurate temperature readings and proper system cycling. Digital thermostats may require recalibration if temperature readings seem incorrect.
System Cycling
How often your HVAC system turns on and off to maintain your desired temperature. Frequent short cycles or rare long cycles may indicate problems.
Short Cycling
When an HVAC system turns on and off too frequently without reaching the desired temperature. This wastes energy and indicates a problem requiring professional service.
Replacement & Upgrade Terms
SEER2 Rating
The updated energy efficiency rating for air conditioning systems, replacing the older SEER standard. SEER2 provides more accurate efficiency ratings under real-world conditions.
Seasonal Demand
The time of year when heating or cooling needs are highest. In Orlando, cooling demand peaks in summer; heating demand occurs in winter months.
Load Calculation
A professional assessment of your home’s heating and cooling needs based on size, insulation, sun exposure, and climate. Proper load calculation ensures correct system sizing.
Right Sizing
Installing an HVAC system with capacity precisely matched to your home’s needs. Oversized systems waste energy; undersized systems fail to maintain comfort.
High-Efficiency System
Modern HVAC equipment with high SEER or AFUE ratings that uses less energy than older models, reducing utility bills and environmental impact.
Common HVAC Problems
Refrigerant Leak
A breach in the sealed refrigerant circuit allowing coolant to escape. Symptoms include reduced cooling, ice on coils, and higher energy bills.
Compressor Failure
When the compressor stops working or becomes inefficient, usually due to age, overheating, or low refrigerant. Compressor replacement is a major repair.
Capacitor Failure
When the electrical capacitor burns out, preventing the compressor or fan from starting. This is a common, relatively inexpensive repair.
Blower Motor Failure
When the fan motor in the air handler stops working, preventing air circulation. Symptoms include no airflow from vents despite the system running.
Clogged Air Filter
When an air filter becomes so dirty that it restricts airflow, reducing efficiency and comfort. Regular filter changes prevent this issue.
Frozen Coils
When evaporator coils freeze over, usually from low refrigerant, restricted airflow, or extreme cold. Frozen coils prevent cooling and can damage the compressor.
Thermostat Malfunction
When a thermostat fails to communicate with your HVAC system or provides inaccurate temperature readings, preventing proper system operation.
Installation & Service Terms
Installation
The process of placing a new HVAC unit in your home, including positioning the indoor and outdoor units, running refrigerant lines and ductwork, making electrical connections, and testing the system.
Replacement
Removing an old, failed HVAC system and installing a new one. System replacement becomes necessary when repairs are no longer cost-effective.
Retrofit
Modifying an existing HVAC system to work with newer components or refrigerants. This might involve replacing the outdoor unit while keeping existing ductwork.
Commissioning
The final step after installation where technicians test all system functions to ensure proper operation before you take ownership.
Warranty
Coverage provided by manufacturers and service companies guaranteeing repair or replacement if equipment fails during the warranty period.
Service Call
A visit from an HVAC technician to diagnose and repair a problem or perform routine maintenance on your system.
Seasonal Check-Up
A pre-season inspection before cooling (spring) or heating (fall) seasons to ensure your system is ready for peak demand periods.
Energy & Efficiency Terms
Energy Star
A government program identifying HVAC equipment meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines. Energy Star products typically save 15-20% on heating and cooling costs.
Utility Bill
Your monthly or seasonal charge for electricity or gas. Efficient HVAC systems reduce utility bills significantly over their lifespan.
Operating Cost
The ongoing expense of running your HVAC system, primarily through electricity or gas consumption. More efficient systems have lower operating costs.
Payback Period
The time required for energy savings from an efficient HVAC system to equal the upgrade cost. High-efficiency systems typically pay for themselves in 5-10 years.
Tonnage
A measure of AC capacity, with one ton equal to 12,000 BTUs per hour. A properly sized system for an average-sized Florida home might be 2-4 tons.
Commercial HVAC Terms
Zone Control
Dividing a commercial building into separate climate zones, each with its own thermostat and dampers, allowing independent temperature management for different areas.
Rooftop Unit (RTU)
A complete HVAC system mounted on a commercial building’s roof, combining heating, cooling, and air handling in one unit.
Building Automation System
Computer-controlled systems in commercial buildings that automatically optimize heating, cooling, humidity, and air quality based on occupancy and conditions.
Ductless Commercial System
Multiple indoor units connected to one outdoor compressor, providing efficient heating and cooling without extensive ductwork in commercial spaces.
Quick Reference: When to Call AmeriTech
AC not cooling? Could be low refrigerant, frozen coils, or compressor failure. Call for AC repair in Orlando.
Furnace not heating? Might be a pilot light, thermostat issue, or burner problem. Professional diagnosis needed.
High utility bills? Often indicates reduced efficiency from dirty coils or low refrigerant. Maintenance can help.
Loud noises? Strange sounds may indicate compressor, blower, or motor problems requiring immediate service.
Uneven temperatures? Suggests ductwork, damper, or thermostat issues that a technician can diagnose.
Contact AmeriTech Air Conditioning & Heating for professional HVAC service in Orlando, Florida.
