The operating cost refers to the total expense of running your home comfort system, such as an HVAC system. This includes the cost of energy used to power the system (electricity, gas, or other fuels) as well as any maintenance, repairs, or routine servicing needed to keep the system functioning efficiently. Energy usage is the...

In HVAC systems, an orifice is a small, precisely sized opening or hole used in refrigerant lines to control the flow of refrigerant between components, such as in an air conditioning or refrigeration system. It helps regulate the expansion of the refrigerant, reducing its pressure before it enters the evaporator coil, where it can absorb...

The outdoor coil, also known as the condenser coil, is a crucial part of an HVAC system. In an air conditioner or heat pump operating in cooling mode, this coil releases heat absorbed from inside your home to the outside air. It condenses the refrigerant from a high-pressure vapor back into a liquid as the...

A safety device in an HVAC system designed to stop the operation of equipment, such as compressors or motors, when electrical current becomes too high or when dangerous conditions like overheating occur. The overload protector helps prevent damage to the system components and reduces the risk of fire or equipment failure by shutting off power...

A packaged system is a type of HVAC unit where all the heating and cooling components are housed within a single cabinet. This system is typically installed outdoors, either on the ground or on a rooftop. Packaged systems are often used in homes or buildings without space for a separate indoor furnace or air handling...

A packaged unit is an all-in-one HVAC system contained within a single cabinet, typically installed outside the home or building. It includes both heating and cooling components, such as an air conditioner or heat pump combined with a furnace or electric heating element. These units are commonly used when there’s limited indoor space for separate...

Particles refer to tiny solid or liquid substances suspended in the air. In HVAC systems, these particles can include dust, pollen, mold spores, or even microscopic pollutants such as smoke and bacteria. The primary function of HVAC air filters is to capture these particles to improve indoor air quality and protect the system's components from...

Payback analysis: A method used to determine how long it will take for the cost savings from an HVAC system's improved energy efficiency to equal the initial investment cost. It calculates the number of years required for the energy savings to "pay back" the upfront expenses, helping homeowners or businesses evaluate whether the investment is...

A Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motor is a type of single-phase alternating current (AC) motor commonly used in HVAC systems for fans, blowers, and pumps. It operates at a fixed speed determined by the motor's winding design and typically uses a single capacitor to improve efficiency and starting torque. While PSC motors are reliable and...

A plenum is an enclosed space or chamber in an HVAC system, typically located between the air handler or furnace and the ductwork. It serves as a central hub where conditioned air (heated or cooled) is collected and then distributed to various ducts that lead to different rooms or locations within the building. There are...