Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures how efficiently an air conditioning system or heat pump cools over an entire cooling season. It is calculated by dividing the total cooling output (in BTUs) over the season by the total energy consumed (in watt-hours). A higher SEER rating means the system is more energy-efficient, resulting in lower...

A self-contained system is a type of HVAC unit where all the components—such as the compressor, condenser, and evaporator—are housed within a single casing or cabinet. These systems are fully enclosed, pre-assembled, and can be moved or installed without the need to disconnect refrigerant lines. This design is commonly referred to as a package unit...

Sensible heat is the type of heat energy that, when added to or removed from a substance, results in a measurable change in its temperature without changing the substance’s physical state. For example, when you heat air, the temperature of the air rises, but it remains in the gas state, which involves sensible heat transfer.

A device used in HVAC systems to detect changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, or airflow. Sensors convert these measurements into signals that the system's control unit can interpret, allowing the HVAC system to adjust and maintain desired conditions in a space efficiently.

The setpoint is the desired target value for a specific parameter, such as temperature or pressure, in an HVAC system. It is the value that a thermostat or controller aims to maintain by adjusting system operations. For example, if you set your thermostat to 72°F, that temperature becomes the setpoint, and the HVAC system will...

A specially designed fan motor incorporating advanced electronic sensor technology to enhance the performance of the HVAC system while minimizing operational noise. It is a feature found in certain Lennox® outdoor air conditioners and heat pump units, providing quieter and more efficient operation.

A Carrier feature designed to enhance humidity control and energy efficiency. After the air conditioner cycles off, SmartEvap temporarily shuts off the furnace fan for a short period. This pause prevents the fan from redistributing moisture that the air conditioner had just removed from the indoor air, ensuring better dehumidification and overall comfort.

A type of outdoor coil used in HVAC systems, made entirely of aluminum and featuring a patented Spine Fin™ design. This design consists of a tube surrounded by a dense network of spiny aluminum fins, which increases the surface area for heat exchange. The all-aluminum construction makes it highly resistant to corrosion, and its enhanced...

A type of HVAC system commonly used in residential and light commercial applications. In a split system, the key components are divided between two units: the outdoor unit, which houses the condenser and compressor, and the indoor unit, which contains the evaporator coil and air handler. Refrigerant carries heat between these two units. During cooling,...

Staging refers to an HVAC system's ability to operate at different levels of heating or cooling output, rather than running at full capacity all the time. Systems can be single-stage (on or off), two-stage (high and low output levels), or variable speed (many output levels). Staging increases energy efficiency and improves comfort by better matching...