A unit of measurement for cooling capacity in HVAC systems. It originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice over a 24-hour period. One ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour, which is a standardized way of describing the amount of heat an...

A unit used to measure the cooling capacity of an HVAC system. It represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice over a 24-hour period. One ton of refrigeration is equal to 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour, which is a common way to quantify the cooling power...

A transformer is an electromagnetic device used in HVAC systems to transfer electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. It changes (or "transforms") the voltage of the electricity, either increasing it (step-up transformer) or decreasing it (step-down transformer), to meet the voltage requirements of different HVAC components. This ensures that components like...

TrueSense is a term used by Carrier to describe the capability of the Infinity system controller to monitor airflow resistance within an HVAC system. By detecting increases in resistance caused by a dirty air filter, TrueSense alerts homeowners when it’s time to replace the filter. This feature ensures filters are changed only when necessary, improving...

A two-stage compressor is a type of compressor used in HVAC systems that operates at two different levels of capacity: high (full capacity) and low (partial capacity). This design allows the system to run more efficiently by using the lower capacity setting during mild weather conditions and the higher capacity setting when more cooling or...

A furnace designed to operate at two different heat output levels: a higher level for very cold days when more heating is needed and a lower level for mild days when less heat is sufficient. This design improves energy efficiency and maintains a more consistent indoor temperature by reducing the frequent on-and-off cycling typical of...

Two-stage heating and cooling refers to an HVAC system that operates at two levels of output: a lower setting for mild weather and a higher setting for more extreme temperatures. Most of the time, the system runs at the lower stage, which uses less energy and provides more consistent temperatures. When needed, it switches to...

Two-stage operation refers to an HVAC system's ability to run at two different levels of heating or cooling output: a lower level for mild conditions and a higher level for more extreme conditions. This allows for better temperature control, improved energy efficiency, and greater indoor comfort by reducing temperature swings and maintaining more consistent humidity...

A thermal expansion valve (TXV) is a device used in HVAC systems to regulate the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator coil. It adjusts the refrigerant flow based on the temperature and pressure of the system to ensure optimal efficiency and proper cooling or heating performance. Technicians often refer to it as a "metering device"...

The U-factor, also known as thermal transmittance, measures how well a material or assembly allows heat to pass through it. Unlike insulation's R-value, which measures resistance to heat flow, the U-factor represents how much heat is transferred. Lower U-factor values indicate better insulating performance, meaning less heat escapes or enters through the material. It is...