Heating & Cooling Terms

AFUE% - Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A measure of a furnace's heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE%, the more efficient the product. The government's established minimum AFUE rating for furnaces is 78%. The AFUE is always expressed as a percentage such as 78%, 80%, 85% and even as high as 98%.

Air Handler - The portion of the central air conditioning or heat pump system that moves heated or cooled air throughout a home's ductwork. In some systems a furnace handles this function.

Balance Point - An outdoor temperature, usually between 30° F and 45° F, at which a heat pump's output exactly equals the heating needs of the home. Below the balance point, supplementary electric resistance heat is needed to maintain indoor comfort.

Btu - British thermal unit. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water (about one pint) by one degree F.

Evaporator Coil - The portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is located in the home and functions as the heat transfer point for warming or cooling indoor air.

Heat Pump - An air conditioner that contains a valve that allows it to alternate between heating and cooling.

Heat Source - A body of air or liquid from which heat is collected. With York heat pumps, the air outside the home is used as the heat source during the heating cycle.

HSPF - Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. A measure of a heat pump's heating efficiency. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the product. There is no government established minimum HSPF rating for heat pumps.

Outdoor Coil / Condensing Unit - The portion of a heat pump or central air conditioning system that is located outside the home and functions as a heat transfer point for collecting heat from and dispelling heat to the outside air.

SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A measure of an air conditioner's cooling efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the product. The government's established minimum SEER rating for air conditioners manufactured after January 2006 is 13.

Single Package - A year-round heating and cooling system that has all of the components completely encased in one unit outside the home.

Split System - A heat pump or central air conditioning system with components located both inside and outside the home. The most common design for home use.

Supplementary Heat - The auxiliary or emergency heat, usually electrical resistance heat, provided at temperatures below a heat pump's balance point.