INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
When considering a HVAC contractor,
ask to see documentation that they are licensed by the State of Texas and carry
general liability insurance to protect your property. An air conditioning
contractor should always have these types of insurance and this will save you
from a claim against your homeowner’s policy in case of an accident.
Houston Admiral Air Conditioning & Heating is fully Licensed,
insured and bonded. Our company will proudly serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week – including weekends and holidays!
Let Houston Admiral Air
Conditioning & Heating take care of all your HVAC needs. We not only want
to be your first choice, but your ONLY choice for air conditioning and heating
needs in Houston.
Repair or Replace
Repair or Replace? This is
always a difficult decision. On one hand you don’t want to spend money on a new
system, but on the other hand, you don’t want to throw good money after bad.
Which way should you go? It really boils down to the condition and age of the air conditioning system.
If you have been keeping your
equipment properly maintained by a licensed air conditioning technician, then
perhaps the current repair is isolated to a single, simple problem and not
indicative of a major or potentially recurring issue. In this case it might
make sense to repair and fix the problem. However, with any equipment it is
important to consider its efficiency and the impact that wear and tear has on that
efficiency and on your monthly electric bill.
Importance of
Efficiency
The Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rates the efficiency of an air conditioning unit. A
unit somewhere around 10 years old would probably have been an 8 SEER unit at
time of purchase. Over time this unit will wear down and operate somewhere
around the 5-6 SEER level. The higher the SEER rating, the higher the
efficiency of the unit. In 2006 the minimum SEER rating for an Air Conditioning
unit was raised to 13 SEER.
Upgrading to a newer Air Conditioning unit is
surprisingly affordable based on the efficiency level of modern equipment. The
money saved on your electric bill from upgrading will pay for the unit itself.
So transitioning from an 8 SEER unit to a new 18 SEER unit will allow better
performance at your current budget.
Should I Finance?
Monthly finance charges never
sound like a good thing. What if there was a way to stick with your current
budget and have a brand new A/C Unit? Well using a higher SEER unit this is a
very real possibility. The amount of savings generated from your lower monthly
electric bill could very well take care of any finance charge. Imagine – a
cooler house, with a better unit, at your current budget.
It all adds up
When your A/C unit starts
giving you trouble, the A/C Technician is usually your first call. But when you
begin calling them day after day the bills add up and you are left with the
same outdated inefficient unit. A new unit produces cooler air, with less
energy. Less energy means a lower utility bill. Which means you could be paying
for a new unit, rather than life support for your old one.
Doing your part in
Going Green
Using a higher SEER unit
saves energy. Saving energy saves the environment. Using technologies such as
the eco friendly R410A refrigerant will also minimize the overall environmental
impact. Therefore, you can feel good about saving both the planet and money on
your energy bill with your new air conditioner.
R410 Refrigerant Copperfield TX
Homeowners
may have various types of appliances including window units,
dehumidifiers, central air conditioners, air-to-air heat pumps,
ground-source heat pumps, and ductless air-conditioners that contain
HCFC-22 (also called R-22) or its blends. The following information will
help homeowners make informed decisions when purchasing, servicing, or
disposing of air conditioners or other equipment.
How can I find out if my home air-conditioner contains R-22?
Most
air-conditioners have a nameplate on the unit that identifies the
refrigerant it contains and other information, such as safety
certifications and electrical ratings. For a central air-conditioner,
the nameplate is usually on the outdoor condensing unit.
If a
nameplate is not provided, there are several other ways that you may be
able to obtain the information. You could check your owner’s manual for
the information. The person/company that sold or services your air
conditioner would likely know what refrigerant it uses. Or, if you know
the manufacturer and model number, you could call the manufacturer or
check its web site.
Am I allowed to purchase a new home air-conditioner that contains R-22?
Self-contained systems manufactured before January 1, 2010, may be purchased. These are typically window units.
New
split air-conditioning systems that use R-22 and must be installed
onsite (e.g. central air-conditioning units) may not be sold after
December 31, 2009. After January 1, 2010, R-22 may not be produced for
new AC/refrigeration systems and instead will be limited to the
servicing of existing systems.
Consumers should be aware that
supplies of R-22 will also be more limited after 2010. As R-22 is being
phased out, non-ozone-depleting alternative refrigerants continue to be
introduced. In addition to the refrigerant type, you should consider
energy efficiency, along with performance, reliability, and cost in deciding which type of air-conditioner to purchase.
Will I be required to stop using R-22 in my home air-conditioner or other equipment?
No.
You will not be required to stop using R-22 and you will not be
required to replace existing equipment just to switch to a new
refrigerant. The lengthy phase out period provides time to switch to
ozone-friendly refrigerants when you normally would replace your
air-conditioner or other equipment.
This transition is important
because supplies of R-22 will be more limited after 2010, which may
cause the price of R-22 to increase. Starting in 2020, new R-22 may no
longer be produced, so consumers will need to rely solely on recycled or
reclaimed quantities to service any systems still operating after that
date.
What if I own an air conditioner that needs R-22 added after 2010?
You
may continue to have your equipment containing R-22 serviced after
2010, although only a limited amount of new R-22 will be manufactured
(to meet the servicing needs of equipment manufactured before January 1,
2010).
After 2020, production of R-22 will be prohibited and
only recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies of R-22 will be
available for servicing existing equipment. So, in the future, R-22
supplies will be more limited and costs may rise.
I own an air-conditioning unit that contains R-22 and I want to minimize its impacts on the ozone layer.
What can I do?
If
you have equipment that contains R-22, the most important thing you can
do is to maintain your unit properly. Major leaks rarely develop in
units that are properly installed and maintained; however, appropriate
servicing is necessary to minimize potential environmental damage and
maintenance costs.
For more information on what regular service
your unit requires, please consult your owner’s manual or contact the
company that sold or services your unit.
It is important to
select a reliable service contractor. Technicians must have EPA
certification to service equipment containing R-22. It is illegal to
intentionally vent (release) any refrigerant when making repairs.
Therefore, technicians are required to use refrigerant recovery
equipment during service.
Also, request that service technicians
locate and repair leaks instead of “topping off” leaking systems. This
will help ensure that your system operates at its optimal level, which
reduces emissions of refrigerant and saves you money by reducing your
household energy use and avoiding additional repairs in the future.
What You Should Know about Refrigerants When Purchasing or Repairing a Residential A/C System or Heat Pump
Background: Ban on Production and Imports of Ozone-Depleting Refrigerants
In
1987 the Montreal Protocol, an international environmental agreement,
established requirements that began the worldwide phase out of
ozone-depleting CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons). These requirements were
later modified, leading to the phase out in 1996 of CFC production in
all developed nations.
In 1992 the Montreal Protocol was amended
to establish a schedule for the phase out of HCFCs (hydro
chlorofluorocarbons). HCFCs are less damaging to the ozone layer than
CFCs, but still contain ozone-destroying chlorine. The Montreal Protocol
as amended is carried out in the U.S. through Title VI of the Clean Air
Act, which is implemented by EPA.
HCFC-22 (also known as R-22)
has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and
air-conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately for
the environment, releases of R-22, such as those from leaks, contribute
to ozone depletion. In addition, R-22 is a greenhouse gas and the
manufacture of R-22 results in a by-product (HFC-23) that contributes
significantly to global warming.
As the manufacture of R-22 is
phased out over the coming years as part of the agreement to end
production of HCFCs, manufacturers of residential air conditioning
systems are offering equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants.
Many homeowners may be misinformed about how much longer R-22 will be
available to service their central A/C systems and heat pumps.
This
fact sheet provides information about the transition away from R-22,
the future availability of R-22, and the new refrigerants that are
replacing R-22. This document also assists consumers in deciding what to
consider when purchasing a new A/C system or heat pump, or when having
an existing system repaired.
Phase out Schedule for HCFCs Including R-22
Under
the terms of the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. agreed to meet certain
obligations by specific dates that will affect the residential heat pump
and air-conditioning industry:
January 1, 2004:
The Montreal
Protocol required the U.S. to reduce its consumption of HCFCs by 35%
below the U.S. baseline cap. As of January 1, 2003, EPA banned
production and import of HCFC-141b, the most ozone-destructive HCFC.
This action allowed the United States to meet its obligations under the
Montreal Protocol. EPA was able to issue 100% of company baseline
allowances for production and import of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b.
January 1, 2010:
The
Montreal Protocol requires the U.S. to reduce its consumption of HCFCs
by 75% below the U.S. baseline. Allowance holders may only produce or
import HCFC-22 to service existing equipment. Virgin R-22 may not be
used in new equipment. As a result, heating, ventilation and
air-conditioning (HVAC) system manufacturers may not produce new air
conditioners and heat pumps containing R-22.
January 1, 2015:
The Montreal Protocol requires the U.S. to reduce its consumption of HCFCs by 90% below the U.S. baseline.
January 1, 2020:
The
Montreal Protocol requires the U.S. to reduce its consumption of HCFCs
by 99.5% below the U.S. baseline. Refrigerant that has been recovered
and recycled/reclaimed will be allowed beyond 2020 to service existing
systems, but chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce
R-22 to service existing air conditioners and heat pumps.
If you are interested for more information, please contact Houston Admiral Air Conditioning.
https://plus.google.com/+Goadmiral/
Houston Admiral Air Conditioning and Heating
20222 Stuebner Airline Rd
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 876-9400
http://www.goadmiral.com/
HVAC Terminology The Woodlands TX
[A]
Abatement
Reduction or removal of a contaminant.
Absolute Humidity
It is the ratio of the mass of water vapor to the unit volume of moist air represented in grams per cubic foot (g/ft3).
Absolute Zero
Temperature at which all molecular motion ceases (-460 F. and -273 C.).
Absorption Refrigerator
Refrigerator
which creates low temperature by using the cooling effect formed when a
refrigerant is absorbed by chemical substance.
ACCA
Air Conditioning Contractors of America – a leading HVAC/R Association.
Acceptable indoor air quality
Indoor
air that does not contain harmful concentrations of contaminants; air
with which at least 80% of building occupants do not express
dissatisfaction.
Accumulator
Storage tank
which receives liquid refrigerant from evaporator and prevents it from
flowing into suction line before vaporizing. Tank on the suction side of
a system that holds excess refrigerant to prevent slugging the
compressor with liquid.
ACH
Air Changes Per Hour. The number of times that air in a house is completely replaced with outdoor air in one hour.
Acid Condition In System
Condition in which refrigerant or oil in system is mixed with fluids that are acid in nature.
ACR Tubing
Tubing used in air conditioning and refrigeration. Ends are sealed to keep tubing clean and dry.
Activated Carbon
Specially processed carbon used as a filter drier ; commonly used to clean air.
Actuator
That
portion of a regulating valve which converts mechanical fluid, thermal
energy or electrical energy into mechanical motion to open or close the
valve seats.
Adiabatic Compression
Compressing refrigerant gas without removing or adding heat.
Adjustable Grille
A
grille with linear blades which can be adjusted to vary the direction
of the discharged air. The linear blades are normally either vertical or
horizontal, or both horizontal and vertical.
Adsorbent
Substance with the property to hold molecules of fluids without causing a chemical or physical damage.
Aeration
Act of combining substance with air.
AFLU (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
A
rating that reflects the efficiency of a gas furnace in converting fuel
to energy. A rating of 90 means that approximately 90% of the fuel is
utilized to provide warmth to your home, while the remaining 10% escapes
as exhaust.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
This
number represents how efficiently a furnace converts fuel to energy.
The ratio of annual output of useful energy or heat to the annual energy
input to the furnace. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the
furnace — higher efficiency translates to more savings on fuel bills.
This will range from 80% to 95%. Percentage of fuel used for heating. A
measure of heating efficiency, in consistent units, determined by
applying the federal test method for furnaces. This value is intended to
represent the ratio of heat transferred to the conditioned space by the
fuel energy supplied over one year.
Air Conditioner
Device used to control temperature, humidity, cleanliness and movement of air in a confined space.
Air Conditioning
Control of the temperature, humidity, air movement and cleaning of air in a confined space.
Air Diffuser
Air distribution outlet or grille designed to direct airflow into desired patterns.
Air Exchange Rate
The
rate at which outside air replaces indoor air in a space. Expressed in
one of two ways: the number of changes of outside air per unit of time
in air changes per hour (ACH); or the rate at which a volume of outside
air enters per unit of time – cubic feet per minute (cfm).
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.
Allergens and Pathogens
Biological
material, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold spores, pollens,
skin flakes and insect parts are ubiquitous in indoor environments.
These particulates range from less than one to several microns in size.
When airborne, they are usually attached to dust particulates of various
sizes so that all sizes of airborne particulates may include them.
Ambient
The surrounding atmosphere; encompassing on all sides; the environment surrounding a body but undisturbed or unaffected by it.
Ambient Air
The air surrounding a building; outside air.
Ambient Air Temperature
Surrounding temperature, such as the outdoor air temperature around a building.
Ampere (A or Amp)
The
primary unit of measurement of electrical current. Amps multiplied by
Volts determines Watts. Electricity bills are based on watts or
kilowatts (a thousand watts) per hour.
ARI
Air-Conditioning
and Refrigeration Institute is a nonprofit, voluntary organization
comprised of heating,air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturers.
ARI publishes standards for testing and rating heat pumps and air
conditioners to provide you with a standardized measure of comparison.
So, ARI ensures a level of performance within the industry.
ASHRAE
A leading HVAC/R Association – American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers – http://www.ashrae.org/ The trade association that provides information and sets standards for the industry.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials.
[B]
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.
Blower
An air handling device for moving air in a distribution system.
Boiling Point
The temperature at which the addition of any heat will begin a change of state from a liquid to a vapor.
BTU (British Thermal Unit)
The
standard of measurement used for measuring the amount of heat required
to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree
(Fahrenheit). BTUH – The number of BTUs in an hour.
BTU/hr
The
abbreviation for British thermal units per hour. The amount of heat
required to raise one pound of water one degree fahrenheit per hour, a
common measure of heat transfer rate.
Building Envelope
Elements of the building, including all external building materials, windows, and walls, that enclose the internal space.
[C]
Capacity
The
ability of a heating or cooling system to heat or cool a given amount
of space. For heating, this is usually expressed in BTU’s. For cooling,
it is usually given in tons.
Central Air Conditioner System
System
in which air is treated at a central location and carried to and from
the rooms by one or more fans and a system of ducts.
Centrifugal Compressor
A
type of compressor used in vapor compression refrigeration cycles where
a rotating impeller is the device which compresses the refrigerant
vapor. The vapor is drawn into the impeller axially, and is discharged
radially after energy is added to the vapor within the impeller.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
The abbreviation for cubic feet per minute, commonly used to measure the rate of air flow in an air conditioning system.
Charge
Amount of refrigerant in a system.
Comfort Air Conditioning
Comfort
air conditioning systems are designed for the comfort of people, not
the protection of computer-based electrical systems. Unlike people,
computers generate dry (sensible) heat, but not humidity. Only about
60-70% of a comfort system’s total capacity is dedicated to the removal
of sensible heat, while 30-40% is for dehumidification. With a large
percentage of their total capacity devoted to the removal of moisture,
comfort systems can lower room humidity far below acceptable standards. A
larger comfort system is required to obtain the same sensible capacity
as a precision cooling system.
Compressor
The
pump that moves the refrigerant from the indoor evaporator to the
outdoor condenser and back to the evaporator again. The compressor is
often called “the heart of the system” because it circulates the
refrigerant through the loop.
Condensation
The process by which a gas is changed into a liquid at constant temperature by heat removal.
Condenser
A
device that transfers unwanted heat out of a refrigeration system to a
medium (either air, water, or a combination of air and water) that
absorbs the heat and transfers it to a disposal point. There are three
types of condensers: air-cooled condensers, water-cooled condensers, and
evaporative condensers. The evaporative condenser uses a combination of
air and water as its condensing medium. Most residential systems have
an air-cooled condenser.
Condenser Coil
A
series or network of tubes filled with refrigerant, normally located
outside the home, that removes heat from the hot, gaseous refrigerant so
that the refrigerant becomes liquid again.
Condensing Unit
Part
of a refrigerating mechanism which pumps vaporized refrigerant from the
evaporator, compresses it, liquefies it in the condenser and returns it
to the refrigerant control. The outdoor portion of a split system air
conditioner contains the compressor and outdoor coil ignoring the
reverse cycle operation, also the outdoor in a heat pump system.
Cooling Capacity
A
measure of the ability of a unit to remove heat from an enclosed space.
COP – Coefficient of Performance of a heat pump means the ratio of the
rate of useful heat output delivered by the complete heat pump unit
(exclusive of supplementary heating) to the corresponding rate of energy
input, in consistent units and under operating conditions.
Cooling Load
Heat which flows into a space from outdoors and/or indoors.
[D]
Damper
Found
in ductwork, this movable plate opens and closes to control airflow.
Dampers are used effectively in zoning to regulate airflow to certain
rooms.
Dehumidification
The reduction of
water vapor in air by cooling the air below the dew point; removal of
water vapor from air by chemical means, refrigeration, etc.
Department of Energy (DOE)
A federal agency that sets industry efficiency standards and monitors the use of various energy sources.
Direct Vent
Pulls outside air for combustion and vents combustion gases directly outside.
Duct
A
pipe or closed conduit made of sheet metal, fiberglass board, or other
suitable material used for conducting air to and from an air handling
unit.
Ductwork
Pipes or channels that carry air throughout a building.
[E]
Electronic Air Cleaner
An
electronic device that filters out large particles and contaminants in
indoor air. It then electronically pulls out tiny particles that have
been magnetized, such as viruses and bacteria, drawing them to a
collector plate.
Emergency Heat (Supplemental or Auxiliary Heat)
The back-up heat built into a heat pump system.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)
Means
the ratio of the cooling capacity of the air conditioner in British
Thermal Units per hour, to the total electrical input in watts under
ARI-specified test conditions.
Enthalpy.
Heat
content or total heat, including both sensible and latent heat. The
amount of heat contained in a refrigerant at any given temperature with
reference to -40°F.
Evaporator
Absorbs heat
from the surrounding air or liquid and moves it outside the refrigerated
area by means of a refrigerant. It is also known as a cooling coil,
blower coil, chilling unit or indoor coil.
Evaporator Coil
A
series or network of tubes filled with refrigerant located inside the
home that take heat and moisture out of indoor air as liquid refrigerant
evaporates.
[F]
Filter
A device used
to remove dust and other particles from air for the purposes of reducing
the load on the respiratory system and to protect the HVAC equipment.
Filters vary greatly in particle arrestance; the higher the MERV rating,
the better the filter.
Five-Two-One (5-2-1 Compressor Saver)
An
electrical starting component that reduces air conditioner start-time
by up to 50%. This helps lower energy bills and extend equipment life.
Free Delivery
There
are no ducts and the unit may be installed in the field without ducts
if needed. Ground-Source – The ground or soil below the frost line is
being used as the heat source or heat sink for a heat pump.
Freon
A
general term used to identify, any of a group of partially or
completely halogenated simple hydrocarbons containing fluorine, chlorine
or bromine, which are used as refrigerants.
Furnace
That
part of an environmental system which converts gas, oil, electricity or
other fuel into heat for distribution within a structure.
[G]
Generator
In
an absorption cycle, the vessel in which the lithium bromide solution
is reconcentrated by boiling off the previously absorbed water.
Ground Water-Source
Water from an underground well is being used as the heat source or heat sink for a heat pump.
Glycol-Cooled System
A
type of air conditioning system that uses freon as a refrigerant and a
water/glycol solution as a condensing medium. Typically, the
glycol-cooled condenser is located inside the air conditioner with the
rest of the refrigeration components. Water/glycol is piped to the unit
from a drycooler or other suitable source. The glycol keeps the solution
from freezing during winter operation.
[H]
Heat Exchanger
A device for the transfer of heat energy from the source to the conveying medium.
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 any heat
pumps, the air outside the home is used as the heat source during the
heating cycle.
Heat Transfer
The movement of heat from one place to another, between two substances, or within a substance.
Heating Capacity
The rate at which a specific device can add substantial heat to a substance, expressed in BTUh (British Thermal Units per hour)
Horizontal Furnace
A furnace that lies on its side, pulling in return air from one side and expelling warm air from the other.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
Humidification
The process of adding moisture to the air within a space.
Humidity
The amount of moisture in the air. Air conditioners remove moisture for added comfort.
[I]
ICE 22
A
premium, synthetic air conditioner oil that improves heat transfer
capability and reduces wear and tear. Air conditioning systems produce
cooler air, use less energy and last longer.
Indoor Unit
This
is usually located inside the house and contains the indoor coil, fan,
motor, and filtering device, sometimes called the air handler.
Indoor Coil
Refrigerant
containing portion of a fan coil unit similar to a car radiator,
typically made of several rows of copper tubing with aluminum fins.
Insulation
Any material that slows down the transfer of heat.
Integrally Controlled Motor (ICM)
A
variable-speed motor that operates at low RPM when possible for
efficiency and quiet operation. ICM motors are more than 90% efficient
versus 60% efficiency for conventional motors.
[J]
Joule
A
unit of work or energy. It takes ~ 1,000 joules to equal a British
thermal unit. It typically takes ~ 1 million joules to make a pot of
coffee.
[K]
Kilowatt (kW)
Equal to
1,000 watts. Kilowatt-hour (kWh) – A common unit of electrical
consumption measured by the total energy created by one kilowatt in one
hour.
kWh (kilowatt hour)
A kilowatt hour
(kWh) is the amount of kilowatts of electricity used in one hour of
operation of any equipment. The most commonly-used unit of measure
telling the amount of electricity consumed over time. It means one
kilowatt of electricity supplied for one hour. It is the basis for your
electricity rate.
[L]
Latent Cooling Capacity
An A/C system’s capability to remove moisture from the air.
Latent Heat
The heat energy needed to change the state of a substance (i.e.: from a liquid to a gas) but not it’s temperature.
LCD
An abbreviation for a screen type – Liquid Crystal Display.
Load Calculation
A
mathematical design tool used to determine the heat gain and heat loss
in a building so that properly sized air conditioning and heating
equipment may be installed.
[M]
Manual D
Manual
D is the ACCA method for designing duct systems. Contractors often find
it a laborious process and most duct systems are just installed, not
designed. The amount of time necessary to design a duct system is
certainly warranted in tract construction where the design is used
repeatedly and for custom homes where the total cost of the home
warrants a proper design. In short, designing a duct system is essential
for proper equipment performance and customer comfort.
Manual J
Manual
J is a widely accepted method of calculating the sensible and latent
cooling (and heating) loads under design conditions. It was jointly
developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI).
Manual S
Manual
S is the ACCA method of selecting air conditioning equipment to meet
the design loads. It ensures that both the sensible capacity and the
latent capacity of the selected equipment will be adequate to meet the
cooling load.
Matched System
A heating and
cooling system comprised of products that have been certified to perform
at promised comfort and efficiency when used together, and used
according to design and engineering specifications.
Mildew
A superficial covering of organic surfaces with fungi under damp conditions.
Mold
A
fungal infestation that causes disintegration of a substance. Molds are
a group of organisms that belong to the kingdom Fungi. In this
document, the terms fungi and mold are used interchangeably. There are
over 20,000 species of mold.
[N]
Natural-Draft Furnace
A
furnace in which the natural flow of air from around the furnace
provides the air to support combustion. It also depends on the pressure
created by the heat in the flue gases to force them out through the vent
system.
Negative Pressure
Condition that exists
when less air is supplied to a space than is exhausted from the space,
so the air pressure within that space is less than that in surrounding
areas. Under this condition, if an opening exists, air will flow from
surrounding areas into the negatively pressurized space.
[O]
Ohm
A unit of measure of electrical resistance. One volt can produce a current of one ampere through a resistance of one ohm.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
Refers
to the manufacturers of complete vehicles or heavy¬duty engines, as
contrasted with remanufacturers, converters, retrofitters, up-fitters,
and repowering or rebuilding contractors who are overhauling engines,
adapting or converting vehicles or engines obtained from the OEMs, or
exchanging or rebuilding engines in existing vehicles.
Operating Cost
The day-to-day cost of running your home comfort equipment, based on daily energy use.
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.
Ozone
(03)
A kind of oxygen that has three atoms per molecule instead of the usual
two. Ozone is a poisonous gas, but the ozone layer in the upper
atmosphere shields life on earth from deadly ultraviolet radiation from
space. The molecule contains three oxygen atoms (O3). a highly reactive
form of oxygen. Ozone exposure an result in mucous membrane irritation
and potential pulmonary damage. Some copier machines and laser printers
emit noticeable levels.
Ozone Generator
An
air cleaning device that produces highly reactive ozone, which reacts
with volatile organic compounds to form non hazardous products, remove
particulates, and reduce the number of biocontaminants. These devices
are controversial because their touted benefits may only be accomplished
at ozone levels above recommended exposure levels.
[P]
Package System
A
piece of air conditioning and heating equipment where all components
are located in one cabinet. Used occasionally in residential
applications, the package unit is installed either beside or on top of
the home.
Packaged Unit
A self-contained heating and/or air conditioning system.
Plenum
Air
compartment connected to a duct or ducts. Air flow passage made of duct
board, metal, drywall, or wood. Joins supply and return ducts with HVAC
equipment. The portions of the air distribution system that makes use
of the building structure, and the sheet meal that connects distribution
ductwork to an air handling unit. Many buildings use the space above a
dropped ceiling as a plenum.
Precision Air Conditioning
Precision
A/C systems are primarily designed for cooling electronic equipment,
rather than people. These pre-packaged systems offer excellent
reliability and typically have a high ratio of sensible-to-total cooling
capacity and a high CFM/ton ratio.
Preventive Maintenance
A
program of building maintenance implemented to reduce the possibility
of problems, usually through periodic inspection, cleaning, adjustment.
calibration. and replacement of functioning, parts of the HVAC system,
as well as housekeeping practices to reduce the buildup of potential
contaminants. Primarily done on a building’s mechanical systems, this
involves a regular and systematic inspection, cleaning, and replacement
of worn parts, materials, and systems. Preventive maintenance helps to
prevent parts, material, and systems failure by ensuring that parts,
materials and systems are in good working order.
[Q]
[R]
Radiant Barrier
A device designed to reduce or stop the flow of radiant energy.
Refrigerant
A substance that produces a refrigerating effect while expanding or vaporizing.
Refrigerant Lines
Set of two copper lines connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor unit.
Register
Combination grille and damper assembly covering an air opening or end of an air duct.
Relative Humidity
The
ratio of the amount of vapor contained in the air to the greatest
amount the air could hold at that temperature. Normally expressed as a
percentage.
Return Air
Air drawn into a heating unit after having been circulated from the heater’s output supply to a room.
Reversing Valve
A device in a heat pump that reverses the flow of refrigerant as the system is switched from cooling to heating.
[S]
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
A
rating that denotes the efficiency of air conditioning equipment. It is
the amount of cooling your equipment delivers for every dollar spent on
electricity. It is the ratio of cooling delivered by a system, measured
in BTUs, to the dollar cost of the electricity to run the system, as
measured in watt-hours. This ratio is determined using specified federal
test procedures. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. The
more efficient the unit, the lower the operating cost.
Sensible Cooling Capacity
An A/C system’s capability to remove heat from the air.
Sensible Heat
Heat
energy that causes a rise or fall in the temperature of a gas, liquid
or solid when added or removed from that material. Sensible heat changes
the temperature by changing the speed at which the molecules move.
Split System
A
central air conditioner consisting of two or more major components. The
system usually consists of a compressor-containing unit and condenser,
installed outside the building and a non-compressor – containing air
handling unit installed within the building. This is the most common
type of system installed in a home.
Supercooled Liquid
Liquid refrigerant cooled below its saturation point.
Subcooler
This
is a section of some condensers in which the temperature of the
condensed refrigerant liquid is reduced. This improves the energy
efficiency of the chiller.
Subcooling
Creating a drop in temperature by removing sensible heat from a refrigerant liquid.
Superheated Vapor
Refrigerant vapor heated beyond its saturation point.
Superheating
Creating a rise in temperature by adding heat energy to a refrigeration vapor.
Switchover
A device in a heat pump that reverses the flow of refrigerant as the system is switched from cooling to heating.
[T]
Temperature
The measure of the intensity of heat that a substance possesses.
Thermidistat
Highly
sophisticated programmable thermostat that senses the outdoor
temperature, indoor air temperature, and indoor relative humidity. A
microprocessor communicates with the heating and cooling equipment to
determine the most efficient way to achieve perfect comfort. When used
with a variable speed blower motor, this cite can reduce humidity even
when cooling isn’t necessary (as when the indoor temperature is 70
degrees but relative humidity is high, eg, when it’s raining).
Thermostat
A
temperature control device, typically found on a wall inside that
consists of a series of sensors and relays that monitor and control the
functions of a heating and cooling system.
Tonnage
The
unit of measure used in air conditioning to describe the cooling
capacity of a system. One ton of cooling is based on the amount of heat
needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs.) of ice in a 24 hour period. One ton
of cooling is equal to 12,000 Btu/hr.
[U]
Unconditioned Space
A
space that is neither directly nor indirectly conditioned space, which
can be isolated from conditioned space by partitions and/or closeable
doors.
Upflow
A type of air conditioning
system that discharges air into the conditioned space via a top-mounted
discharge plenum or through an overhead duct system.
Upflow Furnace
A furnace that pulls return air in from the bottom and expels warm air from the top.
Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)
A form of insulation no longer in use because of excessive formaldehyde emissions and documented associated health impacts.
[V]
Vacuum Pump
A pump used to remove air and moisture from a refrigeration system at a pressure below atmospheric pressure.
Ventilation
The
process of supplying or removing air, by natural or mechanical means,
to or from any space. Such air may or may not have been conditioned.
Volatile Organic Compounds
One
of a class of chemical compounds; indoor sources include tobacco smoke,
building products, furnishings, cleaning materials, solvents, and
office supplies. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and
throat irritations; dizziness; and headaches. Some VOCs are suspected
carcinogens. Data for health effects resulting, from exposure to the
characteristically low levels of VOCs in the indoor environment are
scarce.
Compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room
temperature. Common sources which may emit VOCs into indoor air include
housekeeping and maintenance products, and building and furnishing
materials. In sufficient quantities, VOCs can cause eye, nose, and
throat irritations, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, memory
impairment; some are known to cause cancer in animals; some are
suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.
Volt
A
unit of electromotive force. It is the amount of force required to
drive a steady current of one ampere through a resistance of one ohm.
Electrical systems of most homes and office have 120 volts. Air
conditioning systems are typically 240 volts.
[W]
Water Cooled System
A
type of air conditioning system that uses freon as a refrigerant and
water as a condensing medium. Typically, the water-cooled condenser is
located inside the air conditioner with the rest of the refrigeration
components. Water is piped to the unit from a cooling tower or other
suitable source.
Water Source
Water is being
used as the heat source or heat sink for a heat pump. Sources of
underground water are wells and sources of surface water are lakes,
large ponds, and rivers.
Watt
A watt is a
unit of electricity. A unit of measure of electric power at a point in
time, as capacity or demand. It is the rate of energy transfer
equivalent to 1 ampere flowing under a pressure of 1 volt at unity power
factor. One watt of power maintained over time is equal to one joule
per second. Some Christmas tree lights use one watt.
[X]
[Y]
[Z]
Zone System
A method of dividing a home into zones and enabling you to control the amount of comfort provided to each.
Zoning
The
practice of providing independent heating and/or cooling to different
areas in a structure. Zoning typically utilizes a system controller,
zoning dampers controlled by a thermostat in each zone, and a bypass
damper to regulate static pressure in the supply duct.
If you are interested for more information, please contact Houston Admiral Air Conditioning.
https://plus.google.com/+Goadmiral/
Houston Admiral Air Conditioning and Heating
20222 Stuebner Airline Rd
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 876-9400
http://www.goadmiral.com/
