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A:

Glossary

Make your informed decision of purchasing a new home comfort system when learning about the common terms within the HVAC industry. 

Air Handler

The indoor part of an air conditioner or heat pump that moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork of your home. It is usually a large metal box with elements that controls airflow. Lennox offers some of the quietest units on the market right now. 

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Air Conditioner

A system in which air is cooled at a central location and distributed to and from rooms by means of ductwork or fans. Lennox air conditioners are some of the most energy-efficient units you can buy.

 

 

 

Annual Service Agreement

A special discounted service for Zoltera customers. An annual service agreement is a customizable contract between the homeowner and Zoltera. The homeowner chooses what equipment they would like serviced, and takes priority booking time slots. 

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C:

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

An odorless, colourless, tasteless poisonous gas that produces when fuels burn with insufficient air. When carbon monoxide leaks into your home, it can lead to serious health problems. Regular maintenance will help ensure this does not happen. 

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Coil

There are usually two coils in an HVAC system, one in your air conditioner unit, and one in your indoor unit. Coils are what increase or decrease the temperature via heat transfer. 

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Compressor

These are a part of your outdoor air conditioner or heat pump. It compresses and pumps refrigerant to meet the household cooling requirements. 

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Commercial

The type of work being considered under a scope of labour and material, only on a new property without tenants or homeowners, these can be pre-existing retail spaces or and newly constructed developments.

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Condenser

This is the outdoor portion of an air conditioner or heat pump that either releases or collects heat, depending on the time of year. 

D:

Dual-Fuel

A comfort system that pairs an electric heat pump with a gas furnace and alternates between the two fuel sources to maximize comfort and efficiency 

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Ductwork (or Sheet Metal)

Refers to the system of ducts metal tubes used to transport air from heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment throughout the home. Properly installed sheet metal is crucial for long term air quality, and comfort.

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Damper

A moveable plate located in the ductwork, that regulates airflow and directs to specific areas in the home. Dampers are typically used in zoning, or control systems. 

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Diagnosis

If your HVAC system is currently experiencing an error, a diagnosis is required by a certified and insured technician. Diagnostic visits typically entail research and repair. 

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G:

Garage Heater

Natural or propane gas unit that provide warmth for car garages of any size during the cold winter months. 

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Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces are a part of an HVAC system that converts natural gas or propane into high-temperate heat for a home.

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H:

Heat Exchanger

A heating component that is located in the furnace and transfers heat to the surrounding air, which then gets pumped into the home.

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Heat Pump

An HVAC unit that both heats and cools by extracting and transfers heat. Unlike traditional air-conditioners, heat pumps have the ability to both cool during summer, and heat for winter. They have a reversible refrigerant cycle within their systems that allow them to accomplish this.

 

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Humidifier

A device that adds moisture to indoor air in a single room or throughout an entire home. Whole-home humidifiers use a fan in your furnace or air handler to blow air throughout the ductwork, or may work independently even if your furnace or air handler is not operating.

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HVAC

An abbreviation meaning: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. 

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M:

MERV Rating

The minimum efficiency reporting value rating used to rank efficiency for air filters. Every air filter has tiny holes that allow air to pass through, the smaller the holes, the fewer particles can pass through. Higher MERV ratings indicate smaller holes, therefore more efficient. 

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Micron

A unit of measure equal to one millionth of a meter. Airborne particles like dust, dander, mold are measured in microns. These tiny particles can circulate in your home's air or water and have harmful effects over time. 

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Mini-Split 

Also known as "Ductless Air Conditioning", this is a compact HVAC system typically hung on a wall, they can efficiently cool and heat single rooms, small apartments or other spaces where ductwork isn't practical. They consist of the same major components as an outdoor condenser and air handler. 

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New Home Construction/Residential 

The type of work being considered under a scope of labour and material, only on a new property and newly constructed home. 

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N:

R:

R-22 Refrigerant 

The old standard for residential air conditioners, now being phased out as of 2020. After 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported. Refrigerant is the working fluid used in your unit, it is a chemical compound that changes temperature as it transitions between liquid to gas. It is crucial in order for your unit to function.

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R-410A Refrigerant

A chlorine free refrigerant that means the new regulations for air conditioners. Refrigerant is the working fluid used in your unit, it is a chemical compound that changes temperature as it transitions between liquid to gas. It is crucial in order for your unit to function.

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RE/RE or Retrofit

The type of work being considered under a scope of labour and material, only on pre-existing home or occupied property. The removal and replacement of existing HVAC equipment. 

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RTU (Roof Top Unit) 

A packaged HVAC unit that provides conditioned air in one compact unit. These are usually installed on roof tops and on large commercial properties.  

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S:

SEER

This rating measures how much energy a heating and cooling system uses to operate. The higher the SEER rating the more energy efficient your unit is, and long-term savings on energy bills down the lines. 

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Service/Maintenance 

The process of maintaining your HVAC equipment annually by inspecting and cleaning, this visit is considered necessary for most manufacture warranties. It is important to note, a general service is not that same as a diagnostic or "tune-up". 

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T:

Thermostat 

A device that monitors the indoor temperature and adjusts your heating or cooling equipment to maintain a desired level.

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Ton

Unit of measure to determine cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 BTU. 

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Tune-Up

Typically, this form of maintenance is less invasive. It includes a visual inspection and cleaning of HVAC equipment. Potential hazards, or replacement services are not available during this visit. 

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W:

Warranty

Every piece of equipment typically has warranty or (insurance) on the parts or inner working of a unit. Labour warranty covers the cost of a repair technician or any associated fees for the diagnosis. Zoltera offers 1 year free labour warranty on all installed product. 

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