Related Terms
ACCA Manual D
ACCA Manual D is a standardized methodology developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America for designing residential duct systems that properly distribute conditioned air throughout a home based on room-by-room heating and cooling requirements.
Air Filters
Air filters are devices installed in HVAC systems that remove airborne particles, contaminants, and pollutants from indoor air as it circulates through heating and cooling units.
Air Filtration Systems
Air filtration systems are devices that remove airborne particles like dust, pollen, and contaminants from indoor air, typically integrated into HVAC systems to maintain clean air quality and protect heating and cooling equipment.
Air Handler
An air handler is the indoor component of an HVAC system that circulates conditioned air throughout a building via ductwork. It contains the blower motor, air filter, and evaporator coil that work together to distribute heated or cooled air to every room.
Air-To-Fuel Ratio
Air-to-fuel ratio refers to the proportion of air mixed with fuel during combustion in heating systems. The correct balance allows for complete, efficient burning while minimizing waste and harmful emissions.
Airborne Contaminants
Airborne contaminants are particles, biological matter, and pollutants that accumulate in HVAC ductwork and circulate through indoor air, including dust, pet dander, mold spores, pollen, and debris from construction or daily activities.
Airflow
Airflow refers to the movement and circulation of air through a building's HVAC system and ductwork. Proper airflow is necessary for maintaining consistent temperatures, indoor air quality, and energy-efficient heating and cooling throughout a space.
Alternaria
Alternaria is a genus of mold commonly found in damp indoor environments, including air ducts, that produces airborne spores known to trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
American Society Of Heating, Refrigerating And Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE is a professional organization that develops standards and guidelines for HVAC systems, including air duct cleaning and maintenance protocols. The organization sets industry benchmarks for indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and proper ventilation practices.
Anemometer
An anemometer is a precision instrument that measures air velocity and airflow volume in HVAC systems, ducts, and ventilation equipment to assess system performance and efficiency.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a percentage rating that measures how effectively a furnace converts fuel into usable heat over a year. A higher AFUE rating indicates better energy efficiency and lower heating costs.
Learn more about Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) →
Antimicrobial Treatment
Antimicrobial treatment is the application of EPA-approved sanitizing solutions to air duct interiors that kill bacteria, mold, and viruses, preventing microbial growth and eliminating odors.
ASHRAE
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) is a professional organization that develops standards and guidelines for HVAC system design, installation, and performance.
Aspergillus
Aspergillus is a common type of fungus frequently found in air ducts that releases airborne spores capable of causing respiratory problems and allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Backdraft
Backdraft is the reverse flow of air and exhaust gases back into a building through a dryer vent or other exhaust system, typically caused by negative air pressure or blocked venting.
Blower Motor
A blower motor is an electric motor that powers a fan to circulate heated or cooled air through your home's ductwork and vents, making it a central component of your HVAC system's air distribution.
Borescope
A borescope is a flexible or rigid optical inspection tool with a camera and light that allows technicians to visually examine hard-to-reach areas inside HVAC systems, engines, and other equipment without disassembly.
BTU
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measurement of heat energy that indicates the cooling or heating power of an appliance. For range hoods, BTU ratings help determine the amount of heat your ventilation system needs to handle from your cooking equipment.
Cladosporium
Cladosporium is a common dark green or black mold frequently found in air ducts and indoor environments that releases airborne spores capable of triggering allergic reactions and respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Coils
Coils are heat exchange components in HVAC systems that transfer thermal energy between refrigerant and air. The evaporator coil absorbs heat to cool indoor air, while the condenser coil releases heat outdoors.
Cold Air Return
A cold air return is a vent or opening in your HVAC system that draws room-temperature air back into the furnace or air handler to be heated or cooled and recirculated throughout your home.
Combustion
Combustion is the chemical process of burning fuel (such as natural gas, oil, or propane) with oxygen to produce heat energy. In HVAC systems, this controlled burning process powers furnaces and boilers to warm homes and buildings.
Combustion Chamber
The combustion chamber is the enclosed space within a furnace where fuel (gas, oil, or propane) is burned to generate heat that warms your home.
Compressed Air Whip
A flexible, high-pressure air hose tool used during duct cleaning to dislodge and remove stubborn dirt, dust, and debris from duct walls through bursts of compressed air.
Compressor
A compressor is a mechanical pump in an HVAC system that pressurizes refrigerant and circulates it through the cooling cycle, serving as the heart of the air conditioning process.
Condensate Drain
A condensate drain is a pipe or tube that removes water produced by your air conditioning system during the cooling process, preventing moisture buildup and potential water damage to your home.
Condensate Pump
A condensate pump is a mechanical device that removes water produced during the heating process in high-efficiency furnaces by pumping it away from the unit through a drain line to prevent overflow and water damage.
Condenser Unit
The outdoor component of a central air conditioning system that houses the compressor, condenser coil, and fan, responsible for releasing heat from your home to the outside air.
Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM)
Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) is a measurement of air volume flow rate that indicates how many cubic feet of air move past a point in one minute. This metric determines the power and efficiency of ventilation equipment like vacuum systems and HVAC units.
Dampers
Adjustable valves or plates installed within HVAC ductwork that control airflow direction and volume to different rooms or zones, allowing you to balance heating and cooling distribution throughout your home.
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is an appliance that removes excess moisture from indoor air by drawing in humid air, extracting water vapor, and releasing drier air back into the space.
Door Sweep
A door sweep is a weatherstripping device attached to the bottom of a door that seals the gap between the door and threshold, preventing drafts, moisture, and debris from entering while improving energy efficiency.
Dryer Exhaust Vent
A dryer exhaust vent is a duct system that channels hot, moist air and lint from your clothes dryer to the outside of your home, preventing moisture buildup and maintaining safe, efficient dryer operation.
Electrostatic Filter
An electrostatic filter is a reusable air filtration device that uses static electricity to attract and capture airborne particles like dust, pollen, and other contaminants in heating and cooling systems.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment through regulations, standards, and guidelines for air quality, water safety, and pollution control.
Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil is a component in your HVAC system that absorbs heat from indoor air to cool your home, typically located inside the air handler or attached to the furnace.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system in a range hood is the ventilation mechanism that removes smoke, grease, odors, and airborne contaminants from the kitchen during cooking, typically consisting of filters, fans, and ductwork.
Extraction Fan
An extraction fan is a mechanical ventilation component within a range hood that actively removes cooking fumes, smoke, grease particles, and odors from the kitchen by drawing contaminated air through filters and expelling it outside or recirculating it.
Fusarium
Fusarium is a genus of filamentous fungi commonly found in soil and organic matter that can colonize air ducts and produce mycotoxins, potentially causing respiratory issues and allergic reactions in building occupants.
GFCI
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is a safety device that quickly shuts off electrical power when it detects an imbalance in the electrical current, protecting against electrical shock and electrocution.
Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger is a device that transfers thermal energy between two or more fluids at different temperatures without allowing them to mix directly. In HVAC systems, heat exchangers enable heating or cooling of indoor air while maintaining separation between combustion gases and breathable air.
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) is a filtration standard that captures 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including dust, pollen, mold spores, and bacteria.
Ignition System
The ignition system is the mechanism in a furnace that creates the spark or heat needed to light the fuel and start the heating process. Modern systems typically use electronic ignition rather than traditional standing pilot lights.
International Residential Code
The International Residential Code (IRC) is a comprehensive set of building standards that governs the construction and renovation of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses in the United States, including requirements for mechanical systems like range hood installation.
Mastic
Mastic is a thick, paste-like sealant used to seal joints and seams in HVAC ductwork, preventing air leaks and improving system efficiency by creating an airtight barrier that withstands temperature changes.
MERV Rating
MERV Rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is a numerical scale from 1 to 16 that measures how effectively an air filter captures airborne particles, with higher numbers indicating better filtration performance.
Micron
A micron is a unit of measurement equal to one-millionth of a meter, commonly used to describe the size of particles that furnace filters can capture, with smaller micron ratings indicating finer filtration.
Mini-Split System
A ductless heating and cooling system consisting of an outdoor compressor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers, allowing for zone-based temperature control without traditional ductwork.
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is a non-profit organization that sets industry standards and certifies professionals in the HVAC cleaning industry. NADCA-certified technicians follow strict guidelines to ensure proper air duct cleaning and maintenance.
Learn more about National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) →
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global nonprofit organization that develops and publishes fire safety codes and standards, including guidelines for dryer vent installation and maintenance to prevent fire hazards.
Learn more about National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) →
NEC
NEC (National Electrical Code) is a set of safety standards for electrical installations in the United States, establishing requirements for wiring, circuits, and electrical equipment to prevent hazards and ensure proper function.
Negative Pressure
Negative pressure is a controlled vacuum state created during air duct cleaning where air pressure inside the ductwork is lower than surrounding areas, preventing contaminants from escaping into living spaces during the cleaning process.
Pleated Filter
A pleated filter is a type of HVAC air filter featuring folded material that creates an accordion-like structure, providing increased surface area for capturing airborne particles and improving air quality.
R-Values
R-Values measure the thermal resistance of insulation materials, indicating how effectively they resist heat flow. Higher R-Values mean better insulating performance and greater energy efficiency.
Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a chemical substance used in HVAC systems that absorbs and releases heat as it cycles between liquid and gas states, enabling cooling in air conditioners and heat pumps.
Register
A register is a vent cover or grille that controls airflow from your HVAC system into a room, typically featuring adjustable louvers that allow you to direct or restrict air distribution.
Return Registers
Return registers are vent openings that pull air from rooms back into the HVAC system for heating or cooling. These grilles allow air circulation throughout the home and help maintain balanced air pressure.
Rotary Brush System
A mechanical air duct cleaning method that uses rotating brushes attached to flexible rods to scrub and dislodge debris from the interior walls of ductwork while a high-powered vacuum simultaneously removes loosened contaminants.
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition where building occupants experience acute health effects and discomfort that appear linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.
SMACNA
SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association) is an international trade association that establishes industry standards and best practices for HVAC ductwork design, fabrication, and installation.
Smoke Pencil
A smoke pencil is a diagnostic tool that produces a thin stream of visible smoke, used to detect air leaks in ductwork, windows, and other building envelope components by observing smoke movement toward gaps and cracks.
Stachybotrys Chartarum
Stachybotrys chartarum is a toxic black mold species that produces mycotoxins and thrives in water-damaged buildings, particularly in areas with cellulose-based materials like drywall and air ducts.
Static Pressure Testing
Static pressure testing is a diagnostic procedure that measures airflow resistance within an HVAC duct system to identify blockages, leaks, or design problems that reduce heating and cooling efficiency.
Supply Register
A supply register is a vent cover that delivers conditioned air from your HVAC system into living spaces. These grilled openings allow heated or cooled air to flow from ductwork into rooms throughout your home.
Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are specially designed window treatments with insulating properties that help reduce heat loss through windows during winter and block heat gain during summer, leading to lower energy bills and improved home comfort.
Vent Cap
A protective cover installed at the exterior termination point of a dryer vent system that prevents rain, snow, debris, and pests from entering while allowing exhaust air to escape freely.
Video Scope
A video scope is a small, high-resolution camera inserted into air ducts and HVAC systems to capture real-time footage of interior conditions, allowing technicians to identify damage, blockages, leaks, and other issues not visible from the outside.
Volatile Organic Compounds (Vocs)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature and can be released from various indoor sources, potentially affecting air quality and human health.
Water Column Pressure
Water column pressure is a measurement unit used in HVAC systems that expresses the force exerted by air or gas, equivalent to the pressure needed to raise a column of water to a specific height, typically measured in inches.
