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Terms & Vocabulary
We've compiled a short list of the most common terms to know when talking to your Trane dealer. Click on a term to get its definition.

For a more complete listing of terms, please visit our Glossary or Frequently Asked Questions.

Air handler BTU
Compressor Dehumidifier
EER Flue
Heat Loss Heat Pump
Humidistat HVAC
Packaged Unit SEER
Self-contained System Split System
Thermostat Zone System
Air Handler
An air moving unit. Residential air handlers include a blower, a coil, an expansion device, a heater rack and filter. Heaters for air handlers are sold as accessories. In some models heaters are factory installed.

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BTU
British thermal unit; the amount of heat required to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The heat extracted from your home by an air conditioner is measured in BTUs.

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Compressor
This is the heart of an air conditioner or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit and pumps refrigerant in order to meet the cooling requirements of the system.

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Dehumidifier
An air cooler that removes moisture from the air.

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EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio is a steady state yearly operation. This is used more by utilities than for homeowner comparisons. SEER is a seasonal measure most often used for residential ratings.

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Flue
Any vent or passageway that carries the products of combustion from a furnace.

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Heat Loss
The rate of heat transfer from a heated space to the outdoors.

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Heat Pump
An outdoor unit that cools in the summer and heats in the winter using only electricity.

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Humidistat
A humidity-sensing control that cycles the humidifier on and off.

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HVAC
Abbreviation for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.

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Packaged Unit
A heating and/or air conditioning system contained in a single cabinet outside the home. unit. A packaged unit is typically installed beside or on the roof.

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SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; a measure of cooling efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit.

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Self-contained System
A heating or air conditioning system with no external components. Also known as a packaged unit or a packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC)

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Split System
The combination of an outdoor unit (air conditioner or heat pump) with an indoor unit (furnace or air handler). Split systems must be matched for optimum efficiency. This is the most common type system in the U.S.A.

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Thermostat (aka Comfort Control)
A thermostat consists of a series of sensors and relays that monitor and control the functions of a heating and air conditioning system to a pre-set temperature.

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Zone System
A method of dividing a home into different comfort zones so each zone can be independently controlled depending on use and need; an air conditioning system capable of maintaining varying conditions for various rooms or zones.

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