7 Air Conditioning Terms that a Builder Should Know

Have you ever lost track when you’re conversing with a technician or reading an article and it’s because you don’t understand the words being used? Well here are some important terms that every builder should know when enquiring about ducted air conditioning. Knowing these terms will ensure you are able to understand what our technicians are saying.

• Condenser– also commonly known as the outdoor unit. It is mounted on rubber feet and placed on a concrete path. The electrical connections come from the main power supply to the outdoor unit. Piping and other electrical connections are run from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. The isolator switch (commercial on/off switch) is located on or beside the outdoor unit.

• Damper– also referred to as a zone motor. It is a valve-like component installed into the ducting to control the air flow to each room. They create maximum efficiency and performance of your whole system and will help save money on long-term running costs. The latest technology allows the user to have personalised control over the air flow to each room with variable air flow and temperature controls.

• Evaporator Fan Coil– also known as the indoor unit. It is installed in the roof space, generally suspended from the roof trusses by hangers. Refrigeration pipes are run from the condenser to the fan coil where the air is refrigerated and then delivered to each of the rooms via a network of ducting. The return air unit is connected to the fan coil where air is sucked up from the rooms through the return air grill back to the fan coil.

• HVAC– simply stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. It is a broad term that refers to any system that provides heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC is a technology that is designed to provide ultimate indoor comfort and air quality. Ducted air conditioning is one of several HVAC systems. The reverse cycle technology provides heating and air conditioning. The air ventilates by travelling through ducting, out of the ceiling back through the return air grille to the fan coil and the cycle starts again.

• Inverter– an air conditioning component that allows the condenser to vary its speed and output to match the required capacity of the fan coil. Through inverter technology, ducted air conditioning is more economical and quieter to run than conventional units. The inverter model can achieve 30% more efficiency and therefore is more affordable to run. It allows the system to handle greater extremes in temperature, creates a smoother and more stable operation and can reach the desired temperature quicker.

• Reverse Cycle – technology used in ducted air conditioning allowing one system to provide both warm and cool air. The refrigeration cycle can be manually reversed therefore you have total climate comfort. It is the most efficient way of keeping a house comfortable, despite natural weather conditions, as it conveniently provides warmth and cooling from one system.

• Split Ducted Unit– this is also known as a ducted air conditioning system. They are designed to air condition a whole home from one system. Many people get split ducted unit confused with split systems. Split systems are wall mounted air conditioners designed to only cool a single room or open area. The reason ducted air conditioning is called a ‘split ducted unit’ is because the indoor unit and outdoor unit are installed to different locations (not back to back install).

Understanding these seven terms will help you be knowledgeable when dealing with ducted air conditioning. Have you got any current projects needing ducted air conditioning? We are heading into our warmest season and in Queensland spring/summer ducted air conditioning is a must. Why not enquire today by giving our friendly staff a call on 07 3395 7633 or alternatively, chat with us and one of our friendly team members will help you out.