Let’s be honest—HVAC terms can sound like a foreign language. But as a homeowner in Florida, understanding the basics can help you make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and feel more confident when working with your HVAC technician.
At LT.’s Expert Home Service, we believe in educating our customers—not confusing them. So here’s a quick, no-fluff guide to the most common HVAC terms you should know:
🔧 HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—the full system that heats, cools, and moves air through your home.
🌡️ SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
This measures how efficient your A/C unit is. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient your system is. In Florida, the minimum required is 15 SEER, but many energy-saving units go up to 20+.
🔗 Learn more from Energy.gov: SEER Ratings Explained
💨 Air Handler
The indoor part of your HVAC system that moves air throughout your home. It works hand-in-hand with your outdoor condenser unit.
❄️ Refrigerant
The liquid or gas that cools the air in your system. If your system uses R-22 (Freon), it’s outdated and should be upgraded—modern units use R-410A, which is more eco-friendly.
🔗 EPA Guide: Phasing Out R-22 Refrigerant
🔁 Return Air Vent
These vents pull air from your home back into the system to be cooled or heated again. Keep them clean and unobstructed!
🧽 Coils
There are two main types:
- Evaporator Coil (inside): Absorbs heat and humidity
- Condenser Coil (outside): Releases heat outdoors
Dirty coils = higher energy bills and reduced cooling power.
🧰 Compressor
This is the heart of your A/C system. It pressurizes refrigerant to help it move through the coils. A damaged compressor often means major repair or replacement.
🌬️ Ductwork
The system of tubes that carry air throughout your home. Leaky or dirty ducts can cause major energy loss and air quality issues.
📱 Smart Thermostat
A Wi-Fi connected thermostat you can control from your phone. It helps save energy by learning your habits and optimizing heating and cooling.
🔗 Consumer Reports: Best Smart Thermostats
🛠️ Let the Pros Handle the Rest
You don’t need to know it all—that’s why we’re here. But with these basics, you’ll feel more confident when talking with your HVAC tech, reviewing estimates, or choosing a new system.
At LT.’s Expert Home Service, we take pride in doing the job right the first time—with honesty, clarity, and no pressure. We’re a veteran-owned, locally trusted HVAC company that Florida homeowners count on.
📞 Ready to book a tune-up or need a repair?
Let’s get your system working better, smarter, and more efficiently.
Contact us today!