Glossary of Terms
Automatic de-icing
A function sometimes built into the AC unit to automatically defrost the build up of ice on the heating coils.
BTU’s
British Thermal Units – it is simply a means of measuring thermal (heat energy). The air-cooling power of an air conditioning system refers to the amount of thermal energy removed from an area. This is really an old style imperial measurement. Here in Australia we tend to prefer the metric Kilowatt measure: 9000BTU=2.6kW
Capacity
The KW amount required to economically heat or cool a particular space. Generally refers to the size of the unit you are purchasing.
Coefficient of Performance
An efficiency ratio - the amount of heating/cooling provided by a heating or cooling unit to the energy consumed by the system. The higher the Coefficient of Performance the more efficient the system.
Duct and duct bends and components
Used to cover and protect exposed interconnecting piping and cables neatly and safely.
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)
Is a unit of measure that shows how efficient an air conditioner is at turning electricity into cooling and/or heating. The more blue stars the more efficient the air conditioner is at cooling. The more red stars the more efficient it is at heating.
Feet
Different styles for different applications, used when outdoor unit is mounted directly on an existing concrete slab, can also be used on a near flat roof installation.
Fixed Speed or Non Inverter
This AC motor is either on or off - the system will cycle through "kicking in" and "kicking out" to achieve the selected internal room temperature (there is an option for variable speed). This AC system is normally cheaper to purchase but not always as efficient as an inverter.
Indoor unit
The internal component of a split system AC. It is mounted in the room to be cooled and it expels cool, dehumidified air into the area.
Interconnecting Refrigeration Piping
Used to physically connect indoor and outdoor units. It allows for the flow of refrigerant between both components.
Interconnecting refrigeration piping in duct
The ducting not only offers some form of protection for the pipework but it also assists in cooling efficiency by helping maintain the necessary refrigerant temperature as it flows through the system.
Inverter
This is an outdoor motor that allows the AC to operate at variable speeds. Offers benefits such as increasing the life of the AC unit, more economical, quieter and wont create excess power loads upon start up.
Kilowatts (KW)
A unit of measure, providing the amount of electricity needed to operate given equipment. For the layman, it is a measure of an air conditioners power. Kilowatts measure the amount of heat that will be removed (cooling) or added (heating) to the room/s in your house. The higher the KW rating, the greater the size, weight and cost of the air conditioner.
Outdoor Unit
The external component of a split system AC. It resides outside of the property and is doing most of the hard, noisy operational work in the cooling system.
Output Capacity
The output capacity is a measure of the amount of heat that will be removed (cooling) or added (heating) to the room/s in your house by the air conditioner. The output range you need will depend upon your particular requirements. Air conditioner outputs are measured in kilowatts (kW).
Pitched Roof Bracket
Used for mounting the outdoor unit on a pitched roof, can be mounted on a tiled or colourbond roof. Not all roof mounted installations need a roof bracket
Poly slab or concrete slab
Used to mount outdoor unit on the ground where there is no existing concrete base
Restart delay
Air conditioners are not designed to be turned off and immediately back on. So if the power is accidentally shut off, the restart delay function will safely start the air conditioner after a short delay.
Reverse Cycle
An AC system which has a 'reversing valve' incorporated into the operating mechanics. This allows for the refrigerant gas flow to change of direction. This ultimately turns your unit from a cooling unit to a heating unit. It heats and cools.
Split System Air Conditioner
A system that has 2 separate components – normally an internal component delivering the cool air inside and an external operating (noisy) part outside.
Wall bracket
Used for mounting outdoor unit on an external wall.
