HVAC Glossary

The HVAC industry can be a maze of unfamiliar acronyms and industry terms. This dictionary
will help you navigate the most common terms you'll come across during your buying decision.

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W Z

A
AC (Alternating Current): A type of current where the polarity is perpetually reversing,
causing the directional flow in a circuit to reverse at regular intervals.
ACCA: ACCA is a non-profit association whose membership includes more than 60,000
professionals and 4,000 businesses in the indoor environment and energy services community.
Their website can be found at www.acca.org.
Acoustical: Relating to sound, the science of sound, or a sense of hearing.
AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency is a measurement used to rate furnace efficiencies by
dividing the ratio of heat output by heat input.
AGA: American Gas Association, Inc.
AHRI: The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade
association representing manufacturers of HVACR and water heating. Their website can be
found at www.ahrinet.org.
Air Conditioner: A device that changes humidity levels, temperature or quality of air.
Airflow Volume: Measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm), this is the amount of air circulated
in a space.
Air Handler: Indoor part of the air conditioning system including the circulating fan and
evaporator (summer) / condenser (winter) coil.
ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is a
global society advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built
environment. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor
air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry. Their website can be found
at www.ashrae.org.

B
BTU: A British Thermal Unit is a measurement of the amount of heat required to raise or lower
the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
BTU/h: British Thermal Units per hour
Burner: The device that facilitates the combustion of air and gas.
Burner Orifice: The opening in the burner through which the gas or fuel passes prior to
combustion.

C
Capacity: HVAC capacity is the output produced by the heating or cooling unit and is
measured in BTUs per hour.
Celsius: A temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 0° and the boiling
point as 100° under normal atmospheric pressure.
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): A measurement of airflow volume.
Charging a System: Adding coolant, or refrigerant, to an HVAC system.
Coil: The coil, or evaporator coil, is connected to the airflow outlet of the furnace. Conditioned
refrigerant is circulated through the coil to cool the structure in the summer and heat in the
winter. As warm indoor air passes through the indoor or evaporator coil, temperature and
humidity are removed creating cooler indoor air. Installing a correctly sized and rated
evaporator coil is essential for getting the highest performance and comfort from your central
air conditioning or heat pump system.
Compressor: A pump that increases the pressure of refrigerant gas.
Condensate: As warm air is pulled or pushed across the cool evaporator coil the coil
perspires, creating liquid, or condensate which is mechanically drained away from the
equipment.
Condenser Coil: Generally the outdoor coil, it removes heat from the refrigerant in the
summer months, allowing the refrigerant to be converted from vapor to liquid and complete
the refrigeration process.
Condenser Fan: A fan that accelerates the movement of air over the condenser coil, facilitating
the removal of heat from the refrigerant.
CSA: Canadian Standards Association

D
DC: Direct Current. A type of electrical current that only flows in one direction.
Damper: Found at the junction points of ductwork, these sheet metal plates can be opened or
closed to control the flow of air into a zone.
Degree-Day: Calculated by subtracting the average outdoor temperature for an area from 65º
Fahrenheit. This measurement is used to estimate the amount of heating or cooling a home or
building will need.
Dehumidifier: A device that removes humidity, or moisture, from the air.
Diffuser: A grille over an air supply duct with vanes that distribute the discharging air in a
specific pattern or direction.
DOE: Department of Energy. Their website can be found at www.energy.gov.
Downflow Furnace: A furnace with an intake on the top and an air discharge at the bottom.
Drain Pan: Also a condensate pan. As the refrigerant vapor is liquefied, the drain pan collects
the condensate and funnels it to the drain line.
Dry Bulb Temperature: The temperature as measured without the consideration of humidity.
Duct work: A network of metal, fiberboard or flexible material flowing throughout a space
which delivers air from an HVAC unit to the respective zones of a home or office.

E
EER: The Energy Efficiency Ratio of a particular cooling device is the ratio of output cooling
energy (in BTU) to input electrical energy at a given operating point.
Energy Star®: ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary
program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through
superior energy efficiency. Energy Star's website is www.energystar.gov.
EPA: The United States Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the US federal
government which was created for the purpose of protecting human health and the
environment by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress. Their
website can be found at www.epa.gov.
Evaporator Coil: Also an indoor coil. A device that is designed to absorb heat in the air in
order to change the liquid refrigerant that flows through it into a vapor initiating the cooling
process.
Expansion Valve: A valve that meters the levels of refrigerant through a temperature or
pressure control.

F
Fahrenheit: A temperature scale in which water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212
degrees at normal atmospheric pressure.
Fan: A device consisting of a motor and a blower wheel that creates air flow.
Filter: A central heating and cooling system may use multiple filters. The air filter is integral to
the system intake ducting, prevents contaminants from entering the equipment and must be
maintained or replaced at regular intervals. There is also a filter in the refrigeration system,
also referred to as a drier, which acts like a strainer to remove dirt and undesired particles
from the system.
Flue: A vent that removes the byproducts of combustion from a furnace.
Furnace: The major gas fired component in for heating a home. A device that facilitates the
combustion of fuel and air to create heat and then circulates it through the home by means of a
fan.
Fuse: A delicate metal strip connecting two parts of an electrical circuit. This strip works as a
safety, or circuit protector, and breaks, or melts, in the event of excess electrical charge,
breaking the electrical circuit.

G
GAMA: Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association

H
Heat Exchanger: A device through which heat is transferred to a cold or warm area or surface.
Heat Gain: The amount of heat added or created in a designated area.
Heating Coil: A coil that acts as a heat source for a heating system.
Heat Loss: The amount of heat lost or subtracted from a designated area.
Heat Pump: A device used for either the heating or cooling of a space by transferring heat
between two reservoirs.
Heat Transfer: The flow of heat from one area to another by conduction, convection, and/or
radiation. Heat flows naturally from a warmer to a cooler material or space.
HSPF The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a term specifically used to define
the measurement of efficiency of a residential heat pump system.
Humidifier: A device that adds humidity, or moisture, to the air.
Humidistat: The device that measures humidity and turns the humidifier on and off.
Humidity: Dampness in the air caused by water vapor.

I
Ignition: Elevating the temperature of a substance to the point of causing a combustive
reaction.
Interconnection Agreement: A connection or link between power systems that enables them
to draw on each other's reserve capacity in time of need.

K
Kilowatt (kW): 1,000 watts.

L
Latent Heat: Is energy released or absorbed, by a body or a thermodynamic system, during a
constant-temperature process that creates a change of state. An example is the latent heat of
evaporation which creates a phase transition from liquid to a vapor at a specified temperature
and pressure.

M
Media: The fine material of a filter that traps dirt, dust, mildew or bacteria.
Manufacturer Approved System: If replacing a condensing unit, furnace or air handler, the
system must be manufacturer approved and Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration
Institute (AHRI) matched. NOTE: Installation of unmatched systems is strongly discouraged.

N
NATE: North American Technician Excellence is the nation’s largest non-profit certification
organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. NATE is the
only technician certification organization governed, owned, operated, developed and
supported by the HVACR industry. NATE's website can be found at www.natex.org.
NEC: National Energy Council / National Electric Code
NEMA: National Electrical Manufacturing Association

O
Orifice: An opening or hole.

P
Package Unit: A heating and cooling system contained in one outdoor unit.
Particulates: The fine liquid or solid particles contained in combustion gases. The quantity
and size of particulates emitted by cars, power and industrial plants, wood stoves, etc are
regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Plenum: A pressurized housing containing a gas (typically air) at positive pressure (pressure
higher than surroundings). One function of the plenum is to manage and equalize pressure for
more even distribution.
Programmable Thermostat: A type of thermostat that allows the user to program into the
devices' memory a pre-set schedule of times and temperatures enabling or disabling the HVAC
equipment.
PSI: A pound per square inch is a unit of pressure resulting from the force of one pound-force
applied to an area of one square inch.
PSIA: Pounds per square inch, absolute is used to clarify that the pressure is relative to a
vacuum rather than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Since atmospheric pressure at sea level
is around 14.7 psi, this will be added to any pressure reading made in air at sea level.
PSIG: Pounds per square inch gauge designates that the pressure is relative to atmospheric
pressure.
Psychrometric: The analysis of atmospheric conditions, particularly moisture in the air.
PVC: Polyvinyl chloride; a type of plastic.

R
Radiant floor: A type of radiant heating system where the building floor contains channels or
tubes through which hot fluids such as air or water are circulated.
Radiation: The transfer of heat through matter or space by means of electromagnetic waves.
Reciprocating Compressor: A type of compressor used in cooling systems to compress
refrigerant by using a piston action.
Refrigerant: The compound (working fluid) used in air conditioners, heat pumps, and
refrigerators to transfer heat into or out of an interior space. This fluid boils at a very low
temperature enabling it to exude and absorb heat.
Refrigerant Charge: The amount of refrigerant in a system.

S
Scroll Compressor: Used in both lower and higher efficiency air conditioners, scroll
compressors are popular because they feature fewer moving parts than reciprocating
compressors. This translates to more efficient operation, higher tolerance to liquid refrigerant,
less mechanical failure and smoother, quieter operation.
SEER The efficiency of air conditioners is often rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
which is defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute as the cooling
output during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input during the
same period.
Self-contained System: A package unit.
Sensible Heat: Heat added or subtracted that causes a change in temperature.
Sensor: A device that reacts to a change in conditions.
Single-Speed: A single-speed motor runs at top speed until it satisfies your temperature
setting and then shuts off. They’re generally louder at start-up, consume more energy than
alternative motor types and can cause more stress on mechanical parts.
Split System: An outdoor unit combined with an indoor unit (as opposed to a package unit),
generally providing more efficiency and configuration options.

T
Thermostat: A wall mounted device that monitor and controls the output of an HVAC system.
Thermostatic Expansion Valve: A device that creates a constant evaporator temperature by
regulation of refrigerant flow through the system.
Ton: One ton is 12,000 BTUs per hour.
Two-Speed: The base required for a high-efficiency air conditioner, two-speed motors cycle
on in low gear and attempts to satisfy the cooling load for the home, shifting to high gear if
necessary. Once it reaches the desired temperature, it cycles back down to low before shutting
off. With just two speeds, it reduces start-up noise, operates with greater energy efficiency and
causes less stress on mechanical parts compared to single-speed motors.
U
Upflow Furnace: A furnace that pulls in air from the bottom and releases it through the top.

V
Vacuum: A space where the pressure is significantly below that of standard atmospheric
pressure.
Variable-Speed: Ideal for high-efficiency air conditioners, a variable-speed motor functions
much like a two speed, only with several speeds of operation. When compared with single- or
two-speed motors, it facilitates smoother cycling and more precise performance control, as
well as the most quiet operation, highest energy efficiency and least stress on mechanical parts.
Ventilation: The process of moving air (changing) into and out of an interior space either by
mechanically induced (forced) means.
Volt: Is the derived unit for electrical potential and electromotive force.
Voltage: The force pushing electrical current along wires and cables.

W
Watt: Is defined as joule per second and can be used to express the rate of energy
transformation with respect to time.
Wet Bulb Thermometer: A thermometer that measures the relative humidity in the air.

Z
Zoning: A system that divides a home, office or space into different regions in order to better
control the temperature and effectiveness of a heating and cooling system.

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Hippo CMMS

Set up a Preventive Maintenance Program in

Six Simple Steps
By Reena Sommer | August 25, 2017

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Preventive Maintenance Program

A large part of keeping a company running efficiently and profitably is ensuring that all
equipment is functioning optimally. To do so, routine preventative maintenance needs
to be conducted. Unfortunately, regular equipment checks often go overlooked in
certain areas of a company's operations mainly because attention is usually directed
toward more pressing issues. However, when small tasks go overlooked for long
periods of time, problems often follow; production errors, work injuries, and asset
damage can all occur if careful tracking and maintenance aren’t followed. A
breakdown in critical equipment is costly both regarding repairs as well as downtime
and delays in a company’s productivity.

The problems outlined can be avoided with a computerized maintenance management

software (CMMS) system that offers preventative maintenance as one of its key
functions. With CMMS softwarein place, companies can get a birds-eye-view of all
their facilities and locations to ensure that effective preventative maintenance
schedule is a part of all standard operating procedures. Preventative maintenance
software provides tools such as automatic triggers, email integration, set reminders,
equipment information, and auto-assigned task which can streamline a company’s
entire maintenance process. Here are the steps in creating an effective preventative
equipment maintenance plan:

Step 1: Create a Plan

Before any preventive maintenance (PM) procedures are put in place, it is important
first to establish who will be involved in the preventative maintenance project.
Depending on the company size, likely choices may include maintenance managers,
maintenance techs and/or people from accounting or finance departments.
Additionally, it is critical that staff members are fully invested in developing the
program so that the PM maintenance implementation can be successful. A final aspect
of creating a preventive maintenance plan is determining a goal for the project.
Examples of PM maintenance project goals are: reducing reactive or corrective
maintenance costs by X% or decreasing equipment downtime by X%.

Step 2: Inventory Facility Equipment/Assets

The most time-consuming aspect of setting up a preventive maintenance program
involves going through a facility and creating an inventory of all relevant equipment.
Although a time consuming exercise, it is a critical one as it ensures that preventive
checks are routinely be made on key operational equipment. As part of this task, it is
important to take note of equipment Make/Model, Serial Numbers, Specifications,
Asset Identification Numbers and Fixed Locations. Finally, documenting the current
condition of the equipment can help prioritize its importance as part of a preventive
maintenance program.
Step 3: Create Preventive Maintenance Procedures
Once a list of equipment has been made, the next step is to determine the tasks or
jobs required to maintain each piece of equipment as well as the frequency with which
these tasks should occur (i.e., weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually).
There may be times when preventive maintenance is best suited to be scheduled
around run-time hours while for other assets, other meter based triggers are more
appropriate. Whichever is the case, it is important to make note of these different
scheduling scenarios while also estimating how much time may be needed to perform
the PM work order.

Most preventive maintenance programs accommodate schedules based on run-time

hours, but having prior knowledge of how often these may occur will assist in a
company’s scheduling process. Preventive maintenance procedures can be
determined based on prior corrective maintenance experiences or by referencing
owner’s manuals and manufacturer recommendations and documented industry
standards. An important part of creating preventive maintenance procedures is making
a list of tools and internal and external resources needed to complete each job. In
summary, a preventive maintenance plan should include the following: a parts list,
standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety/lockout procedures and estimated time
to complete the PM tasks.

Step 4: Create Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Scheduling preventive maintenance is critical to company operations since these
occur regularly and involve time, energy and staff resources to complete. In creating a
preventive maintenance schedule, it is important to make a list of high priority items;
these will be the starting points. Preventative maintenance programs take time to be
created and it is best to schedule the highest priority maintenance before overloading
staff with tasks that rank lower on priority. The initial preventive maintenance goals
established will direct which assets should be prioritized. For example, it is important
to identify which equipment is most costly to a company regarding repairs, downtime
and value to operations. Once high priority items have been identified, it is
recommended to begin by scheduling preventive maintenance tasks with longer
intervals first (i.e., Annual, Semi-Annual, Quarterly). Equipment requiring preventive
maintenance on longer intervals generally require the most time and resources, and
because of this, scheduling may be best during specific times during the year (i.e.,
plant shutdown, at the beginning of heating/cooling season.) Once high priority long
term preventive maintenance is completed, scheduling tasks with shorter intervals and
more frequent cycles (i.e., weekly, monthly, etc.) and low priority items should follow.
Since these preventive maintenance tasks generally require less time, they can also
easily fill the gaps between the long term and high priority preventive maintenance. It
is important to realistically plan preventative maintenance schedules by striking a
balance between preventative maintenance and the time needed to address corrective
or emergency maintenance as well as other projects that will likely surface.

Step 5: Train Your Maintenance Team

While developing a preventive maintenance program takes time, proper CMMS

implementation and adoption of the program is crucial. It is essential that companies
prioritize the training of its maintenance staff as they are the core users of the system.
 Having staff members trained to use a program is a key determinant of successful
outcomes. Do not scale back on training. Having staff that buy in to the software,
adopt it and use it will ensure the highest ROI.

Step 6: Analyze – Adjust - Improve

Businesses are dynamic and so are its equipment assets. Because of this, it is
important always to analyze the results of a preventative maintenance program and
adjust or improve it as needed. Preventive maintenance programs help companies
identify equipment that require more time and money than others, leading to
adjustments in the preventive maintenance procedure/schedule. Companies often
seek the assistance of consultants or CMMS implementation experts to assess and
adjust preventive maintenance programs. It's not a bad idea to assess and adjust your
PM plan every couple of years.

Without a doubt, developing and implementing a preventative maintenance program

takes time and energy. However, once in place with staff trained to use it, the benefits
of automated preventive maintenance far outweigh the costs associated with reactive
or emergency maintenance that often results in unforeseen downtime, equipment
replacement, and operation disruption. Having a system in place that monitors
company assets makes it possible for flexible maintenance scheduling saving time,
money and energy.

The technician should:

 Check for correct amount of refrigerant

 Test for refrigerant leaks using a leak detector
 Capture any refrigerant that must be evacuated from the system,
instead of illegally releasing it to the atmosphere
 Check for and seal duct leakage in central systems
 Measure airflow through the evaporator coil
 Verify the correct electric control sequence and make sure that the
heating system and cooling system cannot operate simultaneously
 Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections, and apply
a non-conductive coating if necessary
 Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear
 Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
Your HVAC service company performs these HVAC preventative maintenance checklist
tasks to prepare your air conditioning system for the cooling season ahead.

 Clean or replace filters

 Clean condenser and evaporator coils

 Clean drain lines for proper flow and clear clogs

 Clear drain pans of any standing water to avoid overflows

 Replace worn pulleys and belts

 Inspect ducts for mold, dust, and debris

 Observe humidity levels

 Check refrigerant charge and for leaks

 Test thermostats and controls to make sure temperatures and timer functions are

correctly set

 Change batteries

 Check electrical system and connections

 Check fan motor

 Check blowers and blades for proper airflow

 Lubricate motors bearings and moving parts

 Inspect cabinet for leaks and check cabinet door for secure closure

 Check for debris around outside unit

Fall/winter HVAC preventative maintenance checklist

Your HVAC service company performs these HVAC preventative maintenance checklist
tasks to check your heating system and prepare it for the cold weather season. Don’t skip
these steps if you want to avoid a furnace breakdown this winter.

 Replace filters on heating equipment

 Inspect ignition burner assembly

 Examine heat exchanger or heating elements

 Study flue system and ensure secure attachment to the furnace

 Inspect for gas leaks with gas furnaces

 Assess gas pressure

 Check pulleys and belts

 Clear drain lines and pans

 Check electrical connections

 Lubricate motors, bearings and other moving parts

 Check thermostats and controls

 Check fan and blower operationa and adjust as needed

 Inspect heat pump

 Examine duct work and vents

Heater and Air Conditioner

Tune-Up Check List
Our Preventive Maintenance visits include:
 Check All Wiring & Connections, Tighten as needed.
 Check Contactor & Relays
 Check Heat Exchanger & Burners
 Check Operating Pressures & Temperatures
 Check Flue Draft & Piping
 Inspect/Clean Condenser Coil
 Check Gas Valve Opening
 Change Standard Size Air Filter (16x20x1, 16x25x1, 20x20x1, 20x25x1)
  Check for Gas Leaks
 Check Pilot, Ignition & Flame
 Inspect & Flush Condensate Drains
 Check Fan/Blower and Belts
 Inspect/Clean Indoor Coil if Accessible
 Check all Safeties
 Check Thermostat
 Check for Gas Leaks

 nspect Thermostat/Replace Batteries

 Replace Air Filter (standard 1")
 Check blower motor and running capacitor
 Adjust air flow for proper temperature rise
 Inspect duct system for leaks
 Make system improvement recommendations
 Inspect blower wheel
 Inspect Motors
 Tighten loose electrical connections
 Inspect and test safety controls
 Record temperatures and pressures
 Clean burners
 Inspect and adjust fan switch
 Inspect gas line from furnace
 Inspect flue pipe
 Adjust combustion for optimum fuel economy
 Diagnose heat exchanger for potential problems

Cooling Season
When you have your air conditioner treated by a preventative maintenance specialist
you will be able to avoid the unfortunate issues that often come about with your AC
freezing up, failing, or providing inadequate cooling during the summer. This is a great
way to protect your investment and avoid extra repair costs that you otherwise simply
cannot predict. Taking advantage of a preventative maintenance plan is a solution that
more and more Peachtree City home owners have begun to turn to as a solution.

Preventative maintenance programs function by addressing the needs of your air

conditioning system on a schedule, which will help to guarantee that everything is
working as it needs as well as providing the repairs that you require to keep it efficiently
and effectively functioning. To get the most out of your home air conditioning you will
need the service of a professional, which means turning to the expert advice and
service that American Freedom Heating & Air can offer with their preventative
maintenance solutions.

 Inspect Thermostat/Replace Batteries

 Replace Air Filter (standard 1")
 Check blower motor and running capacitor
 Adjust air flow for proper temperature rise
 Inspect duct system for leaks
 Make system improvement recommendations
 Inspect blower wheel
 Inspect Motors
 Tighten loose electrical connections
 Inspect and test safety controls
 Record temperatures and pressures
 Straighten and inspect condenser coil fins
 Inspect refrigerant charge by super-heat and sub-cooling methods
 Clean drain lines
 Inspect compressor

1. Blown Fuses. Found in the evaporator coil, fuses protect the unit against overheating of
the motors and or compressor. Once a motor starts going bad, a popped breaker is
normally the first thing the technician will check.

2. Worn Contactor. There are three contactors in a unit: one for the compressor, one for
the condenser fan motor, and one for the blower motor. When a call for cooling or heating is
placed, the contactors engage, making an electrical connection starting the compressor and
motors. Arcing and pitting will form on the contactor making it hard for the electrical current
to pass and start the particular motor.

3. Capacitors. The run capacitor is used to help the motors of the unit run at a consistent
speed, rated in microfarads. Start capacitors give the compressor a brief increase in starting
torque. If either capacitor burns out, it will need to be replaced for your HVAC to work
properly.

4. Gas valve. The gas valve meters the gas to flow from your gas line to your unit. They are
only used during the heating season. If the gas valve gets corroded, it will need to be
replaced.

5. Filters. Filters will always get dirty and clogged from air particles. Once this happens, the
filter will need to be changed. One way to tell if the filter needs to be changed is to hold it up
to the light see if you can see light pass through it. If you cannot, the filter needs to be
changed. If a dirty filter is left in, it will reduce the air flow to the unit causing the unit to
freeze.
6. Thermostat. This is the device that controls the system, telling it what to do and when to
do it. Before calling an HVAC company, make sure the thermostat is on. Many times the
thermostat is accidentally turned off.

7. Drain lines. The drain line commonly becomes clogged with dirt or algae. With the unit
clogged, the drain pan will fill up and cause water to leak over and create some water
damage to the ceiling tiles or ceiling.

8. Refrigerant leak. Refrigerant leaks normally happen due to vibration of the unit when it is
operating. The only refrigerant leaks that cannot be repaired are the ones in the condenser
or evaporator coils. If the leak is found in another place the technician will remove what is
left and charge the unit levels back to their correct amount.

9. Compressor. This is the heart of the A/C unit. The compressor is always located with the
condenser coil. If the unit is undercharged the compressor it will run hot and will eventually
seize. If the unit is overcharged, your liquid refrigerant will get back to the compressor and
cause liquid slugging. If is important that the A/C unit has the proper amount of refrigerant.

10. Condenser Coil. These are always located outside with the compressor. They are
exposed to the outdoor elements, so they often get dirty and should be cleaned yearly. This
can be done with a water hose when the unit is not operating. If the dirt and grime get bad
enough a HVAC technician will have to clean the coil with chemical cleaner.

11. Evaporator Coil. On split systems the evaporator coil is located in the attic, but on a
package unit it is located outside with rest of the unit. If the coil is located inside, cleaning
will only be necessary if suggested and should only be about every three years or so. If the
evaporator coil cracks, an HVAC professional will need to fix the break.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Did you know that the overwhelming majority of air conditioning repairs — 93% — could have been
prevented through regular air conditioning maintenance? Air conditioning units and HVAC systems
lose efficiency when they’re dirty and in need of a tune up. With timely air conditioning maintenance,
Jacksonville residents and businesses can avoid untimely breakdowns. Plus, when you work with
Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all of our
technicians are held to high standards, work efficiently, and get problems taken care of as quickly as
possible. For affordable maintenance services, look no further than the team of trained, experienced
and trusted technicians at Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning. We’re a factory authorized
Bryant dealer which means our team has undergone special training and many of our technicians are
NATE certified. But we don’t limit our work to Bryant air conditioners; we’re able to service all brands
of AC units including Honeywell, Lennox, York, Aprilaire, Trane, Carrier and American Standard.

Planned Service Agreements

To minimize future repair bills, consider an planned service agreement with Charlie’s Tropic Heating
& Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians can provide you with a comprehensive plan to provide
preventative maintenance that will keep all of your HVAC equipment running efficiently. Since the
cost of running your AC system is a significant part of your monthly expense, it makes sense to keep
your air conditioner in peak operating condition year round.

Not ready to sign a service agreement? Not a problem. Give us a call to schedule a tune-up of your
HVAC system and one of our friendly service technicians can will keep your home comfortable for
the whole family. We recommend performing a tune-up twice a year to properly maintain your HVAC
system as well as to save your money on your monthly utility bill.