When dealing with commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) or plumbing systems, professionals often use technical terminology that can confuse business owners and facility managers.
This guide breaks down the most common commercial HVAC and plumbing terms with clear definitions to help you better understand these essential systems.
Measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into heat. A higher AFUE percentage indicates better efficiency.
An air handler is a unit that circulates and regulates air within a commercial HVAC system, often connected to ductwork.
A flexible tool used to clear clogs in pipes and drains.
This is the reverse flow of contaminated water into a clean water supply. A backflow prevention device can prevent backflow.
BMS is a centralized control system. It is used to monitor and manage HVAC, lighting, security, and other building systems.
A unit of measurement for heat energy. One BTU equals the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Measures the volume of air flowing through a space per minute, often used to determine proper ventilation and airflow in commercial HVAC systems.
A cooling system that removes heat from a liquid. A chiller is commonly used for large commercial and industrial applications.
The component in an air conditioner or heat pump that compresses and circulates refrigerant to facilitate heat exchange.
A coil in an air conditioning or refrigeration system that releases absorbed heat to the outside air.
A network of tubes or passages that distributes heated or cooled air throughout a commercial building.
A system that uses outside air to reduce the need for mechanical cooling, improving energy efficiency in large buildings.
A coil that absorbs heat from indoor air, allowing the refrigerant to cool the air before it is distributed throughout the building.
A small tank that is connected to a water heater to absorb excess pressure from thermal expansion.
A rubber or plastic valve inside a toilet tank. A flapper valve controls water flow from the tank to the bowl.
A four-pipe HVAC system uses separate piping for hot and chilled water, allowing simultaneous heating and cooling in different zones. This provides greater flexibility and comfort compared to a two-pipe system but at a higher cost.
Measures the flow rate of water, commonly used for faucets, showers, and pumps.
A plumbing device used in commercial kitchens to intercept fats, oils, and grease before they enter the sewer system.
Greywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry. It can be reused for irrigation or flushing toilets.
This is a component in a furnace that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that is being circulated through the building.
A process used to determine the proper size of an HVAC system based on factors such as square footage, insulation, occupancy, and climate conditions.
A heating system that uses water or another liquid as a heat-transfer medium. Hydronic heating is commonly found in large commercial buildings.
A measurement of air filter efficiency. Higher MERV ratings indicate better filtration of dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.
A unit of measurement for water pressure. Higher PSI indicates stronger water pressure in pipes and fixtures.
A curved pipe that is under sinks and drains. It prevents sewer gases from entering the building by trapping a small amount of water.
PVC is a common type of plastic piping used in plumbing for drain and vent lines.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems to absorb and release heat. Refrigerant enables the cooling and heating processes.
Air that is drawn back into the HVAC system from indoor spaces to be reheated or re-cooled.
Indicates the energy efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump. A higher SEER rating means better efficiency and lower energy costs.
A shut-off valve is a valve that stops the flow of water to a particular fixture or section of plumbing.
The process of joining metal pipes using a heated alloy. This method is commonly used in copper plumbing systems.
A sump pump is a pump that is installed in basements or mechanical rooms to remove accumulated water and prevent flooding.
A safety valve on water heaters that releases excess pressure or temperature to prevent explosions.
A two-pipe HVAC system uses one set of pipes to supply either hot or cold water for heating or cooling, but not both at the same time. It’s a cost-effective solution but requires seasonal switching between heating and cooling modes.
A furnace with two levels of heating output. This type of furnace allows for more efficient operation and improved comfort compared to single-stage models.
A vertical pipe that releases sewer gases outside the building and maintains proper drainage pressure.
A highly efficient HVAC technology that uses refrigerant to provide simultaneous heating and cooling to different zones within a commercial building.
A loud banging noise in pipes is caused by sudden changes in water flow, often due to fast-closing valves or high pressure.
A system that divides a building into different climate-controlled areas, allowing for customized heating and cooling settings in various spaces.
Understanding commercial HVAC and plumbing terminology can help business owners and facility managers communicate effectively with professionals and make informed decisions about their systems.
If you are troubleshooting an issue or considering an upgrade, knowing these key terms will empower you to take control of the comfort and efficiency of your building.
If you have heard a term that isn't on this list that you need some help clarifying, please reach out to us.