Common Terms

Split System. The most popular air conditioning system.  A split system is ‘split’ into two units: one that’s inside, and one that’s outside. Usually good for large rooms and relatively easy to install.

Multi split system.  More than one indoor unit connected to a single outdoor unit.  Each indoor unit can still be set to different temperature settings.

Ducted system. Ideal to provide cool or heated air to a number of rooms in a house.  A single unit is installed outside, and one in the roof space which pumps air to ceiling ducks to different rooms.

HVAC. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This acronym refers to the entire discipline that surrounds air conditioning.

Outdoor Unit. This is the part of an air conditioning system that contains the compressor, propeller fan, circuit board and heat exchange coil. It’s situated outside, and pumps refrigerant to and from its companion indoor unit. You’ll often hear this unit referred to as the ‘condenser’ or ‘heat exchanger’.

Indoor Unit. The part of an air conditioning unit that’s located within the home, and provides the ‘conditioned’ air into the space. This unit contains a heat exchange coil, filters, remote signal receiver and fan.

Hydronic system.  ‘liquid heat transfer’ is used to cool or heat the space.  Water piping usually installed under the floor.

Heating/cooling capacity.  The capacity output indicates the amount of heating/cooling the unit can produce.

Air filter.  Designed to trap dust and contaminants in the air before entering an air conditioning system. Usually made from thermally bonded polyester fibre or a plastic resin based net.

Air purifier. A product that removes allergens, pollutants, bacteria and odours from the air; sometimes integrated into existing air conditioning systems.

Thermostat. Device used to set your preferred temperature.  Most thermostats also consist of a temperature sensor.

Zoning.  Controlling the cooling and heating of different areas of the building.

Heat pump. Another way to describe how reverse cycle air conditioner produces heat. There are three main types: air-to-air , water source and geothermal. Heat pumps are popular for those living in climates with moderate heating and cooling needs.

Duct. This is a tube that carries air from a central fan coil to various areas of a house. Ducts can be round or rectangular, and are made from a variety of materials including sheet metal, fibreglass and vinyl.

Commissioning. The final step in installing an air con system! It involves a technician checking and testing every component in the system to make sure it all complies with technical codes and manufacturers standards. Once commissioning is completed, the system is ready to go.

Inverter technology. An inverter works like the accelerator of a car, gently increasing/decreasing power. Inverter based systems can achieve the desired room temperature quicker and steadily without fluctuations which means uninterrupted comfort and savings in running costs.

ARC. Australian Refrigeration Council: the body that is responsible for granting refrigeration handling licenses to approved technicians in Australia. When a technician is approved, they’re said to have the ‘ARC TICK’.

R410A. A non-ozone depleting refrigerant or fluid that transfers heat energy between the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioning system.

R-32. A successor to the R-410A refrigerant, R-32 is also non-ozone depleting and has 66% lower global warming potential (GWP) factor than R-410A.