Whether you’re a seasoned air and water category professional who could use a refresher or an industry newcomer, GE Appliances Air & Water Solutions built this glossary for you.
We recognize this business can be complex at times, so we want to simplify it a little. From water heaters and treatment to commercial AC, ductless and more, each of the terms in this glossary is helpful to know, as you likely encounter them on a regular basis.
Don’t see a word or phrase here that you think is important to include? Let us know. We will continue to update this list with new innovations, products and more.
Common Air and Water Terminology
BTUs
The amount of heat to be added or removed in order to raise or lower the temperature of a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is approximately equivalent to the heat given off by burning one old-fashioned wooden kitchen match.
CAPACITY
This refers to an HVAC system’s ability to heat or cool your home. Larger capacity systems are able to remove or add heat to larger spaces.
CENTRAL SYSTEM
A mechanical indirect system of heating, cooling or ventilating in which the air is treated or handled by equipment located outside the rooms served, usually at a central location, and is conveyed to and from the rooms by means of a fan or a blower and a system of distributing ducts.
CONDENSER
A part of an air conditioner that transfers the heat removed from the structure to another medium. An air-cooled condenser transfers the indoor heat to outdoor air.
CONTROLLER
A panel or remote that helps you set and maintain the most comfortable temperature for your environment.
DUCTLESS MINI-SPLIT
A system that includes one outdoor unit and one indoor unit, connected by refrigerant tubing and electrical wiring. The indoor unit is often wall-mounted and delivers heated or cooled air directly into the living space without ductwork.
ECO MODE
An innovative feature in air-conditioning units where the fan cycles off between cooling intervals and the temperature is adjusted as needed, saving energy while keeping the room comfortable.
GE APPLIANCES AIR & WATER SOLUTIONS
Air & Water Solutions serves the unique needs of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry professionals with total property solutions from trusted brands such as GE®, Haier and Hotpoint. Its robust product portfolio includes water heaters, water filtration, water softening, disposals, HVAC, and ductless heating and cooling for light commercial and residential use.
INSTA-PLATFORM
A one-piece design that fully integrates commercial air conditioners with the wall plenum and aligns for a tight seal. It eliminates the need for a customized platform construction on-site.
INTEGRATED, ELECTRONIC MIXING VALVE
A feature in our Wi-Fi-connected electric water heaters that allows access to additional hot water with a valve that lets users select from three capacity settings: Normal, High and X-High.
PACKAGED TERMINAL AIR CONDITIONER (PTAC)
AHRI defines a PTAC/PTHP in Standard 310/380 by requiring that it contain:
- Cooling availability by means of a complete factory-assembled refrigeration system consisting of compressor, evaporator, air or water-cooled condensing means; a removable chassis on which the assembly is mounted
- Heating availability that is independent of cooling, with the purchaser’s choice of use with hot water (hydronic), steam, electric (strip heaters) or reverse cycle (heat pump); the means for forced heat-air circulation.
- Integral or remote temperature and operating controls
- A wall sleeve, an outdoor louver and a room cabinet
- The means for controlled force ventilation and filtering of all air delivered to the room
PREMIUM GUARD SEACOAST PROTECTION
An exclusive, rust-proof base pan and platform system that provides another level of corrosion protection to ensure lasting performance in challenging environments. It uses stainless steel screws, special coatings and double coats of paint on key components, including coils, base pan and compressor.
QUICK-INSTALL PLENUM
A frame that, in commercial air conditioners, is easily installed from the interior of the building, without the need for exterior building access — except for caulking.
REVERSE CYCLE DEFROST
Exclusive technology that increases efficiency, enabling the air-conditioning unit to run in heat pump mode longer.
SEASONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY RATIO (SEER)
The system by which air-conditioning and heat pump systems are rated according to their level of energy efficiency. The higher a rating, the more energy efficient a system is.
TONNAGE
This refers to the necessary capacity to heat or cool a space in BTUs. One ton is equal to 12K BTUs. For example, a two-ton cooling system needs up to 24K BTUs of heat removal to keep a space at a comfortable temperature.
UNIVERSAL FIT
A simple slide-in installation made specifically for wall air-conditioning units for a precise fit into a variety of different wall sleeves.
VARIABLE REFRIGERANT FLOW (VRF)
A well-established technology, VRF allows an HVAC system to ramp up or down depending on the current heating or cooling needs of the space. VRF systems tend to be more efficient than traditional systems and can allow for true precision comfort control.
VERTICAL AIR CONDITIONERS (VTAC)
An air conditioner that has a vertical configuration and is typically installed in a closet-like corner enclosure in a room. Since these units are hidden from view, they provide a more homelike appearance. All vertical units must be controlled by a remote wall thermostat.
WALL PLENUM
An element of vertical air conditioners, measured to fit within the wall opening, it acts as the connection between the wall and the platform that holds the unit.