Learning Center · Glossary
HVAC Glossary for Pittsburgh Homeowners
Manual J, SEER2, dual fuel, PE roll-ups, and other terms you’ll see on quotes — defined in plain English with links to deeper guides.
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AFUE
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) estimates how efficiently a furnace or boiler converts fuel into heat over a t …
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Balance point
The outdoor temperature where a heat pump’s output matches the home’s heat loss; below it, supplemental heat, dual-fuel …
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Block-hour agreement
A commercial arrangement where a facility reserves or contracts for a block of technician hours for ongoing HVAC mainten …
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Commissioning
Commissioning is the measured startup and verification process after install — airflow, refrigerant charge, combustion, …
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Dual fuel (hybrid heating)
A dual-fuel system pairs an electric heat pump with a gas furnace and switches between them based on outdoor temperature …
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Flat-rate pricing
Flat-rate pricing presents a set price for a defined diagnostic or repair scope before work proceeds, so the homeowner c …
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HSPF2
HSPF2 rates the seasonal heating efficiency of heat pumps under the updated DOE test procedure, helping compare how effi …
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Load calculation
A load calculation estimates how much heating and cooling a building needs to stay comfortable on design days, accountin …
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Manual J
ACCA Manual J is the room-by-room heating and cooling load calculation method used to size HVAC equipment for a real hou …
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Private-equity roll-up
A PE roll-up is when investors acquire multiple local HVAC brands and operate them under centralized growth, call-center …
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SEER2
SEER2 is the current seasonal cooling efficiency rating for air conditioners and heat pumps under updated DOE test proce …
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Short cycling
Short cycling is when heating or cooling equipment turns on and off too frequently — often from oversizing, airflow rest …
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