There are many abbreviations in the HVAC industry. Some are obvious, such as CO (carbon monoxide) and AC (alternating current). Others are not so obvious, such as CO2 (carbon dioxide). Fortunately, many HVAC abbreviations have standard meanings that won't cause confusion for new technicians or HVAC professionals who are trying to learn new terminology. Knowing the meanings of these abbreviations will help you understand what you’re reading when reading installation diagrams or parts lists for HVAC equipment. The following is a list of common HVAC abbreviations with brief explanations to help you understand what they mean if you see them on a jobsite, in the manuals of a new HVAC unit or on the labels of old HVAC equipment you may have inherited or purchased secondhand. If you’t sure what some of these mean, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are some common HVAC abbreviations with explanations:
CO is short for carbon monoxide. CO is a poisonous gas that can be produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, propane, oil, and coal. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause illness and death if people are exposed to it in large quantities. CO is a secondary hazard in the event of a natural gas, oil, or coal fire, as it can be created when these substances are burned in low oxygen environments.
CO2 is the most important greenhouse gas that is responsible for global warming. CO2 is created when fossil fuels are burned and is emitted as a waste product. CO2 is essential to life on Earth, but too much of it can have harmful effects on the climate. CO2 is measured in parts per million (ppm).
AC is short for “alternating current.” AC is the method of distributing electrical power. Electrical power is provided by a source of electrical energy, such as a hydroelectric plant, a nuclear power plant, or a coal-fired power plant. The electricity from the source is transformed into an alternating current (AC) by an electrical power plant, which is then distributed to customers via an electrical grid.
W/m2 is a unit used to measure the amount of energy per unit area. The higher the wattage per square metre, the more powerful the light. W/m2 is commonly used to measure the amount of light energy produced by light bulbs.
KW/h is a unit used to measure the amount of energy per hour. The higher the watt-hours per hour, the more powerful the light. KW/h is commonly used to measure the amount of light energy produced by light bulbs.
W/m is a unit used to measure the amount of energy per unit length. The higher the watt-meter, the more powerful the light. W/m is commonly used to measure the amount of light energy produced by light bulbs.
KWh/h is a unit used to measure the amount of energy per hour. The higher the watt-hours per hour, the more powerful the light. KWh/h is commonly used to measure the amount of light energy produced by light bulbs.
KW is a unit used to measure the amount of energy per unit volume. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the light. KW is commonly used to measure the amount of light energy produced by light bulbs.
KW/h/m2 is a unit used to measure the amount of energy per hour per square metre. The higher the watt-hours per hour per square metre, the more powerful the light. KW/h/m2 is commonly used to measure the amount of light energy produced by light bulbs.
KW/h/m is a unit used to measure the amount of energy per hour per cubic metre. The higher the watt-hours per hour per cubic metre, the more powerful the light. KW/h/m is commonly used to measure the amount of light energy produced by light bulbs.
The HVAC industry is huge and there are many abbreviations that are commonly used in the industry. Knowing the meanings of these abbreviations will help you understand what you’re reading when reading installation diagrams or parts lists for HVAC equipment. The following is a list of common HVAC abbreviations with brief explanations to help you understand what they mean if you see them on a jobsite, in the manuals of a new HVAC unit or on the labels of old HVAC equipment you may have inherited or purchased secondhand. If you’re not sure what some of these mean, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are some common HVAC abbreviations with explanations.