Air Conditioner Information:
Stuff you may want to know, and stuff you should know.

ARI
BTU
Capacity
Compressor
DOE
EER
Efficiency
Evaporator
Humidifier
HVAC
Package Unit
SEER
Split System
TON
Watt

Definitions:

ARI-
Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI)

The amount of energy needed to change the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Used to measure an air conditioner's ability to remove heat from your home.
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Capacity-

The output ability of cooling or heating equipment, typically measured in BTUs on Tons.
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Compressor-

The heart of an air conditioning or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit that pumps refrigerant. The compressor creates pressure to maintain the flow of refrigerant.
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Condenser-

Also called "condenser coil," or "outdoor coil." Part of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner or heat pump. The coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, converting refrigerant vapor into liquid.
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DOE-
Department of Energy (DOE)

A federal regulatory agency that sets efficiency standards and monitors consumption of energy sources.
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EER-
Energy Efficieny Ratio (EER)

The ratio of the cooling capacity of the air conditioner in BTUs per hour to the total electrical input in watts according to ARI-specified test conditions.
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Evaporator-

Also called "evaporator coil," or "indoor coil." Part of the indoor unit of an air conditioner or heat pump. Refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat from air passed over the coil.
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Efficiency-

A rating on comfort equipment. The higher the number, the the lower the energy consumption.
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Humidifier-

Used to inject water vapor into the dry, heated air expelled from a furnace/air handler.
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HVAC-

HVAC: Heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Used to refer to the industry at large, particularly dealers of heating and air conditioning equipment.
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Package Unit-

Equipment in which all heating and cooling components are located in one cabinet. Installed either beside or on top of a home.
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SEER-
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The amount of cooling your air conditioner or heat pump delivers per every dollar spent on electricity. The Department Of Energy (DOE) requires a minimum of 10 SEER.
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Split System-

Home comfort system comprising components in two locations.
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Ton-

Measurement for cooling system capacity, used to describe air conditioners and heat pumps. One ton of cooling capacity removes 12,000 BTUs of heat energy per hour.
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Watt-

A unit of electricity, often denoted as "W."
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