Abbreviation for Energy Efficiency Ratio. The ratio of cooling capacity of an air conditioning unit (in British thermal units per hour) to the total electrical input (in watts) under specified test conditions. A Higher EER rating means the equipment is more efficient. Compare with SEER.

A general term used to describe the ratio of output of a device, appliance, system or activity, to the input necessary to create that output. Refer to "SEER", and "HSPF" for a more specific definition.

Heating that relies on electric resistance heaters. An example of electric heating is a central heater that uses "strip heating or heat strips" for its heat source.

An electronic device that filters out large particles and contaminants in indoor air. It then electronically pulls out tiny particles that have been magnetized, such as viruses and bacteria, drawing them to a collector plate.

(Supplemental or Auxiliary Heat) The back-up heat built into a heat pump system.

An assessment to measure the current energy consumption for a house, building, or indoor area. Energy audits are commonly used to make informed decisions in the "whole house" approach to air conditioning and heating.

A government sponsored brand used to identify energy efficient appliances or products. The trademark was developed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Absorbs heat from the surrounding air or liquid and moves it outside the refrigerated area by means of a refrigerant. It is also known as a cooling coil, blower coil, chilling unit or indoor coil.

A network of tubes indoors filled with refrigerant that remove heat and moisture from the air as the refrigerant evaporates into a gas again. Also referred to as Cooling Coil.