HVAC GLOSSARY
A2L is a classification of refrigerant defined by ASHRAE Standard 34. It refers to refrigerants with low toxicity (A) and mild flammability (2L). A2L refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B, are gaining popularity due to their lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to traditional HFCs like R-410A. While mildly flammable, they are considered safe when installed and handled properly. As Canada transitions to more climate-friendly refrigerants, A2Ls are becoming more common in residential and commercial HVAC systems.
An add-on system is a type of HVAC setup where a new heat pump or air conditioning unit is installed alongside an existing furnace or air handler. Common in retrofit applications, this configuration allows homeowners to upgrade to energy-efficient cooling or heating without replacing the entire system. The add-on unit works in tandem with the existing equipment to deliver year-round comfort. This approach can help reduce costs while improving performance.
Learn more from NRCan or your local HVAC contractor.
AHRI is a globally recognized trade association that develops performance standards and certification programs for HVACR and water heating equipment. AHRI-certified products are independently tested to ensure they meet efficiency, capacity, and safety standards, helping contractors and consumers make informed decisions. In North America, AHRI ratings (such as SEER, EER, and HSPF) are a key reference when comparing HVAC systems. The AHRI Directory is often used to verify certified equipment combinations.
Visit the AHRI Directory to search certified products.
Air conditioning is the process of cooling and dehumidifying indoor air to create a more comfortable living or working environment. Most systems use a refrigerant cycle to transfer heat from inside a building to the outdoors. In Canada, air conditioning can be provided by central systems, ductless mini-splits, or portable units. Modern models are designed for greater energy efficiency and may also improve indoor air quality. Choosing the right system depends on your climate, home size, and insulation.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Air Conditioning Your Home.
An air handler is the indoor component of many heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It contains a blower fan, evaporator coil, and air filter, and is responsible for moving conditioned air throughout your home or building via ductwork. Air handlers are commonly paired with heat pumps or central air conditioning systems and can also include advanced filtration or humidity control. Regular maintenance, such as filter changes, helps keep them efficient.
Learn more from HRAI – Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada.
Automatic restart is a feature in many modern HVAC systems, including select Moovair heat pumps, that allows the equipment to resume operation automatically after a power outage. Once electricity is restored, the system returns to its previous settings without requiring manual input. This helps maintain comfort and can prevent issues like frozen pipes during Canadian winters. It also reduces downtime and inconvenience for homeowners.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Power Outages and Your Home.
A base pan heater is an electric heating element installed in the bottom (base pan) of a heat pump’s outdoor unit. Its purpose is to prevent ice buildup during cold weather by melting accumulated frost or snow, allowing proper drainage and protecting the unit’s components. This accessory is especially beneficial in Canadian winters, where extended periods of sub-zero temperatures can affect performance and efficiency. Many cold-climate heat pumps, including select Moovair models, include a base pan heater as standard or optional equipment.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Heat Pumps.
A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is a unit of measurement used to describe heating and cooling capacity. One BTU equals the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In HVAC, BTUs indicate how much heat an appliance can add or remove per hour—higher BTU ratings mean greater capacity. In Canada, system sizing is often expressed in BTUs or tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h). Proper sizing ensures efficiency, comfort, and lower energy costs.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Heating and Cooling.
Combined Annual Efficiency (CAE) is a performance rating used to measure the overall efficiency of systems that provide both space heating and domestic hot water. It represents the amount of heat delivered for every dollar of fuel consumed over a typical year. The higher the CAE, the more efficient the system. This metric is often applied to integrated appliances such as combination boilers or furnace-water heater units. Choosing a high-CAE system can reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – EnerGuide Housing Glossary.
A central system is an HVAC setup that uses a single, centralized unit to heat or cool air and distribute it throughout a home or building via ductwork. Common examples include central air conditioners and heat pump systems. Central systems offer consistent temperature control across multiple rooms and can integrate features like air filtration and humidity management. Moovair Central systems are designed for Canadian climates, providing efficient year-round comfort and reliability.
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, a measurement of airflow volume. It indicates how many cubic feet of air pass a fixed point in one minute, such as through a duct or vent. In HVAC systems, higher CFM means more air is being moved, which can improve comfort and air quality—provided the system is properly balanced. Correct CFM is essential for efficiency, noise control, and even heating or cooling.
Learn more from HRAI – Residential Air System Design.
A cold climate heat pump (CCHP) is a high-efficiency heating and cooling system specifically engineered to perform reliably in low outdoor temperatures, often down to –25 °C or colder. Using advanced compressor technology and refrigerants, CCHPs provide consistent heat in Canadian winters while also offering cooling in summer. Several Moovair heat pumps meet cold climate performance standards, making them ideal for year-round comfort and energy savings. Many qualify for federal and provincial rebates.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Heat Pumps.
A compressor is the core component of a heat pump or air conditioning system, responsible for circulating refrigerant and enabling the heat transfer process. It works by compressing low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-pressure, high-temperature state, which then moves through the system to release or absorb heat. Common types include scroll, reciprocating, and rotary compressors. In Canadian climates, high-efficiency variable-speed compressors are often used to improve performance in extreme temperatures.
A condenser is the outdoor unit of an air conditioner or heat pump that releases heat absorbed from inside the building. It contains key components such as the compressor, condenser coil, and fan. In cooling mode, the condenser expels heat to the outside air; in heating mode (for heat pumps), it can absorb heat from outdoors and transfer it indoors. Proper maintenance—like keeping the unit clear of debris—helps maintain efficiency and extend lifespan.
The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a measure of an HVAC system’s energy efficiency, showing the ratio of heating or cooling output to the amount of energy consumed. For example, a COP of 4 means the system delivers four units of heating or cooling for every unit of electricity used. Higher COP values indicate greater efficiency and lower operating costs. Cold climate heat pumps often have variable COP ratings depending on outdoor temperature.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – EnerGuide Housing Glossary.
Decibel (dB) is the unit used to measure sound intensity. In HVAC, it indicates how loud equipment is during operation. Lower dB ratings mean quieter performance—an important factor for indoor comfort and neighbourhood noise bylaws. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a small increase in dB can represent a significant rise in sound energy. In Canada, some provinces and municipalities have noise regulations that apply to outdoor HVAC equipment.
Learn more from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – Noise Basics.
A double filtration system refers to an air filtration setup that uses two layers of filters to improve indoor air quality. Typically, this includes a primary filter that captures larger particles like dust and hair, and a secondary filter—often a HEPA or carbon filter—that targets finer particles such as allergens, bacteria, or odours. This dual-layered approach offers enhanced protection, making it ideal for homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or anyone seeking cleaner air.
Learn more from Canada.ca – Air Quality.
A comfort system that pairs an electric heat pump with a secondary fuel type, i.e. gas furnace, propane furnace, providing an energy-efficient alternative to a conventional furnace/air conditioner combination.
A dual fuel system, also known as a hybrid system, combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace to optimize efficiency and comfort. The heat pump handles heating and cooling during mild weather, while the furnace takes over in colder temperatures when it’s more cost-effective. This smart switching between fuel sources helps reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills—especially in Canadian climates.
For more details, visit Natural Resources Canada or consult your HVAC dealer.
A ductless system, also known as a mini-split, is an HVAC solution that delivers heating and cooling without traditional ductwork. It consists of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers via refrigerant lines. Ductless systems are ideal for homes without central ducts, room additions, or areas needing supplemental comfort. They offer zoned temperature control, high energy efficiency, and quiet operation—making them popular in Canadian homes, especially for retrofits.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Ductless Heat Pumps.
EnerGuide is Canada’s official energy performance rating and labelling program, administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). It helps consumers compare the efficiency of appliances, HVAC systems, homes, and vehicles. For HVAC equipment, the EnerGuide label shows how much energy the unit uses annually and where it ranks in efficiency compared to similar models. Using EnerGuide ratings can help Canadians choose systems that reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – EnerGuide.
ENERGY STAR® is an internationally recognized symbol for energy efficiency, administered in Canada by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Products with this label meet strict technical standards for performance, efficiency, and quality. In HVAC, ENERGY STAR-certified equipment—such as heat pumps, air conditioners, and furnaces—helps homeowners save on energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and often qualify for government rebates. Choosing ENERGY STAR supports both environmental sustainability and long-term operating savings.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – ENERGY STAR in Canada.
An evaporator coil is a key component in an air conditioner or heat pump’s indoor unit. It contains refrigerant that absorbs heat from indoor air as the blower moves air across the coil’s surface. The cooled, dehumidified air is then distributed throughout the building via ductwork. Clean and well-maintained coils improve energy efficiency, cooling performance, and system lifespan. Dirty coils can lead to higher operating costs and reduced comfort—especially in Canada’s humid summer months.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Cooling Your Home.
Gold Fin Technology is a protective coating applied to the outdoor coil of select Moovair heat pumps to enhance durability and performance. This specialized finish helps resist corrosion from rain, snow, and salt—common in many Canadian climates—extending the life of the unit and maintaining efficiency. By preventing rust and improving moisture drainage, Gold Fin Technology supports reliable operation year-round, even in harsh weather conditions.
A heat pump is an energy-efficient system that provides both heating and cooling by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors. In summer, it works like an air conditioner, moving heat outside; in winter, it extracts heat from the air (or ground) and brings it inside. Modern cold climate heat pumps can operate efficiently in temperatures as low as –25 °C, making them ideal for many Canadian homes. They can reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel systems.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Heat Pumps.
HEAT+ is a specialized heating mode available on select Moovair heat pumps that delivers a gentle, continuous flow of warm air at a slightly higher temperature than standard settings. It’s designed for added comfort during chilly Canadian seasons, helping maintain a cozy environment without large temperature swings. HEAT+ can be ideal for use in bedrooms, living rooms, or spaces where steady, quiet warmth is preferred, while still operating efficiently.
HEAT+ technology provides optimal heat at low temperatures with minimal energy consumption.
HSPF is a rating that measures the heating efficiency of an air-source heat pump over an entire heating season. It represents the total heat output (in BTUs) divided by the total electricity used (in watt-hours). A higher HSPF means greater efficiency and lower operating costs. In Canada, cold climate heat pumps often have an HSPF above 10, reflecting strong performance in low temperatures. HSPF is a key factor in qualifying for federal and provincial energy rebates.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Heat Pump Efficiency Ratings.
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of the air inside a building, influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and the presence of pollutants. Poor IAQ can lead to health issues like allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. In Canadian homes, IAQ can be affected by seasonal changes, heating systems, and outdoor air quality. Improving IAQ may involve better ventilation, filtration, humidity control, and source reduction of pollutants.
Learn more from Health Canada – Indoor Air Quality.
Inverter technology is a feature in many modern heat pumps, including Moovair models, that allows the compressor to operate at variable speeds instead of cycling on and off. By adjusting output to match real-time heating or cooling needs, inverter systems maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, reduce energy consumption, and operate more quietly. This technology also helps extend system lifespan by minimizing wear and tear, making it especially valuable in Canada’s variable climate conditions.
A multi-zone system is an HVAC setup that uses one outdoor unit connected to multiple indoor units, allowing independent temperature control in different areas (zones) of a home or building. Each zone can be adjusted to suit individual comfort needs, improving energy efficiency by heating or cooling only occupied spaces. Multi-zone systems are often ductless or use minimal ductwork, making them ideal for retrofits, additions, or multi-level homes in Canada’s varied climates.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Ductless Heat Pumps.
NEEP is a non-profit organization that promotes energy efficiency and electrification across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of North America, including parts of Eastern Canada. In the HVAC industry, NEEP is best known for its Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pump Specification and product list, which help contractors, utilities, and consumers identify heat pumps that perform efficiently in low temperatures. This resource is frequently referenced for rebate eligibility and product selection in Canadian provinces.
Learn more from NEEP – Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pumps.
Occupancy sensor, sometimes called an Intelligent Eye, is a feature in certain Moovair heat pumps that detects human presence in a room. When movement is detected, the system adjusts airflow and temperature for comfort. If no occupancy is detected for a set period, it can automatically switch to an energy-saving mode. This smart technology helps reduce unnecessary energy use while maintaining comfort, making it ideal for Canadian homes where efficiency and convenience are a priority.
R-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant widely used in residential and commercial air conditioners and heat pumps since the early 2000s. It replaced R-22 due to its ozone-friendly properties, but it has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and is being phased down in Canada under the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations. Technicians must handle R-410A safely, using certified recovery and recycling practices. Many new systems now use lower-GWP alternatives such as R-32 or R-454B.
Learn more from Environment and Climate Change Canada – HFCs.
R-454B is a next-generation A2L refrigerant designed to replace R-410A in many residential and commercial HVAC systems. It has a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP)—about 78% less than R-410A—while maintaining similar performance. Classified as mildly flammable, R-454B requires proper handling and installation by certified technicians. Its adoption supports Canada’s transition to more climate-friendly refrigerants under federal HFC phasedown regulations. Many manufacturers are introducing R-454B-compatible equipment to meet upcoming environmental standards.
Learn more from Environment and Climate Change Canada – HFCs.
A refrigerant is a chemical compound used in heat pumps, air conditioners, and refrigeration systems to transfer heat. It circulates through the system, absorbing heat in one location and releasing it in another, enabling both cooling and heating. Common types include older CFCs and HCFCs (now phased out), HFCs like R-410A, and newer low-GWP alternatives such as R-32 and R-454B. In Canada, refrigerants are regulated to protect the ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more from Environment and Climate Change Canada – Refrigerants and ODS Regulations.
A retrofit involves upgrading or modifying an existing HVAC system—or the building it serves—to improve energy efficiency, comfort, or performance. This can include replacing old equipment with high-efficiency heat pumps, adding advanced controls, or improving ductwork and insulation. Retrofits are common in Canadian homes aiming to reduce energy costs or qualify for federal and provincial rebates. They can also help buildings meet updated codes and environmental targets without a full system replacement.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Home Retrofits.
The self-cleaning function in select Moovair heat pumps is designed to maintain cleaner indoor coils and reduce the buildup of dust, moisture, and bacteria. After operation, the system automatically runs a drying cycle that helps prevent mould growth and unpleasant odours. This feature improves indoor air quality, supports energy-efficient performance, and extends the life of the unit. For Canadian homeowners, it means less maintenance and more consistent comfort year-round.
A side discharge condenser is an outdoor HVAC unit designed to expel air horizontally through the side rather than vertically through the top. This design allows for a more compact footprint and quieter operation, making it ideal for tight spaces such as urban lots, patios, or narrow side yards. Side discharge units are increasingly popular in Canada for residential heat pumps and air conditioners, especially in retrofit applications where space is limited.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Cooling Your Home.
A single-zone system is an HVAC setup in which one outdoor unit is connected to one indoor unit, providing heating or cooling to a single defined space or “zone.” Common in ductless mini-split installations, single-zone systems are ideal for heating or cooling additions, renovations, or rooms that need independent temperature control. They are often more affordable to install than multi-zone systems and can offer excellent efficiency for targeted comfort in Canadian homes.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Ductless Heat Pumps.
A ton of cooling is a unit used to describe the cooling capacity of an air conditioner or heat pump. One ton equals 12,000 BTUs per hour, based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours. In Canada, residential systems typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, depending on home size, insulation, and climate. Proper sizing by a qualified contractor ensures optimal efficiency, comfort, and energy savings.
Learn more from Natural Resources Canada – Cooling Your Home.
Turbo Mode is a feature available on certain Moovair heat pumps that delivers maximum heating or cooling output for a short period of time. By running the system at full capacity, Turbo Mode quickly reaches the desired temperature—ideal for rapidly warming up a room on a cold Canadian winter morning or cooling it down during a summer heatwave. Once the set temperature is reached, the system automatically returns to normal operation for efficient, steady comfort.
A variable-speed fan or compressor in Moovair heat pumps adjusts its speed in real time to match the exact heating or cooling needs of your home. Unlike single-speed systems that cycle on and off, variable-speed technology operates more smoothly and efficiently, maintaining consistent temperatures, reducing noise, and lowering energy consumption. This is especially beneficial in Canada’s varied climate, as the system can adapt to both extreme cold and summer heat while maximizing comfort and efficiency year-round.
Wi-Fi connectivity in Moovair heat pumps allows you to control your system remotely using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Through a compatible app, you can adjust temperature settings, change operating modes, and monitor energy use from anywhere with an internet connection. This feature offers greater convenience, supports energy savings by enabling precise scheduling, and lets you respond quickly to changing weather—ideal for Canadian homeowners managing comfort in all seasons.