[Packaged
] [Built-Up] [Miscellaneous] [Temperature Controls] [Filters]
Please familiarize yourself with the terminology used to describe equipment. One way to assure that you are able to identify equipment correctly is to spend a few days riding with a service technician. We are also aware
of the different names given to equipment types depending on where you are in the
world. If you find a mistake in the descriptions or have a better one please send us the information using the Suggestions
area of the Service Estimator web site.
Packaged & Split Systems
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Makeup Air Units
Air handlers are used in a variety of ducted and non-ducted applications that require up to 100 percent make-up air, heating and/or ventilation. Units are typically available in LP (propane) or natural gas versions, and can used for suspension or ground mounting, inside or outside as well.
Rooftop Unit (Unitary Packaged Unit, RTU)
Available with gas, electric or no heat, and heat pump models. A package unit is a heating or cooling unit that is self-contained, and most commonly found on low-rise buildings.
Split System (Split Packaged Unit)
Like the Rooftop Unit is available with gas, electric or no heat, and heat pump models. A Split System is a heating or cooling unit that is
self-contained, but has been "Split" into two sections to allow ease of installation for smaller spaces. One section
contains the condenser coil, a condenser fan and a compressor, the other section contains
an evaporator fan, cooling coil and the heating components. It is most commonly found on
low-rise commercial office buildings, and residences.
Refrigeration Units
Refrigeration Units are used in comfort and process applications. They are mostly reciprocating compressors but can also be centrifugal, rotary and scroll compressor chillers and absorption chillers, ranging in nominal capacities from .25 to 2,500 tons. The Service Estimator currently does not address refrigeration outside of the reciprocating compressor type and only under 5.
Computer Room Unit
Computer Room Units can be either package or split. They
operate in a similar fashion as the Rooftop Unit or Split System. Usually they will
also contain a humidifier and a more sophisticated control system.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps use electricity to run compressors and condensers to
produce heating and cooling. Additional heat can be provided with electric resistance heat
strip or gas.
Water Source Heat Pump
Water source heat pumps are available in packaged unit,
vertical, horizontal air moving or through-the-wall consoles. Conventional water source
heat pumps use a liquid, instead of air to condense the refrigerant in a unit. The liquid
can be piped into the ground, a cooling tower or other devise.
Built-up Systems
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Absorption Unit
Absorption units use water as the refrigerant and heat as the
energy input to create chilled water for comfort or process applications. In the
absorption cycle, steam or hot water is used to boil lithium bromide and water in a tank.
The water vapor produced is run through the condenser, where it gives up heat to the
cooling tower water and through the absorption process, cools the system circulating
water.
Air Handling Unit
Simply a box with a fan, motor and controls. Most units
will also contain heat in the form of either a gas exchanger or electric resistance heat. Some also contain water coils for heating and/or cooling
Air-cooled Condenser (No Compressor)
Used to remove the heat from the refrigerant. This is a fan
motor and a coil. It does not contain a compressor.
Air-cooled Condensing Unit
Used to remove the heat from the refrigerant and return it to a
liquid state. This is a fan motor, a compressor and a coil. It does
contain a compressor.
Electric Motors
Used to drive any variety of items; fans, compressors, pumps,
etc.
Standard Pumps
Used to move liquids. Usually found in built-up systems, moving
water through the building to either heat or cool the space.
In-Line Pumps
Used in many applications.
Booster Pump
Used as additional pumping force in some applications
Centrifugal Unit
Centrifugal refers to the compressor method used in this type of
unit. Rather than compress the refrigerant using a piston method, the refrigerant is
compressed using centrifugal force.
Reciprocating Compressor
The standard compression method. Found in very small and very large equipment. Operates similar to a car engine. Pistons compress the refrigerant.
Cooling Towers
Performs the same function as a condenser. Removes heat
from the refrigerant.
Gas Boiler
In large built-up application provides the heating for the
system. Usually heating water and pumping it through a series of pipes running
throughout the building.
Electric Boiler
In large built-up application provides the heating for the
system. Usually heating water and pumping it through a series of pipes running
throughout the building.
Oil Boiler
In large built-up application provides the heating for the
system. Usually heating water and pumping it through a series of pipes running
throughout the building.
High Pressure Steam Boiler
In large built-up application provides the heating for the
system. Turning water into steam and pumping it through a series of pipes running
throughout the building.
Screw Machines
Typical applications include: food industry, breweries, dairies, slaughterhouses, fast food,
vegetables and other food process plants, cold and chill stores, chemical and petrochemical industries,
marine refrigeration and air conditioning. Ammonia, hydrocarbons, HCFCs and HFCs are available as refrigerants.
Miscellaneous Equipment
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Gas Unit Heater
Heat generating and distribution equipment using gas or Lp as it fuel, with
automatic safety controls packaged in a single casing for mounting near a ceiling.
Electric Unit Heater
Heat generating and distribution equipment using electricity for power, with
automatic safety controls packaged in a single casing for mounting near a ceiling.
Strip Heat
A set of wires that heat up and air is blown across them to
provide heat.
Duct Heaters
Similar to a unit heater but it is used in the ductwork.
Water Coils
Fin tube coils for use with water or glycol for heating or
cooling.
Reheat Coils
Fin tube coils for use with water or glycol for heating.
Electric Coils
Provide the resistance heat in some electrical heat
applications.
Sump Pumps
A small pump used to remove water from a well.
Incremental Units (Terminal Units, Through the Wall
Units)
Hotels, motels, nursing homes, apartments, schools and small
offices are ideal for packaged terminal units they can be air conditioners or heat pumps.
Through the Wall Units
Hotels, motels, nursing homes, apartments, schools and small
offices are ideal for packaged terminal units they can be air conditioners or heat pumps.
Window Units
Hotels, motels, nursing homes, apartments, schools and small
offices are ideal for packaged terminal units they can be air conditioners or heat pumps.
Converters
Instruments for conversion of a standardized direct current signal into a pneumatic control signal, in particular applicable as intermediate elements between electric controllers and pneumatic control valves.
Domestic Water heater
A tank that heats water for use in restrooms and showers.
Mixing Boxes
A method used to maintain temperature and humidity by mixing air
from different sources to achieve the desired goal.
VAVs (Variable Air Volume)
Varying the amount of air instead of varying the temperature
saves energy, and uses smaller air handling equipment and ductwork. VAV units mount on
ceiling supports or suspend above tiles.
Steam Humidifiers
Provides moisture in the air.
Electric Humidifiers
Provides moisture in the air.
Self-Contained Humidifiers
Provides moisture in the air.
Ice Machine 1 Compressor
Makes ice by running water over a refrigerated coil.
Ice Machine 2 Compressor
Makes ice by running water over a refrigerated coil.
Air Compressor 1 Hp
Provides the force to run controls and other equipment.
Usually found in built-up systems.
Air Compressor 2 Hp
Provides the force to run controls and other equipment.
Usually found in built-up systems.
Air Compressor 5 Hp
Provides the force to run controls and other equipment.
Usually found in built-up systems.
Custom Equipment
Ask the owner.
Convectors - Standard
Convectors - Force Flow
Temperature Controls
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Pneumatic Valves
Opens and closes based on information provide by a sensor of
some kind. As it opens more air is allowed to move.
Pneumatic Thermostat
Senses the temperature in a space and sends the information to
other pieces of equipment within the system.
Pneumatic Receiver Controller
Pneumatic Switches
Pneumatic Time Clocks
Pneumatic Actuators
Opens and closes a set of louvers to allow air flow to increase
or decrease.
Refrigerated Air Dryers
Used to remove moisture from the air used in pneumatic control
systems.
Sensors
Temperature sensors are available in several variations,
including sensors that measure CO2, pressure, temperature and humidity in air and water
applications. Humidity sensors are an important part of maintaining indoor air
quality.
Step Controllers
Electric Thermostats
Records the temperature in a space and sends the information to
other pieces of equipment within the system.
Electric Actuators
Opens and closes a set of louvers to allow air flow to increase
or decrease.
Electric Controllers
Electric Time Clocks
Filter Types
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Disposable
Low to medium efficiency. Common in residential and many
other applications.
Pleated
Medium to high efficiency filters. Common in many
applications.
Washable
Usually metal, sometimes they are coated with oil to increase
the ability to catch dirt.
Roll
Is used to change filter media automatically. It rolls
the used portion onto a spindle, while unrolling it from another spindle.
Bag
High efficiency Filters. Common is clean rooms.
HEPA
Used to remove very small particles in the air.
Charcoal
Used to remove odors in the air.
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