Home comfort and plumbing terms can be confusing. This glossary explains common equipment and service language in plain English. A technician can assess your home’s specific system before you choose a repair or replacement.
Backflow preventer
A device that helps keep water from flowing backward into a clean water supply. The right type and testing requirements depend on the plumbing system and local rules. See our plumbing services for help with a specific concern.
Ductless mini split
A heating and cooling system with an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, typically connected by refrigerant lines rather than central ductwork. It can serve individual rooms or zones. Learn about ductless mini splits.
Furnace
Heating equipment that warms air and distributes it through a home’s ductwork. Fuel type, capacity, airflow, and maintenance all affect performance. Explore heating services or furnace repair.
Heat pump
A system that moves heat rather than generating it by burning fuel. Many heat pumps provide both heating and cooling. Suitability depends on the home, climate, equipment, and installation. Compare options with our heating team.
Indoor air quality
The condition of air inside a building, including particles, moisture, ventilation, and other factors that can affect comfort. The right solution starts with finding the actual cause. Read about indoor air quality services.
Refrigerant leak
A loss of refrigerant from a sealed cooling system. It can reduce cooling performance and needs professional diagnosis and repair; simply adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is not a lasting solution. See refrigerant leak service.
SEER2
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 is an efficiency rating for certain cooling equipment under updated testing conditions. A higher number generally indicates more efficient cooling under the test, but actual bills also depend on installation, weather, usage, and the home. Learn about AC installation.
Sump pump
A pump that moves collected water out of a sump basin, often in a basement or crawl space. It needs an appropriate discharge path and periodic checks. Find sump pump services.
Tankless water heater
A water heater that heats water as it flows through the unit instead of storing a full tank of hot water. Output and suitability depend on household demand and the home’s utility setup. Explore tankless water heater service.
Water softener
A treatment system that reduces hardness minerals in water, commonly through ion exchange. Whether one is useful depends on water quality and household needs. See water softener services.
For a question about your own equipment, visit our frequently asked questions or contact Stanley.