Air Duct & HVAC Glossary

Plain-English definitions — quick reference.

Air duct and HVAC work comes with a lot of jargon. Here are the terms Austin homeowners ask us about most — start typing to filter.

14 terms

Air Duct

Tubes that carry conditioned air to each room and pull it back to be reconditioned — metal, fiberglass board, or flexible “flex” duct.

Air Duct Cleaning

Dryer Vent

The duct that carries hot, moist air and lint from a dryer outdoors. Lint buildup here is a leading fire cause.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning — the whole system that heats, cools and circulates a home’s air.

Our Services

MERV Rating

A 1–20 scale for how well an air filter traps particles. Higher = finer filtration; most homes use 8–13.

HVAC Disinfection

Air Handler

The indoor unit that moves conditioned air through the ducts — it holds the blower, coil and filter.

Air Duct Cleaning

Return Air

Air pulled from your rooms back into the system to be filtered and reconditioned (the larger grilles).

Air Duct Cleaning

Supply Air

The conditioned air pushed out into your rooms through the supply registers.

Air Duct Cleaning

Flex Duct

Flexible wire-coil ducting wrapped in plastic and insulation. Kinks and tears easily, restricting airflow.

Duct Replacement

R-Value

How well insulation resists heat flow — higher is better. Central Texas attics are typically around R-38.

Attic Insulation

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

The condition of your indoor air — dust, mold, allergens and humidity. Clean ducts and filtration are key.

HVAC Disinfection

CFM

Cubic Feet per Minute — how much air moves through the system. Dirty ducts lower CFM and strain the unit.

Air Duct Cleaning

Negative-Pressure Cleaning

The pro method: seal the system and vacuum debris out, so dust is removed, not pushed into the home.

Air Duct Cleaning

UV Light (In-Duct)

A UV lamp near the coil that stops mold and bacteria regrowing on the damp coil between cleanings.

UV Light Installation

Creosote

The flammable, tar-like residue that builds up in a chimney flue as wood burns — the reason sweeping matters.

Chimney Cleaning

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Our Austin team is happy to explain anything about your system — no jargon, no pressure.

Ask DuctXperts or call (512) 656-2116
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