Glossary
Delta-T (Temperature Differential)
Definition
Delta-T is the difference in temperature between two measurement points in an HVAC system — typically the supply air temperature minus the return air temperature. A healthy AC system typically shows a Delta-T of 15-20°F. Readings outside this range indicate problems such as low refrigerant, dirty coils, or airflow restrictions.
Understanding Delta-T (Temperature Differential)
Service professionals use Delta-T as a quick diagnostic during HVAC inspections. Shipshape's smart sensors continuously measure Delta-T across the air handler, providing real-time data that detects efficiency drops before they become failures. For example, a Delta-T reading 12°F below baseline often indicates a refrigerant leak or compressor issue — a $200 fix that prevents a $3,000+ emergency replacement.
Related Terms
Home Health Assessment
A Home Health Assessment is an AI-powered digital inspection that evaluates the condition of a home's major systems and generates a comprehensive report with a Home Health Score. Shipshape's assessment uses a 25-point guided survey plus AI image analysis to identify issues, estimate remaining equipment life, and recommend preventive actions.
Proactive Home Maintenance
Proactive home maintenance is the practice of monitoring, inspecting, and servicing home systems before they fail, rather than waiting for breakdowns to occur. According to U.S. Department of Energy data, proactive maintenance reduces repair costs by up to 40% compared to reactive approaches.
SEER Rating (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
A SEER rating measures the cooling efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps over a typical cooling season. Higher SEER numbers mean greater efficiency: a SEER 16 unit costs roughly 20% less to operate than a SEER 13 unit. Federal minimums are SEER 14-15 depending on region, while premium units reach SEER 25+.
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