GLOSSARY OF TERM
Air Conditioning:
A system for controlling the humidity, ventilation, and temperature in a building.
Audit:
A systematic review or assessment of something, such as energy usage.
Absorption Chiller:
A device that uses heat to provide cooling is often used in HVAC systems.
Air Handler:
A device used to regulate and circulate air as part of an HVAC system.
Boiler:
A device for generating steam or hot water for heating and power.
Blower Door Test:
A test to measure the airtightness of buildings.
Btu (British Thermal Unit):
A unit of heat. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Balance Point:
The outdoor temperature at which a heat pump’s output exactly matches the heating needs of a building.
Cooling Load:
The amount of cooling required to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Compressor:
A mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume is used in HVAC systems.
Condenser:
An HVAC system component that condenses refrigerant from a gas to a liquid.
Carbon Footprint:
The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly supports human activities.
Ductwork:
A system of ducts used for air distribution in HVAC systems.
Dehumidifier:
A device that removes moisture from the air.
Daylighting:
The practice of placing windows or other openings so that natural light provides adequate internal lighting.
Drainage:
The system or process by which water or other liquids are drained from a building or area.
Energy Audit:
An assessment of energy use in a building to identify opportunities for energy savings.
Efficiency:
The ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input.
Evaporator:
A component in HVAC systems where the refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates.
Envelope:
The physical barrier between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building.
Furnace:
A device used for high-temperature heating.
Filtration:
The process of removing particles from the air or water.
Flashing:
Material used to prevent water penetration at joints in roofing and walls.
Fan Coil Unit:
A device consisting of a fan and a heating or cooling coil is used to control a space’s temperature.
Geothermal:
Relating to or produced by the internal heat of the earth.
Green Roof:
A roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation.
Grid-Tied System:
A solar power system that is connected to the electrical grid.
Gutter:
A channel at the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater.
Heat Pump:
A device that transfers heat energy from a source to a destination is called a “heat sink.”
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning):
The technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort.
Heat Exchanger:
A device used to transfer heat between two or more fluids.
Humidity:
The amount of water vapor in the air.
Insulation:
Material used to reduce the rate of heat transfer.
Inverter:
A device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):
The quality of the air inside buildings is represented by concentrations of pollutants and thermal conditions.
Junction Box:
A container for electrical connections, usually intended to conceal them from sight and deter tampering.
Joule:
A unit of energy in the International System of Units.
Joint:
The point where two or more components are joined together.
Jacket:
An outer covering for pipes or ducts to provide insulation or protection.
Kilowatt (kW):
A unit of power is equal to 1,000 watts.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh):
A measure of electrical energy equivalent to a power consumption of 1,000 watts for 1 hour.
Load Calculation:
The process of determining the heating and cooling requirements of a building.
LED (Light Emitting Diode):
A semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it.
Leakage:
The unintentional escape of air or water from a system.
Low-E Glass:
Glass that has been treated with a coating to reduce heat transfer.
Maintenance:
The process of preserving a condition or situation or the state of being preserved.
Microinverter:
A device used in photovoltaics that converts direct current (DC) generated by a single solar module to alternating current (AC).
Moisture Barrier:
A material that prevents the passage of moisture.
Module:
A self-contained unit of a system is often used in reference to solar panels.
Net Metering:
A billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they add to the grid.
Nacelle:
The housing that holds the components of a wind turbine.
Natural Ventilation:
The process of supplying and removing air through an indoor space without using mechanical systems.
Nonrenewable Energy:
Energy from sources that cannot be replenished in a short period of time.
Occupancy Sensor:
A device that detects the presence of people and controls lighting or HVAC systems accordingly.
Off-Grid System:
A solar power system that operates independently of the electrical grid.
Overhang:
A part of a roof or wall that extends beyond the building’s exterior.
Ozone:
A molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, often used in reference to the ozone layer or ozone generators.
Photovoltaic (PV):
Relating to the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials.
Pump:
A device used to move fluids, such as water or air.
Panel:
A flat structure that is used to capture solar energy or provide insulation.
Plenum:
A space used for air circulation in HVAC systems.
Quality Assurance:
The maintenance of a desired level of quality in a service or product.
Quenching:
The rapid cooling of a material to set its structure.
Quick Connect:
A type of fitting that allows for easy and fast connection and disconnection of pipes or hoses.
Radiant Heating:
A heating system that uses infrared radiation to heat objects and surfaces directly.
R-Value:
A measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry.
Retrofit:
The addition of new technology or features to older systems.
Roofing:
The process of constructing or repairing a roof.
Solar Panel:
A device that converts sunlight into electricity.
Sealing:
The process of making something airtight or watertight.
Sustainability:
The ability to maintain or improve standards without depleting resources.
Smart Thermostat:
A device that allows for remote control and automation of home heating and cooling systems.
Thermostat:
A device that regulates the temperature of a system.
Thermal Imaging:
The use of infrared cameras to detect heat loss or gain.
A machine for producing continuous power that is driven by a fluid, such as water, steam, or air.
Tankless Water Heater:
A water heater that heats water on demand without storing it.
Utility Bill:
A statement of charges for the use of public services such as electricity, water, and gas.
U-Value:
A measure of heat transfer through a building element.
Ultraviolet (UV):
A type of electromagnetic radiation with a shorter wavelength than visible light.
Underlayment:
A layer of material that is installed under roofing or flooring for added protection or insulation.
Ventilation:
The process of supplying fresh air and removing stale air from a space.
Vapor Barrier:
A material that resists the diffusion of moisture through walls, floors, and ceilings.
Voltage:
The electric potential difference between two points.
Variable Speed Drive:
A device that controls the speed of an electric motor.
Water Treatment
The process of making water suitable for its intended use
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