Resources
AC / HVAC Glossary
- ACCA
- The Air Conditioning Contractors of America - a U.S. trade association that represents heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors.
- Activated Carbon
- Granular processed carbon, commonly used in air filter media to clean the air.
- Active Cooling
- The use of compressor equipment to cool and dehumidify the air.
- AFUE
- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency - an efficiency rating for furnaces and gas heating equipment according to test procedures of the U.S. Department of Energy. This number represents the percentage of energy that is converted to usable heat inside the home or building. An AFUE rating of 85 would mean that 85% of the fuel consumed warms the space and the remaining 15% is lost in exhaust, etc.
- Air Balancing
- Making adjustments in an air conditioning and heating system to deliver the correct amount of air flow to each room.
- Air Conditioner
- Equipment used to control indoor air temperature, relative humidity, purity, and movement.
- Air Conditioning
- Making indoor air more comfortable by transferring heat and humidity to the outside air.
- Air Filter
- In heating and air conditioning, the media, element, or device used to remove unwanted particles, vapors, or odors from indoor air. Air filters serve two functions: to protect the equipment from damage and improve indoor air quality for people.
- Air Handler
- Refer to “air handling unit” below.
- Air Handling Unit
- Equipment to moving and/or mixing air for heating and/or cooling. Air handlers includes a blower-fan, heating and/or cooling coils, and related equipment such as controls, drain pans, and air filters contained in a housing or cabinet.
- Air Infiltration
- The unwanted entry of air into a building. This air enters through gaps and cracks commonly found around plumbing, electrical outlets, and around windows and doors. Infiltration can be intensified by atmospheric conditions such as differences in temperature or high winds.
- Air Source
- The use of ambient air as the heat source or heat sink with heat pumps.
- Air Vent
- A general term that describes the port where air enters (or exits) a duct, room or area. Since warm or cool air exists from them, the supply air vents that serve a room are the points most often described by the term. Also see “vent”.
- Air-cooled
- Using a fan to move heat away from the condenser coil to the outside air.
- Ambient Temperature
- The temperature of the air surrounding HVAC equipment.
- ARI
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute - a non-profit organization of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturers. They test and rate heat pumps and air conditioners and publish standards.
- ASHRAE
- American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers professional organization for HVAC that publishes standards in the areas of HVAC and refrigeration.
- Balancing
- Refer to “air balancing”.
- Blower Coil
- Refer to “evaporator coil”.
- Boiler
- A boiler is a closed vessel in which water or other fluid is heated. The heated or vaporized fluid exits the boiler for use in various processes or heating applications.
- BTU
- British Thermal Unit a standard unit of measure of heat used in heating and air conditioning. It is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. In heating, a BTU measures the heat given off during the combustion of fuel. In air conditioning, it is a unit that represents the capacity to remove that amount of heat from inside space. Also: refer to “Tons” below
- BTUh
- British Thermal Units per hour - one ton of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTUh.
- Capacity
- Ability of a cooling or heating system to cool or heat a specific amount of space. Cooling capacity is usually expressed in tons, while in heating, it is usually rated in BTUs.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- A colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas produced when carbon-containing fuels are burned. When a furnace becomes worn or is not properly maintained, CO can enter indoor space.
- Central Air Conditioning System
- A system in which indoor air is cooled and dehumidified at a central location. The air is delivered to and from the rooms by an air handler and a system of ductwork. Contrast with “window air conditioner” and “ductless air conditioners”.
- Centrifugal Compressor
- Refer to compressor, centrifugal.
- CFC
- Abbreviation for chlorofluorocarbons these are used as the refrigerant in air conditioning systems and heat pumps. They have been linked to the depletion of the ozone layer of the atmosphere.
- Chlorofluorocarbons
- Refer to “CFC”, and also HCFC.
- Coefficient Of Performance
- An efficiency ratio that expresses the capacity of a system divided by electrical energy consumed or compares the amount of heat delivered to the amount of energy used. A higher the score means the equipment is more efficient. This ratio is used to rate heat pumps.
- Coefficient Of Performance (COP)
- Capacity of a system divided by electrical energy it consumes. Sometimes used to describe heat pumps. Cross-reference HSPF.
- Coil
- A general name for part of a heating or cooling system. A coil unit is made of tubing or pipe, and often has fins for cooling.
- Coil, Condenser
- A network of tubes outdoors filled with refrigerant that remove heat from the heated gas refrigerant and convert the refrigerant into a liquid form again. The excess heat escapes into the outside air.
- Coil, Evaporator
- A network of tubes indoors filled with refrigerant that remove heat and moisture from the air as the refrigerant evaporates into a gas again.
- Compressor
- A pump in an air conditioning system that moves refrigerant from the evaporator coils indoors to the outdoor condenser and back again in a closed system. The compressor is like the heart of the system because it circulates the refrigerant throughout the loop. Compressors come in many designs, which are described below.
- Compressor, Centrifugal
- A type of compressor that employs centrifugal force to supply its compression. They often use a rotating disk or an impeller in a shaped housing to provide pumping action.
- Compressor, Reciprocating
- A type of compressor that uses a piston cylinder mechanism to provide its pumping action.
- Compressor, Rotary Screw
- A type of compressor that employs two meshed rotating positive-displacement helical screws to force the gas to move. These are often used for commercial and industrial applications
- Compressor, Scroll
- A compressor that uses two spiral-shaped scrolls to pump or compress liquids and gases. One scroll is fixed, while the other moves in an eccentric way without rotating. This traps and compresses pockets of fluid or gas between the scrolls. These are also called a “scroll pump” or a “scroll vacuum pump”,
- Condensate Pan
- Refer to “drip pan”.
- Condenser
- The part of an air conditioning system that transfers unwanted heat to a medium that absorbs the heat and dissipates it. Here, the refrigerant is condensed from a vapor to liquid. The medium can be air, water, or a combination of the two. Most residential HVAC systems use air-cooled condensers.
- Condenser
- The outside unit of an air conditioning or heating system. This unit condenses the refrigerant from a gas to a liquid thus releasing unwanted hot or cold air from the building to the outside air. Sometimes called the “heat exchanger”.
- Condenser Coil
- Refer to “coil, condenser”.
- Condenser Fan
- The fan in the outside unit that circulates air over the air-cooled condenser to change the refrigerant vapor into a liquid.
- Condenser, Air-cooled
- A heat exchanger that transfers heat into the surrounding air.
- Condenser, Water-cooled
- A heat exchanger that transfers heat into water.
- Condensing Temperature
- The temperature at which a gas or vapor will condenses into liquid.
- Cooling Capacity
- The ability of a unit to remove heat from an enclosed space. Also see “capacity”.
- Cooling Coil
- Refer to “evaporator coil
- COP
- Coefficient of Performance refer to it above.
- Damper
- A movable plate in ductwork that can be opened and closed to modulate airflow. Dampers are used to balance airflow in a HVAC system. They are also used in zoned systems to regulate airflow into specific rooms or areas.
- Decibel
- Abbreviation db, this term describes the relative loudness of sound. Refer to “sound rating number” as it applies to air conditioning equipment.
- Degree-day
- A measure of departure from the mean daily temperature. The number of degrees that the mean temperature for that day is below 65° F.
- Dehumidifier
- A device used to remove moisture from indoor air.
- Dehumidify
- To remove moisture from indoor air. Air conditioning helps to dehumidify the air, and it can be done separately with a dehumidifier.
- DOE
- Department of Energy. The U.S. federal agency that sets HVAC industry efficiency standards and monitors the use of energy sources.
- Downflow Furnace
- A type of furnace that takes in air at its top and discharges air at the bottom.
- Drain Pan
- Also referred to as a “condensate pan” or “drip pan”. Refer to definition of “drip pan”.
- Drip Pan
- The tray or pan used to collect water as it condenses from the evaporator. The pan should have a properly working cutoff switch to stop the system and prevent overflow in case the drain lines clog up. This helps prevent damage to ceilings or indoor areas below the pan.
- Duct
- In air conditioning and heating systems, the conduits that carry cooled, warmed, or ventilated air from the air conditioning system or furnace to the rooms and back. These come in many varieties, including flexible, sheet metal and more.
- Ductless Air Conditioning
- An air conditioning unit with no ductwork. These are often seen in motels and in one-room applications such as a garage apartment or loft.
- Ductless Heat Pump
- A package heat pump unit that heats (or cools) directly into the room without ducts. These are often used for single rooms or in situations where running ductwork is not feasible.
- Ductwork
- The system of ducts in a building that deliver air to and from the air conditioning and heating system to the rooms and back.
- EER
- Energy Efficiency Ratio the ratio of cooling capacity of an air conditioning unit (in British thermal units per hour) to the total electrical input (in watts) under specified test conditions. A Higher EER rating means the equipment is more efficient. Compare with SEER.
- Effective Temperature
- The overall or net effect on a person of the air temperature, the relative humidity, and movement of air.
- Efficiency
- A general term used to describe the ratio of output of a device, appliance, system or activity, to the input necessary to create that output. Refer to “SEER”, and “HSPF” for a more specific definition.
- Electric Heating
- Heating that relies on electric resistance heaters. An example of electric heating is a central heater that uses “stirip heating” for its heat source.
- Electrostatic Filter
- A filter device for cleaning or purifying of air that employs electricity to charge plates and attract dust particles.
- Energy Audit
- An assessment to measure the current energy consumption for a house, building, or indoor area. Energy audits are commonly used to make informed decisions in the “whole house” approach to air conditioning and heating.
- Energy Recovery Ventilator
- Refer to ERV below.
- Energy Star®
- A government sponsored brand used to identify energy efficient appliances or products. The trademark was developed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Envelope
- In air conditioning and heating, a term used to describe the condition of the parts of a home or building that interact with outside air. Examples are insulation, windows, doors, walls, roof, vents, etc. The “whole house” approach considers the HVAC equipment and the condition of the envelope to make informed decisions about A/C and heating and energy usage.
- ERV
- Energy Recovery Ventilator this is a device that provides ventilation by pulling fresh air indoors and sending stale air out as exhaust. ERVs pre-heat or pre-cool incoming fresh air to help conserve energy required for heating and air conditioning. Also refer to HRS and HRV below.
- Evaporator Coil
- A network of tubes indoors filled with refrigerant that removes heat and moisture from the air as the refrigerant evaporates into a gas again. These are also called “cooling coil”, “blower coil”, or “indoor coil”.
- Field Matching
- A term used to describe the addition of new components to older equipment in an air conditioning and heating system. Although many pieces of equipment can physically be made to function, proper matching is critical for these components to meet their design specifications for heating, cooling, comfort and efficiency. Contrast with “matched system” below.
- Filter
- A shortened term for “air filter”. Refer to “air filter” above for HVAC specifics. Otherwise, a general term used to describe the removal of particles from a gas or liquid by straining.
- Flexible Duct
- A type of air duct material, often continuous, that is easy to route around obstacles in attics, etc, by bending it gently.
- Flue
- A pipe that vents combustion gases to the outside air, usually through convection.
- Forced Air
- A term to describe a system for heating, air conditioning, ventilation (or a combination of these) that uses a fan or blower to move or “force” air through the system and into the intended rooms.
- Freon
- A brand name of refrigerant manufactured by the Dupont Company.
- Furnace
- A self-contained heating unit designed to deliver heated air to a home or building.
- Furnace, Central
- A self-contained heating unit that uses ductwork to heat rooms or areas in remote locations.
- Furnace, Downflow
- Refer to “downflow furnace”.
- GAMA
- Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association this U.S. trade association serves the interests of manufacturers of gas, oil, and electric appliances and equipment, components and related products used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
- Ground Source
- The use of ground or soil below the frost line as the heat source or heat sink for a heat pump.
- Ground Source Heat Pump (GHP)
- A type of heat pump that uses the stored energy in the soil. These systems use the relatively constant temperature of soil to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and buildings.
- Ground Water-source
- The use of water from an underground well as the heat source or heat sink for a heat pump.
- H-vac
- Abbreviation for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. This is a general term used to describe, equipment, processes, people and more in this industry. Refer to the full name below.
- HCFC
- Abbreviation for hydrochlorofluorocarbons these compounds are used as refrigerants in air conditioners and heat pumps. HCFCs are believed to contribute to depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere. Contrast HFC below.
- Heat Exchanger
- This term has two meanings: 1. A major part of a furnace that transfers heat created in the fuel combustion area to the surrounding air that is pumped into the rooms. This component can develop rust holes or other leaks and problems. To prevent carbon monoxide gas from entering the living areas and for other reasons, the heat exchanger and heating system should be professionally checked regularly. 2. A condenser or evaporator device in which heat is added or extracted to heat or cool indoor space.
- Heat Gain
- The heat that enters conditioned space by infiltration from outside air, solar radiation, human respiration, lighting devices, etc. Cross reference “envelope”.
- Heat Loss
- The rate of heat transfer from a heated space to the outdoors. Contrast with “heat gain” and cross-reference “envelope”.
- Heat Pump
- A type of mechanical compression cycle refrigeration system capable of heating. Heat pumps come in many varieties. Some can be reversed to either heat or cool indoor space, while others are for heating only. One main benefit of heat pumps is their ability to use naturally occurring temperature differentials in air, ground, or water as a heat source or sink to provide indoor comfort.
- Heat Recovery System (HRS)
- A system that uses exhaust air to preheat the supply air when the outside air is cooler than the inside air. When the outside air is warmer than the inside air, the exhaust air cools the supply air.
- Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)
- A device that brings fresh air into a home or building while recovering heat from the exhaust. This preheats the air and saving on utility bills.
- Heat Transfer
- The movement of heat energy from one place to another. Types of heat transfer are through convection, conduction and radiation. Cross reference “envelope” and “whole house”.
- Heating Coil
- A general term for a coil device that serves as a heat source. . A coil unit is made of tubing or pipe.
- Heating, Ventilation, And Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Control of the indoor environment (temperature, humidity, air flow, and air filtering) of a building. In commercial buildings, this can include data center components such as computing hardware, cabling, data storage, fire protection, physical security systems, and power.
- HFC
- Abbreviation for hydroflorocarbon these are compounds used as a refrigerant in air conditioners and heat pumps. These are believed to have little to no effect on the ozone layer.
- HRS
- See heat recovery system.HRV See heat recovery ventilator.
- HSPF
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor - the measure of the heating efficiency for heat pumps. A higher HSPF number means more efficiency in providing heat. Cross reference “coefficient of performance”.
- Humidifier
- A device that adds water vapor to the indoor air to increase humidity. Contrast with dehumidifier
- Humidistat
- A type of indoor comfort control device that senses humidity and cycles a humidifier on and off.
- Humidity
- Refer to “relative humidity”.
- HVAC
- Pronounced by spelling the letters H-V-A-C” or in a shorter alternate
- HVAC Excellence
- A not for profit organization, created in 1994 to improve the future and current technical workforce’s competency through quality education.
- IAQ
- Indoor Air Quality- refer to next listing.
- Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
- An overall measure, from the human point of view, of temperature, humidity, chemical pollutants, biological contaminants, movement and sensory qualities (such as fresh smell) of indoor air. As buildings are being built to “tighter” standards, IAQ has become more important as an issue. In addition to proper air conditioning, advanced air filtration and ventilation are two of the keys to better indoor air quality.
- Indoor Coil
- Refer to “evaporator coil”.
- Infiltration
- Refer to “air infiltration” and cross reference “envelope”.
- Insulation
- As it applies to air conditioning and heating, any material that slows down the transfer of heat. In homes and buildings, insulation is commonly used in attics, walls, and under floors. Also used in electrical and other types of wiring.
- Kilowatt (kW)
- Equal to 1,000 watts.
- Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- A common unit of electrical consumption. It is the equivalent of one kilowatt (1 kW) of power expended for one hour (1 h).
- Load
- The required rate of heat removal.
- Load Calculation
- A computation of the quantity of cooling and heating (in British Thermal Units-BTUs) an air conditioning and heating system must produce for indoor comfort. The load is influenced by many factors: climate, square footage of conditioned area, orientation and layout of the building, number of human occupants, room count and dimensions, window and door count and characteristics, insulation quantity and quality, and more.
- Load Estimate
- Studies to determine the heating or cooling requirements of a home or building.
- Manual D®
- A trademark of the American Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). This publication covers the proper design, installation, maintenance, and repair of ductwork.
- Manual J®
- A trademarked publication of the American Air Conditioning Contractors of America. This ACCA procedure covers the method for calculating heating and cooling requirements (load calculation) for single-family detached homes and mobile homes.
- Manual RS®
- A trademarked ACCA publication covering the design, installation, and commissioning of a residential HVAC system.
- Matched System
- A heating and air conditioning system comprised of components that have been certified to perform at specific comfort and efficiency levels when used together and according to design and engineered specifications. Contrast with “field matching”.
- Media
- As used in air conditioning and heating, the material in an air filter that traps and holds the impurities until it is cleaned or replaced.
- Mold
- As it applies in air conditioning and heating, mold is an undesirable growth within, on, or around HVAC equipment, usually associated with improper moisture or indoor humidity levels. Molds are undesirable because they can cause or increase health problems and odors. The spores of mold can become airborne. Overall the growth of mold can be retarded by proper equipment installation and maintenance. Mold spore growth can be discouraged by keeping proper indoor humidity levels.
- NATE
- North American Technician Excellence - this is the nonprofit organization that tests and certifies technicians in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
- OEM
- Original Equipment Manufacturer- generally used in contrast with aftermarket, or equipment produced by someone other than the original.
- Open Loop
- A system where water is pumped from a well, pond, lake or river for use in a heat pump. Package unit. A type of air conditioning and heating system that is contained in one (usually) outdoor unit. Package units are often installed beside or on the roof of buildings. Also see “self-contained system”. Contrast with “split system”.
- Package Heat Pump
- A refrigeration system that has all its components in one cabinet. Contrast with “split system”.
- Payback Analysis
- The study and calculation of the number of months or years required for the monthly operating savings from a new air conditioning and heating system to offset its purchase price.
- Payback Period
- Number of months or years required for the operating savings from a new air conditioning and heating system to offset its purchase price.
- PMA
- Planned Maintenance Agreement these are agreements offered by HVAC contractors that set a certain number of maintenance visits per year, usually for a discounted fee. They are known by a variety of phrases, such as “maintenance inspection agreements”, “planned service agreements” and so on.
- Programmable Thermostat
- An electronic control device for air conditioning and heating equipment. These are one of the least expensive improvements for increasing comfort and saving on monthly heating and cooling bills.
- R-22
- An air conditioning refrigerant that contains chlorine. According to the terms of the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. EPA agreed to a phaseout schedule for HCFCs, Including R-22, between the years 2004 and 2020.
- R-410A
- The refrigerant that is replacing R-22. It contains no chlorine and is not associated with ozone depletion.
- R-factor
- A rating of insulating or thermal resistance value. The ability to slow heat flow rather than to transmit it. A higher “R”, number means better insulating value.
- Radiant Barrier
- A layer of thin material, usually made of metallic foil, that reflects heat in a specific direction. Among their many uses, these are used inside attics and in roofing materials to reduce heat gain or heat loss. Cross reference “envelope” and “whole house approach”.
- Radiant Floor Heating
- The use of embedded tubing within concrete floors through which hot water is pumped for heating the floor and space around it.
- Reciprocating Compressor
- Refer to Compressor, reciprocating above.
- Refrigerant
- A fluid with physical ability to absorb heat at low temperatures and release heat at higher temperatures.
- Refrigerant Charge
- As a noun, the amount of refrigerant required to be in an air conditioning or refrigeration system. Used as a verb, the process of adding or “charging the refrigerant”. Keeping the correct amount and type of refrigerant is critical for peak operating performance.
- Relative Humidity
- The amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature, expressed as a percentage.
- Return Side
- The path of air as it goes to the air-handler or furnace so it can be cooled or heated. The Return side should be “balanced” with the supply side to achieve optimum airflow and comfort. Sometimes described as “return”, or “return air”. Contrast with “supply side” below.
- Reversing Heat Pump
- A type of heat pump in which the condenser and evaporator coils exchange roles when the direction of the flow of refrigerant in the machine changes.
- Scroll Compressor
- Refer to “compressor, scroll” above.
- SEER
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - a rating of the efficiency of air conditioner or heat pump. A higher number means the equipment is more efficient at converting electricity to cooling.
- Self-contained System
- A refrigerating system that can be moved without disconnecting any refrigerant lines. Also called a “package unit” or “single package”.
- Sick Building Syndrome
- A combination of problems and complaints about indoor building environments and related human health issues. The syndrome has become more common since buildings are built to “tighter” standards for energy efficiency. In addition to proper air conditioning and heating, advanced air filtration and ventilation are two of the keys to better indoor air. Refer to “Indoor air quality” above.
- Single Package
- A central air conditioner unit that contains both the condenser and air handling components in one packaged unit.
- Sound Rating Number (SRN)
- A unit of sound based on ARI standard tests for air conditioners and heat pumps. SRN is measured in bels (one bel equals 10 decibels). A lower rating means quieter equipment. Most air conditioners operate at 8 to 9 bels. The quietest units are rated to operate at 6.8 bels. A small difference in numerical rating translates into a large sound difference.
- Source Temperature
- The temperature of the medium from which a refrigeration system extracts its heat.
- Split System
- The most common type of air conditioning and heating systems found in homes. It is a central system with two or more major components located apart from each other. The condensing unit is located outside the structure, and the air handling unit is located inside. Refrigerant lines and electrical wiring run between the two. The components of split systems must be matched for optimum efficiency. Contrast with “package unit”.
- SRN
- Refer to “sound rating number” above.
- Supply Side
- The part of an air conditioning and heating system that moves the conditioned air from the air handler or furnace to the rooms. The supply side should be balanced with the return side for optimum performance. Refer to “return side” above.
- Thermostat
- A control device that consists of a series of sensors and relays that monitor and activate the functions of an air conditioning and heating system. Generally, older thermostats are mechanical and more recent ones are electronic. See also “programmable thermostat”.
- Ton
- The unit of measurement for capacity of air conditioning systems. One ton of air conditioning removes 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour. See also BTU and BTHh above.
- Two-stage
- In air conditioners or heat pumps, a phrase used to describe equipment that operates at more than speed. This feature is usually associated with higher efficiency compressors, because they operate at low speed (thus lower energy usage) most of the time. However, when more air conditioning is needed, the equipment switches to the higher stage for increased comfort. Cross reference “variable speed” fans below.
- Up Flow Furnace
- A type of heating unit in which air is drawn in through the sides or bottom and the warm air gets discharged at the top. Contrast to “down flow furnace”.
- Variable-speed Motor
- In HVAC fans and blowers, a type motor that runs at a wide range of speeds rather than just one. When properly coordinated with other equipment such as the compressor and thermostat, variable speed fans circulate air at a flow that enhances temperature control, filtration, humidity control, and more, while reducing noise and energy consumption.
- Vent
- As a verb, to bring in fresh air or remove unwanted air - to ventilate. As a noun, the port where air enters or exits a duct, room, or area. Refer to “air vent”.
- Ventilation
- A mechanical system that brings in and circulates fresh air into a building. The letter “V” in the acronym “HVAC” stands for ventilation.
- Water Heaters
- Or water heating is a thermodynamic process using an energy source to heat water above its initial temperature. Typical domestic uses of hot water are for cooking, cleaning, bathing, and space heating. In industry, both hot water and water heated to steam have many uses. Domestically, water is traditionally heated in vessels known as water heaters, kettles, cauldrons, pots, or coppers. These metal vessels heat a batch of water but do not produce a continual supply of heated water at a preset temperature. The temperature will vary based on the consumption rate of hot water, use more and the water becomes cooler.
- Water Source
- The use of water as the heat sink or heat source for heat pumps. The water to provide the needed temperature differential can be underground, such as in a well, or surface water such as lakes or rivers. Cross reference “air source” and “ground source”.
- Whole House Approach
- A system plan for of indoor climate control and comfort that considers the interaction between humans, the structure, the building orientation, climate, and other elements or components. Other considerations include appliances, insulation, lighting, space heating and cooling efficiency, water heating, and more. Also see “envelope”.
- Window Air Conditioner
- A type of portable package air conditioning unit that fits in the window. Cross reference “ductless air conditioner”.
- Zoned System
- A single HVAC system that can meet different heating and cooling requirements for two or more areas, called “zones”. This design increases indoor comfort and energy efficiency by controlling when and where space heating and cooling is directed. Zoning uses programmable thermostats to control equipment operating times and dampers to divert air flow to certain areas or “ zones ”.
