HVAC Fundamentals: Basics of Energy and Power

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to HVAC fundamentals, focusing on energy and power basics, fuels, fluid flow, humidity, and air quality.

Thermal Energy

Energy that is measured in British thermal units (BTU), representing heat.

BTU

The amount of heat required to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Btu per hour (Btuh)

A unit of power for heat used to quantify heating gains or losses by a structure.

Natural Gas

A type of fuel commonly used in building systems.

Propane

A fuel used in heating applications, often in liquid form.

Heating Oil

A liquid fuel used for heating in buildings.

Electricity

A form of energy used in HVAC systems, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

kWh (Kilowatt-hour)

A unit of measurement for electricity consumption over time.

Therm

A unit of measurement representing heat energy, equal to 100,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs).

Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM)

A measurement of airflow in HVAC systems.

Gallons per Minute (GPM)

A measurement of water flow in HVAC systems.

Relative Humidity (RH)

The ratio of actual water content to the maximum possible moisture content at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage.

Absolute Humidity

The amount of water in the air, measured in grains or pounds of water per pound of dry air.

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)

A measurement of how well an air filter removes airborne particles and pollutants.

HEPA Filter

High Efficiency Particulate Air filter that captures 99.97% of particles in the 0.3-micron range.

Comfort Limits of Humidity and Temperature

The lower limit is 68°F at 30% RH and the upper limit is 79°F at 55% RH.

Air Velocity

The speed of air flow in a space, measured in feet per minute.