Strand 5 Environmental Systems & Plumbing — Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, and Plumbing Fundamentals

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Thermal Comfort

The body's heat balance regarding heat release and production.

Humidity

Moisture in the air affecting perceived warmth and comfort.

Air Movement

Circulation of air which can affect heat loss and comfort.

Mean Radiant Temperature

The average temperature of surrounding surfaces affecting comfort.

Heating Load

Demand for heating when a building loses heat faster than it is replaced.

Cooling Load

Demand for cooling when a building gains heat faster than it is lost.

Conduction

Heat transfer through solid materials.

Convection

Heat transfer through the motion of fluids, like air or water.

Radiation

Heat transfer as electromagnetic waves, felt as warmth.

Insulation

Material that slows down heat transfer through conduction.

R-value

A measure of insulation's resistance to heat flow; higher is better.

U-factor

The overall heat transfer coefficient; higher means worse insulation.

Air Leakage

Unintended air movement into or out of a building, affecting energy efficiency.

Dew Point

The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and condensation occurs.

Sensible Heat

Heat that causes a change in temperature without a phase change.

Latent Heat

Heat involved in the phase change of water without a temperature change.

Forced-Air Heating

A system that warms air and distributes it through ducts.

Hydronic Heating

A system that heats water and circulates it to deliver heat.

Radiant Heating

A system that delivers heat mainly through radiating surfaces.

Furnace

A device that heats air for forced-air heating systems.

Boiler

A device that heats water for hydronic heating systems.

Electric Resistance Heating

A heating method that converts electricity directly into heat.

Vapor Compression Refrigeration Cycle

The process used in cooling systems to transfer heat from indoors to outdoors.

Evaporator Coil

The component that absorbs heat from indoor air in a cooling system.

Compressor

The component that raises the pressure and temperature of refrigerant vapor.

Condenser Coil

The component that releases heat to the outdoor air in a cooling system.

Expansion Device

The component that reduces refrigerant pressure before it enters the evaporator.

Coefficient of Performance (COP)

The ratio of heat moved to work input in heating and cooling systems.

Duct Leakage

Loss of conditioned air through leaks in ductwork.

Ventilation

The process of introducing outdoor air to improve indoor air quality.

Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV)

A device that transfers heat between outgoing and incoming ventilation air.

Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)

A device that transfers both heat and moisture between outgoing and incoming air.

Traps

Plumbing fixtures that hold water to prevent sewer gases from entering a building.

Venting

Allows air into drainage systems to prevent siphoning of traps.

Cleanouts

Access points in drainage systems for clearing clogs.

Commissioning

The process of verifying that building systems operate as intended.

Preventive Maintenance

Regular maintenance tasks aimed at preventing equipment failures.

Airflow Problem

An issue affecting the movement of air, often linked to comfort issues.

Troubleshooting Patterns

Logical steps to diagnose issues based on symptoms.

Cross Connection

A connection between potable water and a contamination source.

Backflow Prevention

Devices designed to stop unwanted reverse flow in plumbing systems.

Pressure Reducing Valve

A valve that reduces incoming water pressure for safe use.

Hot Water System

A plumbing network to deliver temperature-controlled water for various uses.

Stormwater Management

System designs to manage rainwater and prevent flooding.

Siphoning

The action of drawing liquid through a tube due to pressure difference.