SERVING THE DFW METROPLEX “Family owned and operated since 1972” St. Lic. # TACLA019484E 214-742-7252 Glossary Absolute Humidity The humidity of the air measured by the number of grains of water vapor present in one cubic meter of air. Absolute Pressure The sum of gauge and atmospheric pressure (psia). Absolute Temperature The temperature measured on the Kelvin scale. Absolute Zero The lowest temperature theoretically attainable on the Kelvin scale (approximately 273.16°C). One of the first to discuss the possibility of an absolute minimal temperature was Robert Boyle. His 1665 New Experiments and Observations touching Cold, articulated the dispute known as the primum frigidum. The concept was well known among naturalists of the time. Some contended an absolute minimum temperature occurred within earth (as one of the four so-called 'elements'), others within water, others air, and some more recently within nitre[citation needed]. But all of them seemed to agree that, "There is some body or other that is of its own nature supremely cold and by participation of which all other bodies obtain that quality." Absorbent A substance with the ability to absorb another substance. Absorption In physics, the taking up of light, heat, or other energy by molecules. The absorbed energy is converted into heat. Absorption in chemistry is the taking up of one substance by another. For example, a gas such as oxygen may be absorbed, or dissolved, in water. In the HVAC industry heat energy is absorbed from the medium being cooled and transferred in the refrigerant. Accumulator A shell device installed in the suction line of a HVAC system to prevent liquids from entering the compressor. Acrolein An agent added to methyl chloride to make you aware of refrigerant leaks. Activated Alumina A type of aluminum oxide that absorbs moisture (used in refrigerant driers). Activated Carbon A processed carbon used in filter driers and commonly used in air filters to clean the air. Active Cooling HVAC term for compressor driven air conditioning. Adiabatic A change in gas condition where no heat is added or removed except in the form of work. Adsorption Adsorption, which is often confused with absorption, refers to the adhering of molecules of gases and liquids to the surfaces of porous solids. Adsorption is a surface phenomenon; absorption is an intermingling or interpenetration of two substances. Air Balance HVAC term for distributing air through a system to precisely match the required amount. Air Cleaning In HVAC an IAQ control strategy to remove various airborne particulates and/or gases from the air. The three types of air cleaning most commonly used are particulate filtration, electrostatic precipitation, and gas sorption. Air Conditioner A device used to control temperature and humidity of the air. Air Conditioning In HVAC the control of the quality, quantity, and temperature-humidity of the air in an interior space. Air Diffuser HVAC term for an air distribution outlet, typically located in the ceiling, which mixes conditioned air with room air. Air Exchange Rate In HVAC the rate at which outside air replaces indoor air in a space. Expressed in one of two ways: the number of changes of outside air per unit of time - air changes per hour (ACH); or the rate at which a volume of outside air enters per unit of time - cubic feet per minute (CFM). Air Handler HVAC term for a fan-blower, heat transfer coil, and housing parts of a system. Air Handling Unit (AHU) In HVAC refers to equipment that includes a blower or fan, heating and/or cooling coils, and related equipment such as controls, condensate drain pans, and air filters. Does not include ductwork, registers or grilles, or boilers and chillers. Air Infiltration The unwanted entrance of air due to leakage, temperature difference, or wind. Air Passages Openings through or within walls, through floors and ceilings, and around chimney flues and plumbing chases, that permit air to move out of the conditioned spaces of the building. Air Retarder/Barrier A material or structural element that inhibits air flow into and out of a building's envelope or shell. This is a continuous sheet composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, or extruded polystyrene. The sheet is wrapped around the outside of a house during construction to reduce air in-and exfiltration, yet allow water to easily diffuse through it. Air Standard HVAC term for air having a temperature of 68 degrees F (20 degrees C) and a relative humidity of 36%% at 14.7 psia. Air to Air Where both the condensing and evaporating mediums are air. Air Vent HVAC term for a valve, either manual or automatic, that is used to remove unwanted air from the highest point of a piping system. Alcohol Brine Water and alcohol solution witch remains a liquid below 32 degress F. Allergen A substance capable of causing an allergic reaction because of an individual's sensitivity to that substance. Ambient Air The air external to a building or device. Attic The usually unfinished space above a ceiling and below a roof. Attic Fan A fan mounted on an attic wall used to exhaust warm attic air to the outside. Attic Vent HVAC term for a passive or mechanical device used to ventilate an attic space, primarily to reduce heat buildup and moisture condensation. Available Heat The amount of heat energy that may be converted into useful energy from a fuel. Air Conditioning and Heating Terms Robert Boyle pioneered the idea of an absolute zero. Sala Air Conditioning has been serving the DFW area since 1972, providing commercial and residential heating and air conditioning. (Parts, Sales, Service, Installations, and Repairs) Home | Products | Services | Coupons | Contracting  | Contact  | Employment  | About Us   | Sitemap Air Conditioning and Heating Terms A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z A A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z A