A
- AbsorberA component of a solar thermal collector that absorbs the sun's radiation and converts it into heat.
- Air CirculatorA device used to move air around a room or building and commonly used to improve airflow and ventilation.
- Air FilterA device composed of fibrous materials designed to remove solid particles (such as dust, pollen, and bacteria) from the air.
- Air HandlerA device used to regulate and circulate air as part of an HVAC system.
- Air Source Heat PumpA type of heat pump that extracts heat from the air and transfers it elsewhere to raise or lower the temperature of a space.
- Alternative EnergyEnergy generated in ways that are less harmful to the environment because they are not as dependent on finite natural resources, such as fossil fuels.
B
- Barrier EnergyThe energy given up by an electron in penetrating the cell barrier; a measure of the electrostatic potential of the barrier.
- Base LoadThe average amount of electric power that a utility must supply in any period.
- Biomass EnergyRenewable energy created from organic materials. In heating, this often refers to using organic materials like wood pellets in a biomass boiler.
- BTU (British Thermal Unit)A measure of heat energy in HVAC systems. It is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
C
- Circulation PumpAn electric pump that circulates hot water through the pipes of a heating system.
- Clean Energy SolutionsIn the HVAC sector, the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy to power heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
- CoilA series of pipe loops where heat exchange occurs in a heat pump.
- CompressorA device that increases the pressure of the refrigerant gas in a heat pump, allowing the gas to release its heat as it condenses back to a liquid.
- CondenserA component in the refrigeration cycle that removes heat from the system. The refrigerant gas is cooled and converted back to a liquid in the condenser.
- Conventional Water Heating SystemsTraditional water heating systems that use gas, oil, or electricity. They include tankless coil water heaters, gas water heaters, electric water heaters, and heat pump water heaters.
- COP (Coefficient of Performance)The ratio of useful heat movement per work input. Used as a measure of efficiency for heat pumps.
- Copper TubesUsed in solar thermal collectors to transport the heat transfer fluid from the collector to the storage tank.
D
- Decarbonisation The process of reducing carbon emissions, often in reference to transitioning from fossil fuel-based systems to renewable energy systems.
- DuctworkThe system of ducts (pipes or channels) in a building that delivers and removes air. This includes supply air, return air, and exhaust air.
E
- Enamel Coated TankA tank coated with enamel to provide anti-corrosion protection for metal surfaces.
- Energy ConservationThe practice of reducing energy consumption by optimizing performance.
- Energy TransitionThe shift from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
- EvaporatorThe part of a heat pump where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the surroundings and evaporates from a liquid to a gas.
- Evaporator CoilA part of the HVAC system where the refrigerant evaporates as it absorbs heat from the indoor air.
- Expansion ValveA component of a heat pump system that regulates refrigerant flow and maintains correct pressure and temperature.
F
- Flexible PipesUsed in plumbing systems to connect the hot water tank to the rest of the plumbing system.
- Flow RateThe volume of fluid that passes through a given cross-sectional area per unit time, affecting the performance of the collector.
G
- GeyserA type of water heater that uses natural gas or propane to heat water.
- Geothermal EnergyHeat derived from the Earth, used directly for heating or to generate electricity.
- Glass WoolA type of insulation material made from glass fibers to insulate the absorber plate and prevent heat loss.
- Greenhouse EffectThe warming of the Earth's surface and troposphere caused by certain gases in the air.
- Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat PumpA type of heat pump that uses the earth as a heat source in winter or a heat sink in summer.
H
- Heat PumpA device that transfers heat energy from a source to a thermal reservoir.
- Hot Water CylinderA storage tank, usually made of copper or stainless steel, insulated to prevent heat loss.
- HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)The total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) compared to total electricity consumed during the same period.
- HVACStands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort.
- Hydronic Heating SystemsA system that uses water or steam to carry heat from the heat source to the space to be heated.
I
- InverterAn electronic device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).
L
- Low Iron Tempered GlassA type of high-clarity glass made from silica with very low iron content.
M
- Magnesium AnodeA sacrificial anode installed in a hot water tank to protect it from corrosion.
- MonoblockA single-unit heat pump that contains all components in one system, typically installed outside a home.
O
- Operations and Maintenance (O&M)The ongoing operational needs of a solar system, including cleaning, repairs, and part replacement.
P
- Photovoltaic (PV)A technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity.
- PolyurethaneA type of foam used in hot water tanks for moisture resistance and thermal insulation.
- PVT (PV-T)Photovoltaic-thermal hybrid solar collectors that generate both electricity and heat from sunlight.
R
- Radiant HeatingA method of heating where heat emanates from floor or wall panels, providing warmth to a room.
- RefrigerantA substance or mixture used in a heat pump and refrigeration cycle that changes phase from gas to liquid and back.
- Renewable HeatHeat generated from renewable sources such as solar power, geothermal energy, or biomass.
- Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)A payment system for generating heat from renewable energy sources in England, Scotland, and Wales.
S
- SEDBUKSeasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers in the UK, a rating system for energy efficiency.
- SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)A measure of cooling efficiency for air conditioning systems and heat pumps.
- SerpentineA coil of copper tubing installed inside domestic hot water tanks and connected to a boiler.
- Solar ArrayA collection of multiple solar panels connected together in larger solar power systems.
- Solar CellA semiconductor device that converts sunlight directly into electricity.
- Solar CollectorA component of a solar water heater that absorbs sunlight to heat water.
- Solar Heat EnergyThermal energy from the sun collected and used for heating and cooling applications.
- Solar Heating & Cooling (SHC) TechnologiesTechnologies that collect thermal energy from the sun for heating and cooling services.
- Solar Hot Water Storage TankA storage tank that holds heat from solar thermal collectors.
- Solar InverterA device that converts DC output from a solar cell or array into AC.
- Solar Keymark CertificateCertification for solar thermal products meeting European standards.
- Solar PanelA group of solar cells linked together to generate electricity.
- Solar Thermal CollectorA device that captures solar radiation to heat a fluid.
- Solar Water HeatersDevices that use solar energy to heat water.
- SSRC — Solar Collection Certification and RatingOrganization for developing certification programs for solar equipment.
- System BoilersA type of central heating boiler requiring a separate hot water storage cylinder.
T
- Thermal EnergyEnergy from heat, generated by the movement of tiny particles within an object.
- Thermal Energy StorageA technology that stores thermal energy for later heating and cooling applications.
- Thermosiphon UnitA type of solar water heating system that uses natural convection to circulate water.
- ThermostatA device that regulates temperature to maintain a set-point.
W
- Water-Storage TankA container where hot water is stored after being heated.