2,400+ Definitions
HVAC GLOSSARY
Every HVAC term, acronym, and industry phrase — defined in plain English.
Combustion Safety
Combustion safety refers to the protection systems and practices that…
Combustion Safety Test
A combustion safety test is a comprehensive inspection measuring carbon…
Commercial Refrigeration
Commercial refrigeration encompasses all industrial-scale cooling systems designed to preserve…
Commercial Solar
Commercial solar systems are larger photovoltaic installations designed for businesses,…
Commercial Water Heater
Commercial water heaters are high-capacity systems designed to meet hot…
Commissioning
Commissioning is the systematic process of testing, adjusting, and documenting…
Commissioning Balancing
Commissioning balancing is the comprehensive process of measuring and adjusting…
Commissioning Checklist
A commissioning checklist is a comprehensive verification document ensuring all…
Commissioning Plan
A commissioning plan is a written document outlining the scope,…
Commissioning Report
A Commissioning Report documents the verification and testing results of…
Commissioning Specification
A Commissioning Specification is a detailed set of requirements that…
Communicating Thermostat
A communicating thermostat uses digital signals to transmit real-time data…
Community Solar
Community solar is a shared solar energy system owned or…
Compression Fitting
Compression fittings are mechanical connectors that seal a pipe by…
Compression Tank
A Compression Tank is a sealed hydronic system component that…
Compressor
The compressor is the heart of any refrigeration or HVAC…
Compressor Crankcase Heater
A compressor crankcase heater is a low-wattage electrical resistance heating…
Compressor Failure
Compressor failure occurs when the heart of the refrigeration system…
Compressor Test
A compressor test evaluates the mechanical and electrical functionality of…
Computer Room Air Conditioner
A Computer Room Air Conditioner (CRAC) is a specialized cooling…
Concentrating Solar Collector
Concentrating solar collectors use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight…
Concentric Vent
A concentric vent is a pipe-within-a-pipe configuration where the exhaust…
Conceptual Design
Conceptual Design is the preliminary HVAC planning phase where engineers…
Condensate Drain
The condensate drain system removes water that drips off the…
Condensate Drain Cleaning
Condensate drain cleaning removes blockages from the small pipe that…
Condensate Neutralizer
A condensate neutralizer is a chemical filtering device that treats…
Condensate Pan Cleaning
Condensate pan cleaning involves removing sediment, algae, and bacterial growth…
Condensation
Condensation is the phase change process where water vapor converts…
Condenser
The condenser is the outdoor unit of a split air…
Condenser Coil Cleaning
Condenser Coil Cleaning is the removal of dirt, pollen, debris,…
Condenser Fan
A condenser fan is an axial fan housed within the…
Condenser Fan Motor
A condenser fan motor is an electric motor mounted in…
Condenser Unit
A condenser unit is the outdoor component of a split-system…
Condensing Furnace
A condensing furnace is a high-efficiency heating system that extracts…
Conditioned Space
Conditioned space refers to building areas served by active heating…
Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of thermal energy through a material…
Connected HVAC
Connected HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems…
Conservation Voltage Reduction
Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) is a utility strategy that lowers…
Consortium for Energy Efficiency
The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a nonprofit organization…
Constant Air Volume
A Constant Air Volume (CAV) system is a type of…
Constant Torque Load
A constant torque load maintains consistent resistance regardless of motor…
Construction Documents
Construction Documents are comprehensive, final-phase drawings and specifications that contain…
Contactor
A contactor is an electromagnetic switching device that controls power…
Contactor Failure
Contactor failure occurs when the electromagnetic switch fails to close…
Continuity Test
A continuity test measures whether electrical current can flow unobstructed…
Continuous Commissioning
Continuous commissioning is the sustained verification and optimization of building…
Continuous Insulation
Continuous insulation is a thermal barrier applied across the entire…
Continuous Monitoring
Continuous monitoring refers to real-time, 24/7 measurement of indoor air…