Shelby Kyle

Have you ever wondered about all the lingo that is associated with Green Homes and Energy Efficiency? Well, let me clear up a few things and give you a reference as to what different things mean.

• ACH- Air Changes per Hour- This is part of the Energy Star & Diamond Level testing to determine how much air leaks through the walls and ceilings (Hint: A lower number, the more efficient)
• AFUE- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A furnace's heating efficiency. Measures the heat delivered vs. the fuel used. Measures in percentages. The higher number is better.

• ASHRAE-American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. This is the primary organization used in the United States for the design standards in our HVAC systems.

• ENERGY STAR-A joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

• FRESH AIR SYSTEM-An electronic system connected to the HVAC system that brings in filtered outside air on a timed basis.

• HVAC-Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC includes the furnace, air conditioning components, fan and ductwork installed in a home.

• IAQ-Indoor Air Quality. IAQ is the quality of the air breathed by occupants of an indoor or enclosed environment.

• IRC- International Residential Code. First published in 2000, the IRC is the Building Code for the State of Texas.

• JUMP DUCT- A flexible, short, u-shaped duct that connects a room to a common space as a pressure balancing mechanism.

• LOW E2- Low emissivity. Glass is coated with a metallic oxide layer that improves thermal performance. The primary function is to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.

• MANUAL J- The ASHRAE method for calculating residential home cooling loads and the sizing of the system.

• MERV-Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The ASHRAE standard for filter efficiency. Higher rating is better.

• RADIANT BARRIER- Low emissivity attic decking under shingled roofs that reduces summer heat gain, reduces cooling energy usage.

• R-410a- Environmentally-friendly refrigerant used in our HVAC systems.

• R-VALUE- Resistance - Value. The resistance a material has to heat flow. The higher the R-Value, the greater the resistance.

• SEER- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It measures the efficiency of the air conditioner once it is up and running. Higher number is better.

• SHGC- Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient. The solar radiation entering a home through the windows. The lower the number, the better the window is at blocking heat gain.

• U-VALUE- A measure of heat transmission due to the air temperature difference from inside to outside. The lower the U-value, the better.

I hope you find this useful!!! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!!