EC Glossary 20110401 - Earth Craft · 2020-04-07 · Version 2011.04.01 - 3 - EarthCraft Glossary in a house. The size and complexity of the fan varies, but all blower doors have

Version 2011.04.01 - 1 - EarthCraft Glossary

Glossary

Abatement Reducing or removing any kind of pollution.

Agricultural Bi-products Products developed in agriculture but are not a primary product. This is often converted into building materials, such as straw used in wall panels or entire bales used as building blocks.

Agricultural Fibers Natural fibers, such as cotton, often used as insulation materials.

Air Barrier A material or structural element that inhibits air flow into and out of a building's envelope or shell.

Air leakage The ability of air to hold moisture in the form of vapor.

Air Quality Standards Amount of pollutants approved by predetermined guidelines that are not to be surpassed during a given time in a specific area.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of 55,000 persons. ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) A measure of a furnace's heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the product. The minimum efficiency allowed is 78%. Mid-efficiency units range between 80-82%, and high-efficiency units between 90-98%. Remember that gas furnaces use electricity to power blowers, vents and dampers. This electricity usage can be the primary difference between different brand furnaces with the same efficiency rating.

Argon Low-conductivity fill gas for windows. By substituting the air in a sealed insulated glass window for a denser, lower-conductivity gas such as argon, heat loss can be reduced significantly. Other gases that have been or are being used in windows include carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), krypton (Kr), and argon-krypton mixtures.

Attic Kneewall Any vertical or near-vertical wall in the building envelope that has conditioned space on one side and unconditioned attic space on the other side. If the building envelope is defined by the insulation installed along the roof deck, the vertical wall is considered an interior wall and thus does not require insulation.


Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) AAC is an inorganic material that contains no toxic substances or pollutants. It does not slowly decompose or off-gas. ACC is highly efficient thanks to its high R-value, thermal mass, and air-tightness. Since AAC is both a structural and insulation material, it allows the elimination of other materials that can contribute to poor indoor air quality and increase waste. ACC can be used for walls, floors and/or roof. AAC is also completely recyclable. However, ACC does have to be covered with design materials like plaster to prevent erosion by water.

Backdrafting Combustion gas spillage that occurs when a naturally vented appliance loses the chimney effect, which normally carries dangerous combustion by-products (carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide) up the chimney. Backdrafting can occur with furnaces, fireplaces, woodstoves, and water heaters when air pressure in the house is lower than outside air pressure. It is more likely to occur when the wind speed is too low to create suction by the Venturi effect at the top of the chimney. Forces working to depressurize a home such as bathroom exhaust fans, kitchen range hoods, and clothes dryers can cause backdrafting.

Backer Rod Polyethylene foam rope used as a backer for caulking.

Backerboard A special kind of tile substrate that can be used on floors, walls, and ceilings. One common type is fiber-reinforced cement board, such as Durock (made by USG) or Wonderboard (Custom Building Products). Another choice is Dens-Shield, a coated, glass-mat gypsum panel made by Georgia-Pacific.

Baffle A device, such as a cardboard plate, used to check, retard, or divert a flow of a material, wind or sound.

Band Joist Wooden joist perpendicular to the direction of the joists in a floor framing system, closing off the floor platform at the outside face of the building.

Biodegradable A material that is capable of decomposing naturally within a short amount of time.

Bitumen Any of various flammable mixtures of hydrocarbons and other substances, occurring naturally or obtained by distillation from coal or petroleum, that are a component of asphalt and tar and are used for surfacing roads and for waterproofing.

Blocking Pieces of wood built into a roof assembly used to stiffen the deck around an opening, support a curb, or for use as a nailer for attachment of membranes or flashing. Blocking may also be used to fill large voids between framing members for the purposes of air-sealing

Blower Door A large powerful variable-speed fan mounted in a doorway that blows air into (pressurizes) or sucks air out of (depressurizes) a house. It's used to test for air leakage


in a house. The size and complexity of the fan varies, but all blower doors have adjustable frames around the fan so that they can fit snugly into most doorways.

Blown-in Insulation Insulation that is inserted into walls or other areas by being "blown in". Commonly used in attic floors or other areas that are inaccessible for normal installation, it can also be pumped into wall cavities through small openings in the sheathing.

Bond Break Material A substance or a tape applied between two adjoining materials to prevent adhesion between them.

Boot A duct section that introduces ducted air into conditioned space, connecting the round duct with the square register.

Bottom Plate In wood stud framing construction, the bottom continuous horizontal member that supports the studs.

British Thermal Unit (BTU) The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water (about one pint) by one degree F.

Builder Option Packages (BOPs) BOPs represent a set of construction specifications for a specific climate zone that will enable a home's energy performance to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. Though constructing a home to BOP specifications negates the need for a full custom HERS rating, third-party verification that BOP requirements have been met is still necessary.

Building thermal envelope A boundary that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space.

Brownfields Idle facilities where expansion or redevelopment is made difficult by environmental contamination.

Building America Building America is a private/public partnership that develops energy solutions for new and existing homes. The Building America project combines the knowledge and resources of industry leaders with the U.S. Department of Energy's technical capabilities.

Building America Builders Challenge The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has posed a challenge to the homebuilding industry to build 220,000 high performance homes by 2012. The initiative is called the Builders Challenge, and homes that qualify must meet a 70 or better on the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale). The E-Scale is a scale that allows homebuyers to understand, at a glance, how the performance of a particular home compares to that of others.

Building Envelope The exterior walls, floor, and ceiling/roof assembly of a building that has continuous insulation and a continuous air barrier. The building envelope separates conditioned space from unconditioned space.


Bulk Moisture in a building that comes from rain, drainage, plumbing leaks.

Cantilever Any structural part of a building that projects beyond its support and overhang. Primarily applies to floors and roof trusses.

Capillarity Wicking through porous materials (concrete, fiberglass and cellulose insulation, wood.

Capillary Barrier A material or air space designed to stop capillary action from carrying water into a building.

Ceiling Joist One of a series of parallel framing members used to support ceiling loads and supported in turn by larger beams, girders or bearing walls. Can also be a roof joist.

Cellulose A fibrous part of plants used to manufacture paper/textiles.

Cellulose Insulation Insulation is made from recycled newspaper with borates to provide fire protection.

Certified Forest Product A product certified as sustainable/suitable for use in a green building. These products are from a managed forest that has passed guidelines for responsible harvesting and environmental conservation.

Chain-of-custody Certification A product that has met certain requirements throughout its life, beginning from its extraction and production all the way to its distribution and sale.

Chase A vertical cavity created by interior framing that connects two or more stories. A groove or indentation cut into masonry to accommodate electric or plumbing lines.

Chlorofluorocarbons Chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning, insulation, or as solvents and aerosol propellants. CFC's are not eliminated in the lower atmosphere, and therefore they float into the upper atmosphere where their components destroy the ozone layer.

Cladding Protective screen or covering on the outside of a building. e.g. Vinyl, brick and wood siding.

Clean Energy Energy created from renewable sources with low environmental impact.

Climate Zones: Regions that are defined by the Department of Energy and based on characteristics such as; heating degree days, inches of annual precipitation, and average monthly winter temperatures.


Closed Cell Insulation Closed cell insulation is an expanding spray-applied foam, which insulates by creating an air-seal. Closed cell foam uses a blowing agent to expand the cell walls and increase the initial R-value. Closed cell foam does not allow vapor transfusion and has an R value of ~6-7 per inch.

Coefficient of Performance (COP) An air conditioner or heat pump’s output in watt-hours of heat moved divided by watt-hours of electrical input.

Cold Climate Zone Greater than 4,600 HDD and less than 8,000 HDD.

Collar A compression ring around a small circular opening. Collars are used on HVAC systems to attach the flex duct to the plenum.

Commissioning The process of testing and adjusting building mechanical systems after building construction or as a retrofit measure.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) These lamps use much less energy than standard incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs.

Compressor A motorized vapor pump that compresses the gaseous refrigerant and sends it to the condenser where collected heat is released.

Compost An organic fertilizer made by a composting process wherein bacteria in the soil is mixed with degradable trash.

Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) A hollow concrete masonry unit made from Portland cement and suitable aggregates such as sand, gravely crushed stone, bituminous or anthracite cinders, burned clay or shale, pumice, volcanic scoria, air-cooled or expanded blast furnace slags with or without the inclusion of other materials.

Condensate Line A piece of tubing that moves excess water from the HVAC system or a dehumidifier to the exterior of the house.

Condenser Coil The device in an air conditioner or heat pump through which the refrigerant is circulated and releases heat to the surroundings when a fan blows outside air over the coils. This will return the hot vapor that entered the coil into a hot liquid upon exiting the coil.

Condensing Surface A surface which maintains a temperature that differs from the ambient temperature such that, when moisture laden air comes in contact with a cooler temperature surface, moisture in the air condenses on that surface.

Condensing Unit


The component of a central air conditioner that is designed to remove heat absorbed by the refrigerant. Heat absorbed by the refrigerant is then transferred outside the conditioned space.

Conditioned space Any area within the building envelope that is directly heated and cooled.

Conduction Occurs when heat moves through a solid.

Conduit A protective sleeve or pipe commonly used for individual electrical conductors.

Cooling Degree Days (CDD): Similar to HDD but for cooling season.

Cooling Load The maximum rate of heat removal required of an air conditioner when the outdoor temperature and humidity are at the highest expected level.

Convection Occurs when heat moves from a liquid.

Coping Protective capping or covering on the top of the wall.

Coping Wedge A coping with one edge thicker than the other, thus with its upper surface sloping one way only. Used in roof designs, to keep moisture from sitting on seams or other possible entry points.

Cradle-to-Cradle A procedure that advocates the recycling of waste materials into new products rather than permanently disposing of them.

Cradle-to-Grave A procedure advocating the disposal of waste materials by means of landfill, incineration, etc. rather than recycling.

Cripple Stud A short wood stud occurring over door or window headers or under windowsills.

Cupola Vault on the top of the building that is commonly spherical designed to allow daylighting into the building. Due to using vertical windows with overhangs, cupolas typically reduce the solar heat gain compared to using skylights for daylighting.

Curtain Wall Thin protective external wall in front of the main frame of a building, now usually made of glass and light metals.

Cycling losses


The loss of heat as the water circulates through a water heater tank, and/or inlet and outlet pipes.

Damper A flap to control or obstruct the flow of air or other gasses; specifically, a metal control flap in the throat of a fireplace, or in an air duct; controls that vary airflow through an air outlet, inlet, or duct; a damper position may be immovable, manually adjustable, or part of an automated control system.

Damp-proofing A process used on concrete, masonry or stone surfaces to repel water, the main purpose of which is to prevent the coated surface from absorbing rainwater while still permitting moisture vapor to escape from the structure. "Damp-proofing" generally applies to surfaces above grade; "waterproofing" generally applies to surfaces below grade.

Daylighting Using natural light in many different ways in a building. By using various design methods, this light decreases reliance on electricity by using windows and skylights.

Decking A material used to span across beams or joists to create a floor or roof surface. The wood material installed under roofing material to support the roofing.

Design for the Environment (DfE) An environmentally sensitive design model which reducing environmental damage through careful planning and material selection.

Design Temperature Reasonably expected minimum (or maximum) temperature for a particular area.

Winter design temperature - 99% of the time the outdoor temperature is above this value.

Summer design temperature - only 1% of the cooling season is hotter than this value.

Dew point The temperature at which water vapor condenses into water.

Diffusion When water moves at the molecular level through porous materials.

Domestic Hardwood Deciduous trees whose wood is the only in the U.S. and where the growth of new trees exceeds the removal rate.

Dust Spot Efficiency A measure of a filter's collection efficiency for fine particles.

Dormer A projection from the roofline including one or more windows, usually differing in pitch, of various sizes, predominantly used to introduce light into half-story areas and attics.

Downspout


Vertical pipe usually made from sheet metal or plastic, which carries water from the roof gutters to the ground or a storm drain.

Draft Diverter A device located in gas appliance chimneys that moderates draft and diverts down drafts that could extinguish the pilot light or interfere with combustion.

Draft Inducer A fan that depressurizes the venting system and exhausts combustion air.

Drainage Board Commonly refers to a sub grade drainage plane applied to the exterior of foundation walls.

Drainage Plane Drainage planes are water repellent materials (building paper, house-wrap, foam insulation, etc.), which are typically located behind the cladding and are designed and constructed to drain water that passes through the cladding. They are interconnected with flashings, window and door openings, and other penetrations of the building enclosure to provide drainage of water to the exterior of the building. The materials that form the drainage plane overlap each other shingle fashion or are sealed so that water drains down and out of the assembly. The drainage plane is also referred to as the "weather resistant barrier" or WRB.

Dried In Commonly refers to the point in construction when the house is able to stay dry in the rain due to the roof decking, felt or tar paper, wall sheathing and house-wrap being installed.

Dry-bulb temperature The temperature of air that is determined by using a conventional thermometer.

Drywall Gypsum interior wallboard used to produce a smooth and level interior wall surface and to resist fire. Also called sheetrock.

Duct A pipe, tube, or channel used to distribute air throughout a house.

Duct Board A reinforced fiberglass board with a foil air-barrier, used to create ductwork. Primarily for fabricating trunk assemblies and plenum boxes.

Duct Boot A piece of sheet metal connecting a heating or cooling duct and a vent.

Duct Trunk The main line of a duct system that extends from the plenum with branch take-offs that distribute air to each room.

Earth Sheltered Design


A home designed to be built partially or completely below ground, either by digging into existing ground or by covering over parts of the house. This design utilizes the constant temperature of the soil to improve energy efficiency and reduces environmental impact.

Earth's Thermal Energy A little below the surface, the earth keeps a constant temperature close to the human comfort level, and this type of heating can be used efficiently for geothermal heating systems.

Eave Lower section of the roof forming an overhang and comprised of a fascia, soffit and soffit molding. The word eave comes from the Old English word "off", meaning over.

Efficacy The lamp output per unit of energy input to the lamp. Therefore, it is the ratio of lamp output to wattage consumption, expressed in lumens per watt (LPW).

Efficiency The absolute percentage of light produced within a fixture that is not absorbed within the fixture, but actually leaves the fixture.

Embodied Energy The energy that is necessary to make a product. It is also the molecular energy already existing in a product's content.

Emission The release of any gas or vapor into the environment from a particular source, including smokestacks, chimneys, and motor vehicles.

Emissivity The ability of a material to emit radiant energy from its surface.

Energy Corner Also called a California Corner. An energy corner is an advanced framing technique, which reduces the amount of lumber used in a framed corner. This technique also allows the corner stud cavity to be fully insulated and reduces thermal bridging.

Energy Efficiency Products or systems designed to use less energy for the same or higher performance. It can also save money on utilities by being less reliable on fossil fuels and depending more on renewable resources.

Energy Factor Indicates a water heater's overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hot water produced per unit of fuel consumed over a typical day. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the water heater. However, higher energy factor values don't always mean lower annual operating costs, especially when you compare fuel sources.

Energy Guide Label Label required by the FTC on appliances that show (1) an estimated annual cost of operation and (2) how that unit's efficiency compares to all other comparable models.

Energy Modeling


A computer model used to analyze a building's energy systems in order to project its possible consumption rate.

Energy Recovery A process of attaining energy from waste.

Energy Recovery Ventilator A device that draws stale air away from a building and transfers the heat or coolness of that air to the outside air being pulled into the house, which also decreases energy costs along with reducing indoor pollutants.

Environmental Aspect The way a manufacturer's activities or products can relate positively or negatively with the environment.

Environmental Audit An assessment of a company's (or person's) compliance with environmental requirements.

Environmental Impact: Any positive or negative change to the environment resulting from manufacturing processes.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) A U.S. governmental organization designed to set and enforce environmental regulations.

Fluorocarbon A non-flammable liquid or gas used as propellants; often used in spray cans, they are classified as ozone-depleting substances.

Evaporative Cooler A device for cooling homes in a dry climate that cools the incoming air by humidifying it.

Evaporator Coil The heat transfer coil of an air conditioner or heat pump that cools the surrounding air as the refrigerant inside the coil evaporates and absorbs heat.

Exfiltration Air leaking out of a building.

Expanded-extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation (XEPS) A type of closed cell foam insulation with a density of 1.5 pound per cubic foot and an average R-value of 5 per inch. XEPS has a higher compressive strength than MEPS, making it better suited for use on roofs or in wall panels. XEPS also has excellent resistance to moisture absorption. Often used as the insulation for Structural Insulating Panels (SIPs) and as Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs).

Expansion Valve A valve that meters refrigerant into the evaporator of an air conditioner or heat pump.

Exterior Wall The wall area above ground level that is a direct barrier between conditioned space and ambient outside air.


Extruded Polystyrene A type of insulation much like the expanded version, but much more structurally sound.

Felt Sheets, consisting of a mat of organic or inorganic fibers, unsaturated, saturated, or coated with coal tar pitch or asphalt.

Fenestration Window or door openings in a building shell.

Fiberglass Insulation A type of insulation, composed of small diameter pink, yellow, or white glass fibers, formed into blankets or batts, or used in loose-fill and blown-in applications.

First Hour Delivery Rating based on the combination of the usable stored volume of hot water in a tank plus the recovery capacity for the first hour of operations.

Flashing Waterproof material used to prevent leakage at intersections between the roof surface at walls or penetrations.

Flex Duct Flexible ductwork manufactured in various diameters, made from spiral wire covered in plastic and commonly insulated, for use in the transfer of air in heating, cooling and ventilating systems. Usually installed in a single, continuous piece between the register and plenum box or trunk line, a flexible duct usually has an inner lining and an insulated coating on the outside.

Floating Slab Technique Concrete floor that is unconnected to the foundation wall.

Floor Joist A support beam, commonly installed in parallel with other beams to create a structural floor system, after which floor sheathing is fastened. The framing members that support the floor.

Flue A channel within an appliance or chimney for combustion gases to exit the building. See backdrafting.

Fluffing The practice of installing blow-in, loose-fill insulation at a lower density than is recommended to meet a specified R-Value. (More air than insulation)

Fly Ash An ash residue created from combustion processes. Some electrical plants create a non-toxic fly ash that can be a substitute for Portland Cement.

Foil Tape A UL listed duct tape made of a thin aluminum foil with an adhesive backing. Foil tape is not as durable as mastic and may not be an approved method of sealing duct work in all green building programs.


Footing A masonry section, usually concrete, in a rectangular form wider than the bottom of the foundation wall or pier it supports. The part of a foundation system that actually transfers the weight of the building to the ground.

Formaldehyde Colorless, pungent, toxic (the cause of many cancers or respiratory ailments) material used to as a component in glues for wood products.

Fossil Fuel Fuel (such as coal, oil and natural gas) produced by the decomposition of fossilized plants and animals.

French Drain A trench filled with gravel, often with a perforated pipe on the bottom, to carry off intercepted subterranean drainage.

Fuel Cell A device used to convert energy into electrical power that is cleaner than most power sources.

Full Spectrum Lights Lights that imitate the natural light spectrum and are therefore considered healthier.

Furnace A unit which draws in cool air from an occupied space and passes the air through a heating chamber, combustion or electric, and then is returned to the occupied space; a heat system using air as the distribution.

Furring Thin wood, or metal applied to a wall to level the surface for lathing, boarding, or plastering, to create an insulating air space, and to damp proof the wall.

Insulating material attached around doors and windows to prevent air from escaping or entering a structure. The strip may be made of either artificial or animal fibers and is either tacked, stapled or glued to the surface. Furrow A deep narrow groove made in the dirt.

Gable The triangular section of an end wall formed by the pitch of the roof.

Gasket Elastic strip that seals a joint between two materials.

Generator A power plant producing electricity for a large number of people.

Geothermal Heat A technology that utilizes the warmth from subsurface water to heat buildings, and it also extracts this heat to put back into the ground for cooling.

Global Warming A significant variation from one climatic condition to another due to human activities.


Green Building A building constructed to incorporate design techniques and materials, which then minimize its environmental impacts.

Green Electricity Provider A utility that generates or invests in electricity from renewable sources and sells it for a small premium over standard electricity costs.

Green Power See Renewable Energy

Greenhouse Effect The warming of the Earth's atmosphere due to a buildup of gases in the air.

Greenhouse Gas Any gas contributing to the greenhouse effect (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) by staying in the atmosphere and intensifying the sun's heat as it radiates to the earth.

Greywater Wastewater that doesn't contain contaminates and can then be reused for irrigation after filtration.

Ground Coupled Water Source Heat Pump (Geothermal) Heat pump that uses the ground or large body of water to transfer heat to and from the refrigerant in the unit. The unit circulates water through a heat exchanger into a closed loop buried in the ground or by pumping water from a well through the unit. Ground or water temperatures are more constant and are warmer in winter and cooler in summer than air temperatures. Geothermal heat pumps operate more efficiently than "conventional" or "air source" heat pumps.

Gutter A channel to collect rainwater and snow melt at the eaves of a roof; a shallow channel constructed of steel, copper, aluminum, or plastic compounded with other materials to increase strength and wearing or rust resistance, positioned just below and along the eaves of a building for collecting and diverting water from a roof.

Gypsum A hydrated sulfate of calcium occurring naturally in sedimentary rock. In roofing, a type of lightweight deck made from this pulverized rock. Used in concrete, wallboard, sheets, building blocks, formboard, coreboard, backing, and plaster.

Halocarbons Manmade chemicals that, when released into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases, can disrupt global climate patterns. Their most common use is in refrigeration and air conditioning technologies.

Hardwoods Generally one of the botanical groups of trees that have broad leaves in contrast to the conifers or softwoods. The term has no reference to the actual hardness of the wood.

Harvested Rainwater Rain channeled by gutters to a storage unit and can then be reused for different things.


Header A joist that supports other joists; a short joist into which the common joists are framed around or over an opening.

Heat flow The tendency of air to move from hot to cold.

Heating Degree Days (HDD) How much and how long the temperature is below 65°F during each day, season, or year. It indicates the severity of winter and is used to determine the demand for energy needed to heat a building.

Heat Pump A combination heating and cooling device. In the winter it extracts heat from air as cold as 20 degrees, and in the summer it works in reverse to become an air conditioner.

Heat Recovery Systems Mechanical devices used to capture waste heat from another system to replace the heat that would otherwise come from a primary energy source.

Heating Degree Day (HDD) Each degree that the average daily temperature is below the base temperature (usually 65ºF) constitutes one heating degree-day. The USA is divided into 5 climate zones based on HDD, which is used when comparing energy consumption and insulation needs of buildings.

Heating Load The maximum heating rate needed by a building during the very coldest weather.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) A measure of an electric heat pump's heating efficiency. This wintertime counterpart of the SEER rating varies from a minimum of 6.8 to 7.5 for mid-efficiency equipment to over 8.0 for high efficiency. Typically, as the SEER rating increases, so does the HSPF. For the longer heating season of colder climate, this number is more important than the SEER.

High-performance Building Similar to a green building, these structures specifically aim to be energy efficient, safe, and healthy.

High-quality Duct System An alternative system in which all the ducts are sealed with fibrated latex material and fiberglass tape, and then run outside to avoid significant heating and cooling losses and potential health threats caused by de/pressurizing a house.

Hot dry/mixed dry Climate Zone Less than 4,600 HDD and less than 20” of rain per year.

Hot humid Climate Zone Less than 4,600 HDD and more than 20” of rain per year; average monthly winter temperature stays above 45°F.

House Wrap


Polyethylene barrier wrapped around a house to save energy.

Hydropower (hydroelectricity) Clean energy technology that uses moving water to produce electricity. Water flows through a hydraulic turbine, which spins and then rotates generators and converts rotational energy into electricity.

IC-Rated Rated for insulation contact. Often used for can lights that may be in contact with insulation.

Indigenous Materials Building with materials that are produced in an area near to where the construction is taking place. This reduces building costs and helps to boost local economies.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) The amount of indoor pollution sources (paint, carpet, wood treatments, mold, etc) which can release different harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide) and can cause health hazards if the air isn't properly ventilated.

Infiltration The exchange between conditioned room air and outdoor air through cracks and openings in the building enclosure. Air leaking into a building.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Alternative construction products that can provide dramatic improvements in energy efficiency. Instead of a traditional wood frame, polystyrene blocks or panels are used as forms. Steel reinforcement is then placed both horizontally and vertically in the forms and concrete is poured inside. ICFs improve a home’s energy efficiency, are resistant to rot, provide soundproofing, and are typically treated to withstand fire.

Integrated Pest Management A cost-effective way to prevent pests by using less invasive techniques to both animal and occupant alike.

Lead A toxic pollutant, typically found in older homes, that is a component of lead-based paint.

Intermediate Zone A zone located between the building’s conditioned spaces and outdoors, like a crawl space or attic.

Inverter A device that that converts direct current electricity (from for example a solar photovoltaic module or array) to alternating current for use directly to operate appliances or to supply power to an electricity grid.

Jack A mechanical device for lifting heavy objects.

Jack Stud A partial stud nailed next to full studs to support the header at door (and some window) openings.


Jamb The side or top piece of a window or doorframe.

Joint Compound “Mud” A wet gypsum material applied to sheetrock joints.

Joist A, usually horizontal, structural member used as a floor, ceiling or roof framing member.

Junction Box A metal or hard plastic electrical rough-in box, usually square or octagonal, housing only wire or cable connections.

King Stud The last full-length wall stud adjacent to a trimmer stud at a door or window opening.

Latent Heat The change in heat content that occurs with a change in phase and without change in temperature. Refers to the moisture load in a home.

Life Cycle Assessment Analyzing a product's entire life from raw materials through manufacture, use, and disposal.

Low Biocide Paint that does not contain toxic additives, such as fungicide or pesticide.

Low-E Coating Microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on a window or skylight glazing surface primarily to reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow.

Low-E Windows Low emissivity windows that reflect heat, not light, thereby keeping spaces warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Low-flow toilet A toilet that uses less water than a traditional unit, therefore lowering costs by using water more efficiently.

Low-pressure Drop Air Filters High efficiency air filters with an extended surface, which allows for more filtration without an increase in horsepower.

Manual D Manual D is the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America) method for designing duct systems. Contractors often find it a laborious process and most duct systems are just installed, not designed. The amount of time necessary to design a duct system is certainly warranted in tract construction where the design is used repeatedly and for custom homes where the total cost of the home warrants a proper design. In short, designing a duct system is essential for proper equipment performance and customer comfort.


Manual J load calculation Manual J load calculation is a widely accepted method of calculating the sensible and latent cooling (and heating) loads under design conditions. It was jointly developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI).

Mastic A thick creamy paste used to permanently seal ducts, seams, and cracks in building materials. Comes in tubs and tubes and typically costs $10 per gallon. Look for mastic that is fiber reinforced. Use instead of duct tape. Duct tape’s adhesive dries out and therefore does not create a permanent seal.

Mixed humid Climate Zone Less than 4,600 HDD and more than 20” of rain per year; average monthly winter temperature drops below 45°F.

Model Energy Code (MEC) The Model Energy Code (MEC), published and maintained by the International Code Council (ICC) as the “International Energy Conservation Code” (IECC) as of 1998, contains energy efficiency criteria for new residential and commercial buildings and additions to existing buildings. It covers the building’s ceilings, walls, and floors/foundations; and the mechanical, lighting, and power systems.

Moisture flow The tendency of moisture to move from wet to dry.

Molded Expanded Polystyrene (MEPS) Also known as beadboard. A closed cell material used in foam insulation. Has an average R-value of 4 per inch of thickness and a density of one pound per cubic foot when used as foam board. Spaces between the foam beads can absorb water; therefore a vapor diffusion retarder is necessary if water transmission through the insulation might present a problem for the user. Often used as the insulation for Structural Insulating Panels (SIPs) and as Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs).

Monolithic Slab Slab that is part of the footings. Used to describe something without seams; formed from a single material.

National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) A non-profit organization that administers the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment products. www.nfrc.org

Natural Infiltration Rate The rate of air leaking into or out of a home at a natural state.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) a federal agency that conducts research in order to prevent work-related injury and illness.

On Center Framing (OC Framing) Method of indicating spacing of framing members by stating the distance from center of one to center of the next.


Open web joist A metal joist where the edges are reinforced by a lightweight structural steel in a zigzag pattern, creating a strong yet lightweight framing member.

Open-combustion Heater A heater that takes its combustion air from the surrounding room. Add risks of negative pressure. Should be accompanied by an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS).

Oriented strand board (OSB) Structural panels engineered from strategically layered long wood strands that can be used for:

Wall sheathing - excellent strength and racking performance under all types of exterior cladding.

Roof sheathing - uniformly sound and extra rigid to handle snow and wind loads.

Subfloors - strong, rigid and impact-resistant for underlayment, carpet or tiles.

Single-layer floors - Use OSB directly under carpet, lightweight concrete or hardwood.

Underlayment - uniformly thin yet strong and finely sanded, OSB provides a smooth and uniform base for vinyl or tile.

Structural insulated panels - OSB foam-core panels offer high strength, R-value, and easy installation.

I-joists - a high quality support system that minimizes deflection, provides for long spans and minimizes floor squeaking.

Rimboards - an engineered product to carry building wind and seismic loads to the foundation.

Outgas Emission of fumes into the air; these emissions are often caused by building materials that contain certain chemicals.

Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) A safety device for unvented combustion heaters that shut gas off when oxygen is depleted.

Packaged Unit An air conditioner that contains the compressor, evaporator, and condenser in a single unit.

Pan Flashing A sheet metal flashing that covers an equipment platform and is designed to counter flash the base flashings surrounding the platform.

Partition Wall Wall that subdivides space but does not provide structural support.

Pascal A unit of pressure or stress equal to one Newton per square meter.

Passive Design


Building design that uses natural processes such as radiation, convection, absorption, and conduction as support.

Passive Cooling/Heating A building structure designed to increase ventilation and retention of heating/cooling within its building components.

Pervious Paving Material that allows water to penetrate to the soil below, thereby decreasing the amount of water needed by the water system.

Passive Solar Design Using design methods to capitalize on heat and light from the sun, thereby reducing the need for electric systems.

Percent Grade To evaluate the proposed slope of a driveway, road, etc. a calculation is done by dividing the rise and fall of the grade by the distance over which the rise and fall is measured. This decimal figure is then multiplied by 100 to obtain the percent grade.

Perm A measurement of how much water vapor a material will let pass through it per unit of time (vapor permeance).

Pile A column-like member supporting the structure from the ground.

Pitch Slope of a roof. Pitch is the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run.

Plenum The piece of ductwork that connects the air handler to the main supply duct.

Polyethylene Plastic polymer used for vapor barriers, air barriers and foam backer rod.

Polyisocyanruate (PIR) Plastic foam insulation sold in sheets, similar in composition to polyurethane. See polyurethane.

Polystyrene Rigid plastic foam insulation, usually white or blue in color.

Polyurethane (PUR) Closed-cell foams that contain a low-conductivity gas in the cells, usually yellow in color. The high thermal resistance of the gas gives these foams an R-value of between R-6 and R-7 per inch. Available as a liquid spray, poured foam and also as rigid board. Can also be made into laminated panels with a variety of facings. Over time, the R-value of the foam drops as some of the gas escapes and air replaces it. When manufactured, the initial R-value is roughly R-9 per inch. Experimental data on this type of foam indicates that most thermal drift occurs within the first two years after manufacture and slowly decreases until it stabilizes at about R-7 per inch. It then remains unchanged unless the foam is damaged.


Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content Materials that have been recovered after use.

Poured Wall Concrete wall that is poured into forms and set-up in the place where it will remain.

Pressure boundary Responsible for slowing the flow of air through a building. Also known as an air barrier.

Psychometrics The science of the relationship between air, water vapor, and heat. The measurement of water vapor and heat in an air sample.

Purlins Framing members that sit on top of rafters, perpendicular to them, designed to spread support to roofing materials.

Radiant Barrier A thin, reflective foil sheet that exhibits low radiant energy transmission and under certain conditions can block radiant heat transfer; installed in attics to reduce heat flow through a roof assembly into the living space.

Radiation Heat moving from a hot surface to a cool surface with nothing in between.

Radon A radioactive gas that occurs naturally, but when trapped in buildings can cause health problems such as lung cancer.

Rafter A beam that follows the roof’s slope and supports the roof.

Recovery Efficiency A water heater’s efficiency at actually heating incoming water.

Recyclable Content Materials that have potential to be recovered from recycling.

Recycled Content Percentage of recycled materials in a product.

Refrigerant A special fluid used in air conditioners and heat pumps that heats air when it condenses and cools air when it evaporates.

Refrigerant Lines Two copper lines that connect the Condenser (outdoor) Coil to the Evaporator (indoor) Coil.

Register A grille covering a duct outlet.

Relative Humidity


The percent of moisture absorbed in the air compared to the maximum amount possible. Air that is saturated has 100% relative humidity. The ratio of current absolute humidity to highest possible humidity.

Renewable Energy Energy resulting from natural sources; they can then replenish themselves over short periods of time (sun, wind, moving water, organic plant, biomass, geothermal heat).

Retrofit An energy conservation measure that is applied to an existing building. Also means the action of improving the thermal performance or maintenance of a building.

Return Duct The central heating or cooling system contains a fan that gets its air supply through these ducts, which ideally should be installed in every room of the house. The air from a room will move towards the lower pressure of the return duct.

Ridge The horizontal line of a rooftop.

Rigid Insulation Used to Control Condensing Surface Temperatures when installed above roof deck

Rim Joist The outermost joist around the perimeter of the floor framing.

Roof Truss A triangular structure used to support a roof. Multiple trusses are used to assemble the framework for a roof.

Roofing Underlay A building paper that covers roof frame prior to the cladding being fixed. Reduces air movement and helps avoid the risk of water ingress.

Rough Opening The framed opening in a wall where a window or door unit will be installed. Openings are built slightly larger than the window's frame to allow room for installation.

Rough-In Installation of the drain, waste, vent, and supply lines in a structure to the proposed location of each fixture.

R-Value A measurement of thermal resistance.

Scissor Truss The scissor truss is used to create a vaulted ceiling along the entire span. The slope of the bottom chord is usually equal to 1/2 of the slope of the top chord. Large scissor trusses are often shipped in two pieces and field spliced. For diagrams of other truss shapes visit http://www.cwc.ca/products/trusses/shapes.php.

Scupper


An opening for draining off water, as from a floor or the roof of a building. An outlet in the wall of a building or a parapet wall for drainage of water from a flat roof

Sealed-Combustion Heater A heater that draws combustion air from outdoors and has a sealed exhaust system.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) Applies to air conditioners or heat pumps. Measurement of how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools air.

Semi-conditioned space Any area inside the building envelope that is not directly heated and cooled (e.g. basement with insulation on the walls but no HVAC supply registers).

Sensible Cooling Load The heat gain of the home due to conduction, solar radiation, infiltration, appliances, people, and pets. Burning a light bulb, for example, adds only sensible load to the house. This sensible load raises the dry-bulb temperature.

Sensible Heat The heat absorbed by a substance, which raises its temperature. Heat, that when added or removed, causes a change in temperature but not in state. Heat that result in a temperature change.

Sensible Heat Ratio (SHR) Percentage of sensible heat load to total heat load. Percentage of total heat load minus latent heat load.

Sensible Infiltration Air leakage that increases the temperature (degrees F or C) of a space.

Septic Tank A sewage-settling tank in which part of the sewage is converted into gas and sludge before the remaining waste is discharged by gravity into a leaching bed underground.

Sequencer A bimetal switch that turns on the elements of an electric furnace in sequence.

Severe Cold Climate Zone 8,000 HDD or greater.

Sheathing Sheets of material (plywood) that are applied across floors, rafters or studs. (2) Outer covering of electrical cable.

Sheathing Paper Moisture resistant paper, which is applied under a final covering of roofs or walls, to serve as a barrier against the weather.

Sheetrock Brand name for drywall.

Sink


Gases and vapors absorbed onto surfaces such as carpet, drywall, etc, and can later be re-emitted.

Site Preservation Minimizing the disruption of a building on its surrounding environment (reusing existing structures on a site, rather than building upon unused land; or avoiding building on top of environmentally fragile land that could interfere with natural ecosystems).

Slab Large horizontal pour of concrete, which serves as a foundation of a building.

Smart House Electronic controls and sensors that regulate heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and appliance operation for energy conservation purposes.

Soffit The underside of the roof overhang or porch ceiling that covers the rafter bottoms. This horizontal surface usually has vents to allow air into the attic.

Soil amendment Any material, such as lime,gypsum, sawdust, or synthetic conditioner, that is worked into the soil to make it more amenable to plant growth.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) Primarily used in southern climates; measures the amount of solar radiation transferred through the windows to the interior of a home. The lower a window's solar heat gain coefficient, the less solar heat is transmitted.

Solar orientation Buildings can maximize the benefits of solar orientation by reducing glazing on the eastern and western façades while concentrating glazing on the southern façade and, in air conditioning climates also the northern façade.

Solar Water Heater Heat from the sun that is absorbed and then transferred by pumps to a storage unit, which is then transported to the hot water of a home through a heat exchanger.

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) These convert sunlight directly into electricity by using materials made from semiconductor materials. This material does not create any pollution, noise, or other environmental impact.

Sone Sound rating. Often used with fan ratings. An extremely quiet fan is <1.0 sone.

Spec House Dwelling constructed prior to being sold. The builder "speculates" that a buyer will be found, thus the term "spec" house.

Split System Refrigeration or air conditioning installation, which places condensing unit outside or away from evaporator. These units are connected together by a supply and return refrigerant lines. Also applicable to heat pump installations. A combination heat pump or


air conditioner with indoor components such as a furnace or blower coil. To maximize effectiveness, Split Systems should be matched.

Stack Effect The draft established in a building from air infiltrating low and exfiltrating high. The movement of air into and out of buildings. It is driven by buoyancy.

Standby losses The percentage of heat loss per hour from the stored water compared to the heat content of the water (water heaters with storage tanks).

Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) Panels made using expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyisocyanurate rigid foam insulation sandwiched between two structural skins of oriented strand board (OSB), but other surfaces are also available. It can be used in walls, ceilings, floors and roofs. They provide energy efficiency and use less materials and labor.

Stud A vertical framing member used to build a wall.

Subfloor The sheathing over the floor joists and under the flooring.

Sump Pump An electric pump that removes water which collects in a sump pit in the basement.

Sunspace Room in a building, usually with glass walls and roof, designed to collect solar heat.

Tail Beam A joist with one end resting on a wall and the other on a header.

Tail Joists Relatively shorter joists that join against a header or trimmer in floor framing.

Take-offs House measurements for use in a software program.

Tankless Water Heater A water heater that heats water before it is directly distributed for end use as required; a demand water heater.

Tarpaulin A water resistant covering.

Technical Nutrient A material designed to return into the technical cycle.

Therm Measurement unit of heat equal to 100,000 BTU.

Thermal Break A piece of relatively low conducting material between two high conducting materials.


Thermal Bridge A conductive element, such as a metal channel, that bypasses a less conductive element, such as insulation.

Thermal Buffer A gap between a space and its exterior used to reduce the heating/cooling load.

Thermal By-pass An opening between spaces that air can move through, thereby violating air tightness.

Thermal Drift Occurs overtime when the R-value of foam insulation drops as some of the low-conductivity gas escapes and is replaced with air.

Thermal Envelope The shell of a structure that creates a barrier from the elements.

Thermal Flywheel A space that collects heat then releases it in a continuous pattern.

Thermal Mass The ability of a material to retain heat. Denser materials have greater masses, so they retain more heat. A material used to store heat, thereby slowing the temperature variation within a space. Typical thermal mass materials include concrete, brick, masonry, tile and mortar, water, and rock or other materials with high heat capacity.

Thermal resistance A measure of how easily heat energy flows through a material. It is provided by insulation and referred to as a material's R-value.

Thermal Shock/Stress The damage to a roof resulting from expansion and contraction that are the result of sudden extreme temperature changes. Thermal Shock often occurs when a cold rain shower suddenly cools a roof during a hot day.

Thickened-End Slab A concrete slab that is thicker at the perimeter to support the walls of the structure.

Tie A wood member that binds a pair of principal rafters at the bottom.

Tight Construction The elimination of gaps and holes in a building's exterior through proper air sealing and ventilation. It reduces waste and makes a home more energy efficient.

Ton of Cooling A cooling unit of measure. Each ton equals the cooling effect of 12,000 BTUh. Air conditioners are generally sized in tons.

Tongue and Groove Lumber machined to have a groove on one side and a protruding tongue on the other side so that pieces fit snugly together, with the tongue of one fitting into the groove of the other.


Top Plate The top horizontal member in a framed wall, installed over the vertical studs.

Toxic Any material or waste product, which can cause injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.

Transformer An electrical component used to reduce voltage to a level safe for various devices. Transformers are used to reduce voltage from high-tension lines for use in residential and commercial structures. Smaller transformers are used to reduce voltage from the wall socket to a household electrical device such as a computer.

Trestle A metal or wood framework, usually built to support a bridge.

Trey Ceiling Similar to vaulted ceiling, mainly found in master bedrooms.

Trough 1. A drainage ditch. 2. A framing member installed above and perpendicular to the ceiling joists.

Truss Rigid, prefabricated framework of girders, struts, bars and other items and is used to support a roof or other load bearing elements, such as bridges, etc.

Turtleback Type of vent used in a vented attic assembly along the roof that looks similar to a turtle’s back.

Type-X Gypsum Wallboard Fire-resistant wallboard manufactured by adding fiberglass. Used between garages and living areas and other areas where additional fire protection is desired or required by code.

U-factor A measurement of heat loss through a window. The lower the U-value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating value. Is the inverse of the insulating factor, the R-value.

U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) A national organization whose mission is to accelerate the adoption of green building practices, technologies, and standards.

Unconditioned space Any area outside of the building envelope, but still attached to the house. Examples of unconditioned spaces include vented attics, vented crawlspaces, garages, and basements with ceiling insulation and no HVAC supply registers.

Urban Heat Islands Dark-colored surfaces absorb heat from the sun more than light-colored surfaces. In urban areas, a combination of dark surfaces and a lack of shade intensify this effect. One


solution is the use of lighter-colored materials in building construction. The use of well-placed vegetation to increase shade or green roof systems can also minimize these effects and increase energy efficiency.

Vapor Barrier A material with a perm rating of less than 0.01. It prevents moisture from diffusing through the material.

Vent Baffle Tube installed between the insulation and roof decking in an attic to maintain a channel for ventilation.

Vent Chutes Attic vent chutes maintain an air channel for ventilating cathedral ceilings, eaves and other tight spots. The most common chutes are made from fragile foam plastic. ProVent makes a vent chute from recycled PET plastic that is more durable than regular foam plastic and has molded ribs for added rigidity.

Visible Transmittance (VT) An optical property that indicates the amount of visible light transmitted. The higher the VT, the more light is transmitted. A high VT is desirable to maximize daylight and view.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Materials that evaporate from organic products and can cause acute and chronic illnesses.

Waste-to-Energy Incinerating waste products in order to generate steam, heat, or electricity.

Water Efficiency Products, such as low-flow water fixtures, which use less water than traditional products, while still sustaining the same performance

Weep Holes Holes drilled for the purpose of allowing water to drain out of an area in a building where it has collected.

Whole-building Design The integration of a building's systems to maximize environmental and financial functioning by considering energy systems, building materials, design methods, site preservation, and indoor air quality so that a structure can run at its maximum efficiency.

Whole House Fan Fan installed in attic to cool the whole house to the outside temperature. Requires adequate number of windows to be open to prevent negative pressure and backdrafting of combustion appliances. Does not remove humidity and allows pollutants into home.

Wind Turbine A mechanical system that "captures" wind to generate electrical power. Surplus electricity is then stored in a battery storage system for future use, or power is restored back into the utility, thereby lowering usage rates.

Wind-Washing


The phenomenon of air movement that occurs due to wind entering building enclosures typically at the outside corners and roof eaves of buildings. Wind-washing can have significant impact on thermal and moisture movement and hence thermal and moisture performance of exterior wall assemblies.

Xeriscape A landscaping design that accounts for water and energy efficiency yet requires less maintenance by exemplifying good planning, efficient irrigation processes, soil improvement, easily foliage conservation, and good maintenance.

Zero Energy House Any house that averages out to net zero energy consumption. A zero energy home can supply more than its needs during peak demand, typically using one or more solar energy strategies, energy storage and/or net metering. In a zero energy home, efficiencies in the building enclosure and HVAC are great enough that plug loads tend to dominate and so these homes must have the added focus of high efficiency appliances and lighting.

Sources:

Multiple sources, including: ENERGY STAR-http://www.energystar.gov Service Magic Corp.- http://www.servicemagic.com/article.show.Green-Building-

Glossary.13478.html Southface Energy Institute- http://www.southface.org

EC Glossary 20110401 - Earth Craft · 2020-04-07 · Version 2011.04.01 - 3 - EarthCraft Glossary in a house. The size and complexity of the fan varies, but all blower doors have

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