Jargon Busters

BTU
British Thermal Unit (BTU).  The amount of heat necessary to change the temperature of 1 pound of pure water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Kilocalorie
A unit of energy equal to 1,000 calories, 4,187 joules, or 3.969 Btu. 2.The amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water one degree Celsius.

Air conditioning
The process of controlling the temperature, humidity, cleanliness and distribution of the air.

Inverter
This varies the frequency of the power supply from a normal UK 50Hz enabling fine step speed control of motors (compressors) this in turn varies the quantity of refrigerant delivered and hence variable cooling or heating capacity.

EER
Energy efficiency ratio explains the efficiency of a heating or cooling device by dividing the heat output by the power input. Higher ratios mean better efficiency.

Energy Labelling
Energy labelling lets consumers compare and rate the efficiency of air conditioners and systems.  These labels are more commonly seen on domestic appliances.

Refrigerant
A substance used to provide cooling either as the working substance of a refrigerator or by direct absorption of heat.

Evaporative Coolers
Equipment which draws air through a moisture rich pad and then circulates cooled air into an open space lowering the temperature and making the environment more comfortable during hot periods.  Used in well ventilated areas.

Coefficient
A number expressing the amount of some change or effect under certain conditions.  In mathematics, a coefficient is a multiplicative factor of a certain object such as a variable.