Welcome to the Rural Energy "A" Glossary Terms!

A type of heat pump that utilizes an absorption cycle to transfer heat from one area to another, often used in industrial or commercial applications.

A component in heat pump systems that stores refrigerant during the defrost cycle, preventing liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor.

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. Like the miles-per-gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs.

A valve used in hydronic heating systems to release trapped air, ensuring proper circulation and preventing airlocks.

A component of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that circulates heated air throughout a building

A central component of HVAC systems that conditions and circulates air, often equipped with heating coils for heating purposes.

A valve used in hydronic heating systems to remove air bubbles and maintain system efficiency and performance.

A heat pump that extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it inside for heating purposes.

this term can refer to 2 different things - primarily referring to the vents on the stove that allow air into the firebox for combustion. On most stoves there will be at least a Primary vent and Secondary vent

The volume of air passing through a heating system per unit of time, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) or liters per second (L/s).

A device used in heating systems to measure the velocity or volume of airflow, providing feedback for system control and optimization.

The ratio of air to fuel in a combustion process, which affects the efficiency and completeness of combustion. Proper air-fuel ratio control is essential for optimizing fuel consumption and reducing emissions in heating systems.

Alternative energy is like using nature's power for electricity instead of burning coal or oil. Imagine using the sun, wind, or water to make lights work and cars run, instead of using stuff that can run out and harm the earth. It's like choosing a never-ending, cleaner energy from nature

The temperature of the surrounding environment or air

A device used in heating systems to regulate airflow, typically installed in ductwork to control the volume and direction of air.

A substance added to heating systems to prevent water from freezing in cold temperatures, ensuring smooth operation.

A stove pipe appliance adapter is a component used to connect a stove pipe to a heating appliance, such as a wood stove or pellet stove. It facilitates a secure and proper connection between the stove pipe and the appliance, ensuring efficient venting of combustion byproducts.

A control device that regulates the temperature of water in a hydronic heating system, maintaining it within a specified range.

A device used in boilers and other heating systems to monitor and control the temperature of water or other heat-carrying fluids. An aquastat helps to maintain desired temperatures and prevent overheating or excessive energy consumption.

Used to ‘reserve’ money in your account without taking it out. Rural Energy Enterprises uses authorization holds to signal your bank or credit card to hold the amount of the charge, but your money isn’t released to us until your order has been shipped out to you.

A device that automatically adjusts the airflow in heating systems to maintain proper balance and efficiency.

A feature in heating systems that automatically restores normal operation after a safety shutdown or fault condition is resolved.

A safety feature that automatically turns off a heating device or system under certain conditions, such as overheating or loss of fuel supply.

A type of transformer used in heating systems to adjust voltage levels, typically employed in electric furnaces or heat pumps.

Additional heating source used when the primary heating system is unable to meet the desired temperature setting, often found in heat pump systems.