Glossary

BTU - The British thermal unit of heat (BTU or Btuh) is a traditional unit of energy. It is approximately the amount of energy needed to heat 1 pound of water 1 degree.

Closed Loop – A closed loop is one in which both ends of the loop’s piping are closed.

Conductive heat transfer – The transfer of thermal energy between neighboring molecules in a substance due to a temperature gradient.

Convective heat transfer -  The movement of molecules within fluids or gas.

Demand Response – The ability to voluntarily decrease our electricity usage at specific times of the day (such as peak hours), during high electricity prices, or during emergencies (such as preventing a blackout)

Hydronic - The use of water as the heat-transfer medium in heating and cooling systems.

Open Loop – An open loop is a loop established between a water source and a discharge area in which the water is collected and pumped to a GSHP then discharged to its original source or to another location.

SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  It is the measure of overall efficiency of a complete heating and cooling system on a seasonal basis.  The higher the SEER rating, the better the efficiency.