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HVAC Technology and Energy Solutions Glossary

Browse this glossary of energy services, smart building technology, and HVAC terms to learn the definitions, phrases, and acronyms you need to know to make informed decisions for your building's infrastructure.

    Air Conditioner

    Discover how a commercial air conditioner removes heat and humidity from indoor spaces.

    Air Handler

    Learn what a commercial air handler does and how it fits within an HVAC system.

    ASHRAE

    Learn all about ASHRAE: what ASHRAE is, why the organization is important, and who its members are.

    Asset Management Software

    Learn what asset management software is and how it can help reduce downtime and extend the life of your assets.

    Boiler

    Learn what a boiler is and how one fits into a commercial HVAC system. Can modern boilers contribute to energy-efficient systems?

    Btu

    Learn what a Btu is, how it is used in commercial HVAC technologies, and why it matters.

    Btu/hr

    What is Btu/hr, and how does it apply to HVAC? Learn why the measurement of British thermal units per hour matters.

    Building Analytics

    Discover what building analytics are and how your organization can use them to reach energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

    Building Automation

    What is building automation? Learn the term's meaning and how it can help improve your organization's efficiency.

    Building Automation System

    Discover what a building automation system is and how it can benefit your organization. Let the experts at Trane help you get the most out of your BAS.

    Building Automation Systems Integration

    Discover how the process of BAS integration can improve your facility's efficiency by connecting HVAC, lighting, security and more.

    Building Management System

    Learn what a building management system is and the benefits of using a BMS.

    Carbon Footprint

    Learn the definition of "carbon footprint," how it relates to HVAC, and what an organization can do to reduce its own carbon footprint.

    Chiller

    Learn what a chiller is, how one works, and the different types you can choose from for your building.

    Chiller-Heater

    What is a chiller-heater, and how can it help your organization with decarbonization?

    Chiller Plant

    Learn what a chiller plant is, how it works, and why chiller plants are more energy efficient than older options.

    Commercial HVAC

    Learn from the experts at Trane what commercial HVAC is, how it differs from residential HVAC, and the recent innovations that can help fight climate change.

    Compressor

    Learn what an HVAC compressor is, how one works, and why regular maintenance is important.

    Computerized Maintenance Management System

    Discover how computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) software can simplify your facility's operations by staying on top of maintenance for you.

  • Computer Room Air Handler (CRAH)

    Learn what a computer room air handler (CRAH) is, how it works, and why a CRAH unit can be a smart component of data center HVAC systems.

  • Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU)

    Looking for a very efficient way to keep your colocation center or hyperscale facility cool? Learn how data center CDUs work.

    Cooling Capacity

    Discover what cooling capacity is and how it's used to determine the best size for HVAC systems.

    Cybersecurity

    Cybersecurity is an important aspect of connected buildings and facilities management. Learn how cybersecurity fits into building systems.

  • Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency

    Discover what data center infrastructure efficiency is and how to maximize DCiE.

    Decarbonization

    Learn the definition of decarbonization, its importance to a sustainable future, and strategies for decarbonizing.

    Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS)

    Learn the purpose of a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), how it works to improve indoor air quality, and its benefits.

    Dehumidifier

    Discover the benefits of a commercial dehumidifier, how it works, and when it makes the most sense to use.

  • Direct-to-Chip Cooling

    Learn what direct-to-chip cooling is, how it works, and why it's beneficial for data centers.

    Dual-Fuel Heat Pump

    Learn how a dual-fuel heat pump can provide more efficient, reliable heating and cooling year-round.

    Ductwork

    Learn what ductwork is, the materials it's made from, and the types of HVAC systems that require it.

    Electric Heat Pump

    Learn what an electric heat pump is, how it works to cool and heat a building, and its advantages.

    Electrification​

    Learn the definition of electrification, how it applies to HVAC, and how it can help your organization with its sustainability goals.

    Energy Storage

    What is energy storage, and how is it used in HVAC systems? Get details from the experts at Trane Commercial HVAC to decide if it's the right solution for you.

    Facilities Management Software

    Learn how facilities management software can keep operations running smoothly and improve the experience of its occupants.

    Fan Coil Wall

    Discover how a fan coil wall works and how Trane's customizable fan coil walls can provide efficient temperature control for data centers.

  • Free Cooling

    Learn what free cooling is and how it can help your organization save money and improve its sustainability.

    Furnace

    Learn what a furnace does, how it operates, and where it fits in a commercial HVAC system.

    Geothermal

    What does geothermal mean, and how does it relate to heating and cooling? Learn how a geothermal HVAC system works and its benefits.

    Global Warming Potential (GWP)

    What does global warming potential mean, and how does it factor into sustainability?

    Green Energy

    Learn what green energy is, how it differs from renewable energy, and why it's important to the future of commercial HVAC.

    Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

    What is a greenhouse gas (GHG), and how is it related to HVAC? Learn about GHGs and how your actions can help mitigate climate change.

    Heat Pump

    Learn what a heat pump is, how one works, and the many types of commercial heat pumps available.

    Heat Pump Chiller​

    Discover the reason heat pump chillers are becoming more widely used. Learn about their operation and advantages.

    HVAC

    What does HVAC stand for, what are the components, and how is a system's efficiency measured? Learn the basics of HVAC from the experts at Trane Commercial.

    HVAC Controls

    Learn what HVAC controls are and how they can help your organization achieve efficiency goals.

    Indoor Air Quality

    Learn what indoor air quality is, contributing factors, and why maintaining good IAQ is important.

    Indoor Environmental Quality

    Learn about indoor environmental quality (IEQ) from the experts at Trane Commercial HVAC, including its definition, different aspects, and benefits.

    Infrastructure Resilience

    Discover what infrastructure resilience means for commercial buildings, including how to make your HVAC systems climate- and disaster-resilient.

    Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS)

    Discover how an integrated workplace management system can help building and facilities managers improve efficiency and lower costs.

  • Liquid Cooling

    Learn about liquid cooling and discover why it's an efficient way to cool your buildings, including data centers.

    Mini-Split HVAC

    Discover the potential benefits of a mini-split HVAC system, how they work, their commercial applications and more.

    Occupancy Sensor

    Discover what occupancy sensors are and how integrating them into your facility's systems can benefit your business.

  • Power Usage Effectiveness

    What is PUE, and why is it important? Learn how power usage effectiveness is measured and how to optimize for it.

    Process Chiller

    Learn what a process chiller is and how it works, plus the benefits of modern models.

    Process Cooling

    Learn about process cooling—what it is and why it's necessary across a wide range of industries.

    Programmable Thermostat

    Learn what a programmable thermostat is, how it differs from a smart thermostat, and what the benefits of installing one are.

    Refrigerant

    Learn all about refrigerants in Commercial HVAC. Trane Commercial's experts discuss the types of refrigerants and their role in heating and cooling.

    Refrigeration Cycle

    Learn about the refrigeration cycle in commercial HVAC systems and common issues associated with it.

    Rooftop Heat Pump

    A rooftop heat pump is a type of rooftop HVAC unit. Learn how it works and the benefits of installing one.

    Rooftop Unit

    Learn what a rooftop unit is, how it’s used in commercial HVAC, and its advantages and disadvantages.

    Smart Building

    Learn what a smart building is and how artificial intelligence can improve your facility's energy efficiency, comfort and security.

    Smart Thermostat

    Learn what a commercial smart thermostat is and how installing one in your facility could benefit your organization.

    SOC 2

    Learn what SOC 2 compliance means and how it relates to commercial HVAC and smart building solutions.

    Sustainable Building

    Discover what it means to have a sustainable building. The experts at Trane describe sustainable building practices and provide case studies to show their benefits.

    Thermal Energy

    Learn the definition of thermal energy, how it can be stored, and how it is used in commercial HVAC systems.

    Thermal Management

    What is thermal management, and how does it apply to HVAC? Learn how new technology is supporting innovation.

    Variable Air Volume

    Learn the meaning of variable air volume (VAV) and how it can be used to design an efficient HVAC system.

    Variable Frequency Drive​

    What is a variable frequency drive? Learn what a VFD is, how it works and the advantages and disadvantages of installing one.

    Variable Refrigerant Flow

    Why are VRF systems the future of the HVAC industry? Learn how VRF technology can play a role in your organization's sustainability goals.

    Water-Source Heat Pump

    Learn what a water-source heat pump is, how it works and the benefits of installing one.

    Water-to-Water Heat Pump

    Learn what a water-to-water heat pump does, how it works, and the benefits of installing one.

    WUE (Water Usage Effectiveness)

    Learn what water usage effectiveness (WUE) in data centers means and discover why it is an important consideration in a facility's HVAC design.