Archives: Glossary

  • Dew Point

    The temperature at which water vapour turns into liquid water. It is important when assessing condensation risk.

  • Design Heat Loss

    The amount of heat a property or room is expected to lose during cold weather. It is used to size heating systems correctly.

  • Design Flow Temperature

    The water temperature a heating system is designed to send to radiators or underfloor heating. Lower flow temperatures are usually better for heat pump efficiency.

  • Decarbonisation

    The process of reducing carbon emissions, often by improving insulation, reducing energy demand and switching to low-carbon heating.

  • Damp Proof Course

    A physical or chemical barrier designed to stop moisture rising through walls.

  • Damp

    Unwanted moisture in a building. Common types include penetrating damp, rising damp, condensation-related damp and trapped moisture.

  • Coefficient of Performance

    A measure of heat pump efficiency at a particular moment. A CoP of 3 means the heat pump is producing three units of heat for every one unit of electricity used.

  • Controls

    The timers, thermostats, programmers, smart controls and sensors that manage heating, hot water and ventilation systems.

  • Conservation Area

    An area with special architectural or historic interest. Some retrofit measures may need extra care or permissions.

  • Condenser

    In a heat pump or refrigeration cycle, the condenser is the heat exchanger where the refrigerant releases heat into the heating system.