ASHRAE Terminology

A Comprehensive Glossary of Terms for the Built Environment
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thermal transmittance

(also known as U-factor), heat transmission in unit time through unit area of a material or construction and the boundary air films, induced by unit temperature difference between the environments on each side. Note: this heat transmission rate is also called the overall coefficient of heat transfer. U, in Btu/h·ft2·°F (W/[m2·K]). Thermal transmittance is sometimes called the overall coefficient of heat transfer or U-factor. Thermal transmittance includes surface film conductance.

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About ASHRAE Terminology

ASHRAE Terminology, a free resource, is a comprehensive online glossary of more than 3700 terms and definitions related to the built environment, with a focus on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as refrigeration, building envelope, electrical, lighting, water and energy use, and measurement terms.

This searchable glossary was designed for use by engineering professionals but is also useful for architects, building owners and operators, educators, public officials, and homeowners.

The terms in ASHRAE Terminology have been assembled and defined and are updated on an ongoing basis by ASHRAE Technical Committee (TC) 1.6, Terminology. TC 1.6 is concerned with terminology, nomenclature, definitions, abbreviations, symbols, and the International System (SI) and Inch-Pound (I-P) units used in the fields of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, water heating, and refrigeration.

To request a free electronic file of the complete list of terms and definitions, email ashraetermseditor@ashrae.org.