Reference material
Glossary
| Term | Plain-language meaning |
|---|---|
| BTU/h | Rate of heat removal; not electrical energy use. |
| Conduction | Heat flow through material. |
| Convection | Heat transfer by moving air. |
| COP/EER | Efficiency ratios under specified test conditions. |
| Duty cycle | Fraction of time the compressor runs. |
| Heat index | Apparent heat combining air temperature and humidity for people. |
| Heat soak | Stored heat in the van shell and contents. |
| Latent load | Energy used to remove moisture. |
| Radiation | Heat transferred by electromagnetic energy, including sunlight. |
| Return air | Air moving back toward the A/C intake. |
| Sensible load | Energy used to lower temperature. |
| Thermal bridge | Conductive path around insulation, such as steel ribs. |
| Voltage drop | Electrical voltage lost in cables/connections under load. |