Glossary
- A/C
- An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.
- A/C condenser
- The outside fan unit of the Air Conditioning system. It removes the heat from the freon gas and "turns" the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace.
- A/C disconnect
- The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C Condenser.
- Aerator
- The round screened screw -on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow.
- Aggregate
- A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete.
- Air space
- The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap.
- Allowance(s)
- A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. For example, selection of tile as a flooring may require an allowance for an underlayment material, or an electrical allowance which sets aside an amount of money to be spent on electrical fixtures.
- Amortization
- A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest.
- Anchor bolts
- Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete , or masonry floor or wall.
- Apron
- A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill.
- Architect
- One who has completed a course of study in building and design, and is licensed by the state as an architect. One who draws up plans.
- Area wells
- Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth.
- Astragal
- A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes.
- Attic access
- An opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic.
- Attic ventilators
- In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space.
