Combustion is defined as a chemical reaction between substances, usually including oxygen that typically produces heat in the form of a flame. In our homes, fuel-fired appliances, like our heaters and water heaters, are considered combustion appliances. The oxygen that is needed to produce combustion of the fuels that these appliances burn to produce heat is supplied by air, which …

condensate drain line: a pipe (typically plastic) that carries away the water (condensation of the humidity) produced by the HVAC system. There may be two condensate drain lines from your AC unit: a main condensate drain line, which drains the air conditioning unit itself, and a secondary overflow pan drain line, which drains the overflow/emergency drain pan.

condensate pump: a type of pump installed at the HVAC system to pump away the water produced by the HVAC system. Typically used in installations where the HVAC system cannot be drained by the flow of water by gravity.

CPVC: a thermoplastic that is produced by the chlorination of PVC resin. It is more flexible and can withstand higher temperatures than standard PVC.

According to the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors’ Standards of Practice, an under floor crawlspace is defined as the area within the confines of the foundation between the ground and the underside of the lowest floor structural component.

cricket: a built-up area of the roof installed to divert water around a horizontal intersection between the roof surface and an item that projects through the roof (chimney, skylight, etc.)

Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) is a flexible piping that is used to supply fuel gas (natural gas and propane) in buildings.

A fireplace damper is located above the firebox and functions to seal the chimney when the fireplace is not in use. The damper is typically opened and closed using the damper arm.

diverter: a faucet valve used to direct water from the bathtub faucet to the shower head assembly.

dormer: a design element of the house that projects out from the roof, usually contains a window or attic vent. A dormer may be functional, covering a part of the living area, or may simply be decorative, covering an area of the attic.