Definitions & Terms

British thermal unit (Btu) - The amount of heat required 1) to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit or 2) to raise the temperature of 1 cubic foot of air 55 degrees Fahrenheit or 3) to raise the temperature of 55 cubic feet of air 1 degree Fahrenheit.

Btu Factor - The heat within natural gas. This factor, which is determined by the supplier, changes daily and is a measurement of gas quality. This number is printed on the customer's bill each month.

Cubic feet (cf) - A measurement used for volume or capacity at sea level and 60 degrees.

Efficiency rating - The percentage of effective or useful energy output from the total energy input.

Energy Codes and Manual J's - An Energy Code and Manual J consist of several structural calculations that measure the energy efficient the home is. The amount of exposed wall, the square footage, the amount of window/glass and the R value of the insulation are among these calculations. The state of Florida requires both to be done before a building permit will be issued. Okaloosa Gas will provide a residential Energy Code and Manual J free of charge to anyone that request one, all that is needed is a full set of building plans/blueprints.

MMBtu - 1 MMBtu is equal to 1,000,000 Btu's or 10 therms.

Kilowatt hour (kwh) - The energy equivalent of 3,412 Btu's of power used in one hour or one thousand watts of power being used in one hour.

Rick - A measurement used for a stack of wood, hay or straw.

Therm - The equivalent of 100,000 Btu's or 95 cubic feet of natural gas.