In an air-conditioned room with a horizontal diffuser, what is the term for the air that drops?

The term that describes the air that falls from a horizontal diffuser in an air-conditioned room is known as "throw." This term refers to the distance the air travels horizontally from the outlet before it begins to drop and effectively describes the trajectory of conditioned air as it is distributed into the space. Throw is an important concept in air distribution design, as it affects comfort and system efficiency by ensuring that the air reaches different areas of the room adequately.

Understanding throw is crucial for HVAC professionals when designing systems to ensure that the conditioned air can reach every part of the room effectively without causing discomfort due to drafts or excessive cold spots. While "drop" could intuitively appear related, it typically references the vertical movement of the air after it has been thrown, rather than the initial distribution path. Additionally, "draft" usually refers to an unwanted airflow that can cause discomfort, and "suction" relates to the movement of air toward an area of lower pressure, which does not pertain to how air is dispensed from a diffuser.