The controlled heat treatment, up to 1250¡ C of ceramic tile in a kiln during the process of manufacture, to develop the desired properties and harden the body or glaze.
Firing rate
The amount of BTUs/hour or kWs produced by a heating system from the burning of a fuel.
Firm commitment
Written promise, made by the lender, to loan money. It usually contains all of the terms relevant to the transaction. Alternately, an irrevocable agreement that commits one of the parties to perform a certain act.
First american credco
This company provides a merged credit report from the Big Three companies (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union Corp.) for $30.95. Phone # (800) 443-9342.
First draw
Water that has been sitting in pipes or plumbing fixtures overnight and is first drawn when taps are opened in the morning. For instance, where lead is present in plumbing, this water would have the highest levels of lead contamination.
First hour delivery
Rating based on the combination of the usable stored volume of hot water in a tank plus the recovery capacity for the first hour of operations.
First law of thermodynamics
States that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only changed from one form to another. First Law efficiency measures the fraction of energy supplied to a device or process that it delivers in its output. Also called the law of conservation of energy.
First mortgage
A real estate loan that creates a primary lien against real property.
First refusal right
Being offered the right to buy something before it is offered to others. The opportunity of a party to match the terms of a proposed contract before the contract is executed.
First user
Initial user of real estate, such as the first occupant of a newly built home.
