One of the most important skills of HVAC technicians is load calculation. Ensuring accurate cooling and heating load calculations is integral to selecting the right HVAC tonnage.
An incorrectly-size system will result in challenges with temperature regulation in different areas of the building. It also means problems in moisture control or more severe problems with the system.
For instance, a system that is too small will experience constant strain. One that is too big will cause the thermostat to kick on and off too often.
Many contractors use square footage to make load determinations. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to offer your clients–homeowners or builders–the most precise estimates possible. The information below will tell you how.
What Impacts Load Calculations?
Many factors go into load calculations. One is the air outside the home, or “atmospheric air.” The heat from the sun can reach indoor spaces through conduction, convection, and radiation. Heat gained by walls facing the sun will impact HVAC calculations. Similarly, roofs exposed to the sun will absorb more heat than those that are not.
How much glass (windows and doors) are throughout the house will impact load calculations. Newer homes are more energy-efficient, and more people are updating older ones with better windows and insulation. The more efficient the home, the lower the peak heating and cooling loads.
People put off heat, so the number of individuals living in the home can impact load calculations, as can the number and size of appliances. These are known as internal loads and should be factored into final estimates.
Making Accurate Load Calculations
First, survey all the rooms on every floor in the building. Identify any heat sources throughout the home.
Gather all the information that you can, regarding external design factors and internal loads. Note the level of energy-efficient windows and doors in the home, as well as how exposed the house is to direct sunlight. Prioritize heat load since it requires knowing the amount of heat that should be removed or added to get the desired temperature.
If it is new construction, be in constant conversation with the architect and builders. You might do walkthroughs of similar constructions, if possible.
Reputable HVAC software can help you make more accurate calculations. But even these rely on the information you feed them, including infiltration values and R-values. If any plans change during the building process, you should conduct new tests for this information.
Utilize Tools That Improve Accuracy
Now that you understand the importance of having precise load calculations, you can implement policies and procedures that produce more accurate ones. Fortunately, there is software available that can help you throughout the planning and implementation processes.
At Enterprise Selling Solutions, we offer innovative, web-based solutions that can help you manage clients. Our HVACbizpro software quickly generates proposals, handles scheduling, and sets up payments.
By streamlining these services, you can focus on doing the work you are hired to do. Reach out to us today to see how we can help your company save time and money and gain more clients.
