Heating and Cooling Load Calculations
How to Know the Best Heating or Cooling Unit for Your Home
Computerized Load Calculations are the only accurate method for determining the amount of Heating and Cooling required in a given space.The amount of heating/cooling needed for the entire home, a specific zone in the home, and for each specific room in the home. Also to determine required airflow to each room for even temperature, humidity and comfort.
Inefficient Heating/Cooling Calculation Methods
Decades ago, the amount of heating/cooling needed was many times based on a simple square footage rule of thumb (often 400 sq.ft. of living space equaled one ton of air conditioning). This "one size fits all" formula, though highly inaccurate, is still used by many installers even though construction, insulation & air quality requirements have changed.
Older homes, for instance, loosely built with lots of glass were terribly under-conditioned, and heated or cooled poorly during extreme temperatures. Newer homes with good insulation and good windows had systems much bigger then they needed, which made the home seem like a wind tunnel when the system was running, with drafts, noise, short cycling, reduced system efficiency and higher utility bills. All of this wasting energy. In fact SCE makes the bold statement that the peak periods of all HVAC operation may equal the energy of 9 nuclear power stations. WOW!
How We Calculate Heating & Cooling Needs
Instead of simply measuring the square footage of floor space in a home, we are actually adding up the amount of exterior wall space, ceiling areas, non-slab floor areas, glass areas, type of glass, insulation values in the walls - floors - attic, and North/South exposure of the home. Also factored in, are any appliances, lighting, skylights, amount of occupants, and any other items that may give off heat into the space. In addition, we need to take into consideration any sensitivities or allergies the occupant may suffer to help provide relief.
Choosing the proper size unit is one of the most important parts of a comfortable, efficient, heating and cooling system. However, perhaps even more important is proper duct and grille sizing along with proper installation and placement. A duct system designed and installed according to ACCA standards goes a long way toward providing comfort and reliability, when it comes to a Heating and Air Conditioning system.
Quality & Responsibility is our motto and our intention is to do Whatever it Takes to satisfy your heating and air conditioning needs.
Please contact us at 818.781-7666 or contact us for more information or to schedule a Free Estimate.
