Proper heating and load calculations are crucial to HVAC system design. Home comfort, construction costs, air quality and many other factors are directly affected by these calculations, so use these simple tips to make sure the HVAC experts you’ve employed are following proper calculation guidelines.

Ignore Rules of Thumb

Code requirements, home requirements and gas prices have changed over the years, but the old rules of thumb have not. Using oversimplified rules like this can be a major mistake that makes your load calculations inaccurate from the get-go, so be sure this isn’t happening.

Gather Accurate Info First

The load calculation’s accuracy will depend on getting as much of the necessary information correct as possible. Many factors will be considered by the expert, such as the home’s geographic location, orientation to the sun and duct leakage, as well as lights and appliances that emit heat, among others.

Test to Be Sure

To determine a home’s energy efficiency, a qualified pro can perform a blower door test to determine the rate of air infiltration in the home and camera probes are great for looking into hard-to-reach areas to determine insulation levels.

Make Good Use of the Manuals

Manual J will be absolutely necessary throughout the calculation process. Manual D is vital for determining proper air distribution and ductwork. Other manuals (S and T) may also be necessary to complete an accurate estimate. A professional should always keep these tools close by.

Small Changes Alter the Entire System

The individual systems within your home are interdependent, so making a change to building components, design conditions or ductwork can cause significant changes within the home.

Prevent the Short Cycle

Oversized HVAC units can lead to several problems, such as higher operation costs, occupant discomfort, frequent temperature adjustments and an inadequate amount of moisture removal from the air indoors. To be most effective, systems must run as long as possible to meet load requirements. Sizing the HVAC system to the needs of the home is of utmost importance for long equipment life, consistent comfort and maximized energy usage.

For more information about load calculations, contact the Rheem Pro Partner. We proudly serve the home comfort needs of homeowners in and around Denver, Colorado Springs and Northern Colorado, as well as Cheyenne and Casper, Wyoming.

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