How Is HVAC Load Calculated?

Posted on: 29 September 2022

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When it comes to your home's HVAC system installation, bigger does not always mean better. If you install a larger HVAC unit than you actually need, it will use more energy than required to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. 

Proper sizing of your HVAC system is essential for maximizing the comfort of your home and minimizing heating and cooling costs. To determine the amount of heating and cooling that your home needs to remain comfortable year-round, HVAC specialists consider the following factors.

The Square Footage Of Your Home 

Determining the total square footage of the rooms or areas of your home you want to heat and cool is essential when doing HVAC load calculations. The more square footage of living space you want to heat and cool, the larger your HVAC system should be to match the heating and cooling demand. 

The Design And Construction Of Your Home

Your residential design and build also affect HVAC load calculations. If the structure includes energy efficiency features, such as insulation, a cool roof, low-E glass, window coverings, and thermal mass materials, it will require less heating and cooling to achieve the desired level of comfort. As a result, your overall HVAC load may be significantly reduced.

The Sun Exposure Of The House

Different sun exposures affect your home in different ways. For example, the Southern sun—which is the most desirable of all sun exposures—will expose your home to warm, natural light throughout the day. On the other hand, the Eastern sun is only warm in the morning.

The orientation of your home relative to the sun's position will affect the building's solar gain. The more unwanted heat it gains based on the direction it faces, the higher your HVAC load will be.

Your Daily Household Routines

The daily schedules and activities of the people who live in your house also impact HVAC load calculations. For example, more hot showers and home-prepped meals will result in increased heat and humidity inside the house, increasing the load on your HVAC system.

Finding the correct size of HVAC system for your home is crucial for keeping your home comfortable year-round. That said, the variables considered when doing HVAC load calculations can vary from home to home.

Contact an HVAC expert to complete HVAC load calculations and determine the correct size HVAC system for your home's heating and cooling requirements. Once the calculations have been made, you can start on your home's HVAC installation.