To ensure your HVAC equipment is neither oversized nor undersized, an HVAC contractor will calculate a heating load and a cooling load for your Alabama, business. Here’s why proper load calculations are important and how they lead to both comfort and energy savings.
What are Residential and Commercial HVAC Loads?
The amount of heat needed to keep your business at a comfortable temperature is referred to as the “heating load.” Meanwhile, a “cooling load” is the opposite of a heating load and refers to the amount of heat that needs to be removed. These loads are particular to each space, be it a building, a whole floor in a building, or a single room.
What is a Load Calculation?
A load calculation determines the proper size of equipment needed for proper heating or cooling. An association called the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) developed specifications for accurately calculating loads.
Referred to as “Manual J”, this specification is based on a number of factors particular to each building or space. These include orientation, insulation levels, window types, square footage, the number of occupants, and more. Because so many factors are needed to accurately calculate loads, HVAC professionals often use software for commercial load calculations.
Why is Accurate Load Calculation Important?
An HVAC system that is sized properly will keep your business comfortable whether heating or cooling. An undersized system won’t be able to cool your business on the hottest days or heat your business properly on the coldest, but an oversized system is problematic, too.
Oversized HVAC systems are prone to frequent stopping and starting, leading to temperature fluctuations and reducing the lifespan of the system. An oversized system also costs more up-front and uses more energy than necessary, costing more on your monthly bills.
At One Source Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we can recommend properly sized HVAC equipment by accurately calculating the heating and cooling loads for your Alabama business. Learn more about our commercial services, or call (205) 509-1929 to speak to one of our experts today.
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