What is a Load Calculation?
Heating and cooling systems can seem complicated when you are not familiar with them. There are many terms affiliated with these systems that can be hard to understand. One important term when in the market for a new heating and air system is load calculation. This is a measurement used when purchasing a new system. This article will explain, what a load calculation is, why it is important, and what the results entail.
What is a load calculation? A load calculation, also known as a heat loss/heat gain analysis, determines the amount of heating and cooling a home may need. Think about it this way, a two bedroom apartment with only one person living in it will most likely not need as much cooling and heating as a three story house, with 6 bedrooms, with 5 people living in it. The load calculation determines the size of your system. For example, the 2 bedroom apartment may only need a 1.5 ton heat pump. And, the 6 bedroom home may need a 5 ton system or more.
Load Calculation Factors
A load calculation is determined is by many factors. The size of the home is a big indicator, but other factors include:
- Number of windows and window treatments
- Insulation and ductwork
- Building materials and roof construction
- Skylights and fireplaces
- Climate
- Ceiling heights
- The number of people in your home
- The direction your home faces
A load calculation can be performed only by having a professional visit your home. This is why an estimate for a new heating and air system should not be done over the phone, instead it should be completed in your home.
Why Have A Load Calculation?
If you do not have a load calculation performed, you could have the wrong sized system installed in your home. This could cause many problems such as high energy bills, wear on your system from overworking, never reaching your desired temperature, it may not properly remove moisture out of the air, and many others. To avoid these problems, make sure that whoever installs your new system is installing the correct size system.
The State of North Carolina requires a load calculation. Here at O’Brien Service Company we perform these for free during your complimentary in home estimate. If another company gives you an estimate without performing the load calculation, you should highly consider getting another estimate done by a more reputable company. At O’Brien Service Company, we hear way too often that companies gave them a price for a new system without them visiting their home, and then after the installation they have nothing but problems. Don’t let this happen to you, give O’Brien a call. We will give you a proper estimate with a load calculation, and install the proper system for your home. Give us a call today at (910) 799-6611 to schedule your complimentary in home estimate.
For more information on load calculation you can also visit Trane’s website.
