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HVAC Load Equation:
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HVAC load calculation is the process of determining the heating and cooling capacity needed to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. It considers factors like building size, insulation, occupancy, and heat-generating equipment.
The calculator uses the HVAC load equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the total heating/cooling load by combining the building envelope load (area × factor) with the internal heat gain from occupants.
Details: Proper HVAC load calculation is essential for designing efficient HVAC systems, ensuring comfort, reducing energy consumption, and preventing equipment oversizing or undersizing.
Tips: Enter the area in square feet, appropriate factor value based on building characteristics, number of occupants, and heat generated per person. All values must be valid positive numbers.
Q1: What is a typical factor value for residential buildings?
A: Factor values typically range from 20-35 BTU/ft² depending on insulation, climate, and building orientation.
Q2: How much heat does a person generate?
A: An average person at rest generates about 250-400 BTU/h, which increases with activity level.
Q3: Should I include other heat sources?
A: For more accurate calculations, consider additional heat sources like appliances, lighting, and equipment.
Q4: Is this calculation sufficient for commercial buildings?
A: Commercial buildings typically require more detailed calculations that account for ventilation requirements, internal loads, and building usage patterns.
Q5: How often should load calculations be performed?
A: Load calculations should be performed whenever there are significant changes to the building envelope, occupancy, or equipment.