If submitting a service request after hours or on the weekend, please note it is best to call.
(361) 235-3905 Request Service

Find Out the Basics of Load Calculations

December 6, 2016 | Blog

Find Out the Basics of Load CalculationsIf you’re due for an HVAC equipment replacement, “load calculation” is a term you need to learn more about. To start, it’s important to know that load calculations are the measurement tool used by knowledgeable HVAC professionals to help select the ideal equipment capacity for a home.

How Load Calculations are Performed

It used to be common practice for HVAC contractors to size new equipment using a rough “rule of thumb” estimate. The estimate was based on a home’s approximate square footage, with some extra tacked on for good measure. The result was that many homes ended up with “oversized” HVAC equipment with too much capacity.

Experienced HVAC pros no longer use these outdated sizing methods. Today, they rely on the industry standard: Manual J software that does a detailed load calculation. The software makes these calculations using some established data for the climate region, like indoor and outdoor design conditions, as well as factors unique to your home entered in by your installer, such as:

  • Orientation and square footage.
  • Insulation R-values.
  • Type, size and location of windows.
  • Air infiltration rates.
  • Occupancy number.
  • Major heat-generating appliances.
  • Lighting.

Why Load Calculations Matter for Sizing HVAC Equipment

When new heating or cooling equipment is sized properly based on Manual J, you can avoid a host of issues that often develop from having too large a capacity and enjoy some worthwhile benefits related to:

  • Cost. Higher-capacity HVAC equipment is always more expensive, so you’ll save money if a detailed load calculation determines that your home needs a smaller size.
  • Comfort and health. Oversized equipment tends to short cycle, which leads to poor temperature and humidity control that can erode your comfort and cause health concerns like mold growth.
  • Efficiency. Correctly-sized HVAC equipment heats and cools your home efficiently, so there’s no energy waste and you don’t pay higher-than-necessary operating costs.
  • Longevity. Short cycling isn’t just inefficient, it puts extra wear and strain on your HVAC system components that shortens their lifespan.

To learn more about properly-sizing new HVAC equipment for your Coastal Bend home using a detailed load calculation, contact us at CCAC.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.

Credit/Copyright Attribution: “clker-free-vector-images/Pixabay”

Constantly Concerned About You!

noun_team_2578407
Professional Team
Our ac technicians are highly trained, professional and committed to getting the job done right the first time.
noun_assurance_426752
Reliable Service
You can count on our expert ac technicians to provide high-quality air conditioning services with quality products and transparent pricing.
noun_Handshake_2064250
Customer Service
You deserve excellent customer service. That's why we strive to be courteous and professional through the entire service process.

What Our Customers Are Saying

Very Satisfied

I’ve had a system purchased and installed by them for several years with the maintenance contract the whole time. I’ve been very satisfied with the service. You can’t go wrong selecting them for your business.

Joseph S.

Pleasure to Work With

Mathews CCAC conducted the semi-annual inspection of the A/C, heating system for the fall check-up, Technician was on time, courteous and went quickly about the inspection and observed all COVID-19 protocols for his and our safety a pleasure to work with this company

Steven L.

Great Company

Great company. Contacted my current AC company to check on my warranty before charging me anything. Saved me a bunch of money and headache if dealing with anything. Would definitely recommend them and use them again.

Ryan W.