When Do I Need to Perform a Load Calculation?

Subtitle:

Part 4 in a series of articles on sizing heating and cooling equipment

Images:

[![][1]][2]

[![][3]][2]

[![][4]][2]

In my last three blogs, I discussed the basics of [heat-loss][5] and [cooling load][6] calculations. The unfortunate truth about these calculations is that fast methods aren't particularly accurate, and accurate methods require making measurements, checking specifications, and entering data into a computer program — in other words, a significant investment of time.

So how should builders go about making these calculations? There are several ways:

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* You can use a rule of thumb (along with experience) to estimate your equipment needs.

[1]: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog-river/Furnace and space heater 2.jpg ()
[2]: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/when-do-i-need-perform-load-calculation
[3]: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog-river/Lima duct calculator 2.jpg (Photo of a Lima duct calculator from the 1970s)
[4]: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog-river/IBR Calculation sheet 3jpg.jpg (I=B=R heat-loss calculation form)
[5]: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/how-perform-heat-loss-calculation-part-1
[6]: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/calculating-cooling-loads

URL: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/musings/when-do-i-need-perform-load-calculation