If you are considering purchasing a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for your home or business, you want things to be done correctly. One of the most important considerations is the size of the equipment, and this depends on many factors. Geographical location is important, of course, but there are a number of other issues that need to be taken into account regarding the way you anticipate using your system in Manassas, VA. Read more to learn what a load calculation encompasses and why it’s important when considering a new AC installation for your home.
Manual J Load Calculation
The only way to ensure that you get the system you need is by the completion of a Manual J Load Calculation. This is a highly sophisticated method for determining the appropriate size of your equipment. At one time, these calculations were done by hand and were quite laborious. As a result, most HVAC contractors did not perform them and used square footage as their primary rule of thumb for sizing equipment. The size of the structure is important, but there many other factors that have to be considered to ensure that you are getting what you need.
Nowadays, these calculations are carried out by sophisticated computer software that essentially creates a digitized model of your home and then computes the result. In order to complete the assessment, your HVAC contractor will have to draw a very detailed plan of your house and include all of the requisite information. There are too many elements to name them all, but here are some of the most important ones: number of windows, window sizes and types, orientation of the structure, construction components, number of occupants, and so on. At Griffith Energy Services, we are fully trained to perform load calculations to ensure that you are getting exactly what you need.
Equipment Sizing
Most HVAC equipment operates at a single capacity and has no ability to alter output. This is disadvantageous if you live in a place that has a variance in conditions. If we design for the maximum or minimum possible temperatures, then we are certainly going to have equipment that is too large for much of the time since conditions are not always going to be extreme. In general, it is better to have equipment that is slightly too small rather than too large, particularly for cooling purposes.
Fortunately, it is now possible to buy equipment that has the capacity to alter output in accordance with the demands. Mini-split systems such as those made by Mitsubishi are capable of operating in a wide range of capacities. Standard split-system central units are mostly available as single-stage equipment, but most manufacturers offer dual-stage models that operate at a high or low capacity depending on what is needed. This type of equipment will do a better job of providing comfort and reducing energy costs.
When it’s time for a new AC system, you can count on the professionals at Griffith Energy Services to answer all of your questions and provide expert advice about energy efficient heating and cooling. With today’s technology, what’s good for the environment is also good for your pocketbook. Griffith Energy Services will show you how to accomplish both.
