Load Calculations

Energy Star, the Department of Energy, the Environment Protection Agency and all equipment manufactures state that the proper method for equipment sizing is to perform a Manual J load calculation. This is the only way to ensure that the heating and cooling system is the correct size for your home. In the past, contractors used the square feet of a building to size equipment. As you can imagine, this led to many incorrect size systems being installed. Even minor factors such as the exposure or the amount of attic insulation in a house can alter to heating and cooling capacity required.

At Bay Area Heating and Cooling, we utilize accredited Manual J Eighth Edition load calculation software. This software verifies that the proposed replacement equipment is the correct size and capacity. It also takes into consideration many factors about your dwelling including the indoor design temperature, building construction materials, insulation R value, type and size of windows, sliding patio doors and sky lights, roof covering and number of people inhabiting the space.

The software will calculate all the factors and provide the sensible capacity required to heat and cool the home. This capacity is then used to match a heating and cooling system which will produce the same capacity.

Performing a load calculation is the single most important factor when designing a heating and cooling system. Installing a system which provides the correct capacity is vital to realize the maximum efficiency of your new system.

Installing a system that is undersized will require the system to run continually, struggling to meet the temperature set point. The consequence of this is extremely high power costs and an uncomfortable environment.

An over sized system will satisfy the temperature setting quickly then cycle off. This does not allow the system to operate long enough to effectively remove the humidity from the home and will require the system to cycle excessively during the day, driving up electricity bills. The result is a cool damp house.

The consequences of over or under sizing equipment is increased operating costs and unexpected repair costs.

Load calculations are required by most municipality building departments for new construction and room additions. At Bay Area we perform load calculations on all installations so you can be assured that the system we install will be the correct size and operate at the stated energy efficiency.

This service can also be provided to individuals who are building a new home or room addition. We can also complete the Mechanical Installation Reports required before construction can begin.

For additional information on Load Calculations, please call (727) 565-4555.