Design Load Calculations For Furnace Installation

You need a heating contractor to install your furnace for efficient operations. The contractor will calculate your house's heating load as part of the installation process. The calculations determine the furnace capacity you need to keep your house warm. Below are some of the calculations the contractor will make.

Design Load Calculation

Your house's design determines how much heat it losses during the cold season. Design load calculation is necessary to determine how much heat your house loses due to its design. The appropriate furnace should keep your home comfortable despite the design-related heat losses.

Below are a couple of factors that determine the design load calculation.

House Layout

The house's layout refers to the arrangement of the walls and rooms. Numerous walls and rooms restrict air circulation, leading to impaired heating. The heating contractor will consider the layout to ensure the furnace can blow adequate warm air and keep you comfortable.

Building Insulation

Wall and roof insulation limits heat escaping the house. The better the insulation, the less heat leaves the house. For example, an old building with deteriorated insulation requires more heating than a new home with sound insulation.

Extreme Load Calculation

Your house's heating demands depend on the outside temperature. The lower the temperature is, the more heat the furnace should produce. The right furnace should keep you comfortable during the coldest day of the year. Extreme load calculations are necessary to determine how much heating your house may need on the coldest day of the year.

Apart from the design load calculations, the local weather also affects extreme load calculation. For example, a home in an area that experiences subzero temperatures during the winter requires more heating than a home in moderate climates. The two cannot operate comfortably with similar furnaces.

Part Load Calculation

Part load calculations determine your house's average heating demands. The days you need extreme heating are fewer than when you need nominal heating. Again, design load conditions affect part load conditions. In addition, the contractor must also consider:

• The usual number of occupants in the house
• The number of heat-generating appliances in the house
• The surrounding landscaping
• The ceiling height

For example, a house with unusually high ceilings requires more heating than a standard ceiling height. The ceiling height determines the air volume in the house; more air means more heating. In addition, multiple heat-generating appliances or devices reduce the furnace's load since some heat comes from the items.

Contact a professional to learn more about heating unit installation.