How to Know You Have the Right HVAC System?

Will a Heating Contractor Know What a Heating Load Is?

A heating load measurement is performed to find out how much heat is needed to warm a space, in addition to maintaining a certain temperature. Numerous factors are needed to calculate this measurement, which is why there are various software programs available that let a heating contractor input the variables, which in turn, allows the software to perform a calculation to determine a heating load. Home or business owners can, however, do this manually, which is a skill that is taught to people that install heating systems, such as engineers and heating contractors, etc.

This load is normally done in British Thermal Units, or more commonly known as BTUs, every hour; using this type of unit energy will ensure people understand what this measurement means. This is determined before any type of heating or cooling system is installed, in order to determine what size system would be sufficient, and it is calculated also whilst a structure is being designed, for the express purpose of performing any changes that will make a structure that much more efficient.

The size of a space is key with a heating load as it will take less energy to warm up a smaller space than a bigger one. A space’s layout also has a role to play, with such considerations as the height of the ceiling, how many rooms there are etc. – that all go into influencing a load measurement. The potential for heat being lost via windows, doors, and other such places is also another course for concern, in addition to the energy needed to heat air coming from outside if it is used for ventilation. Having good insulation will greatly reduce a heating load, simply by decreasing heat loss.

Having a good understanding of a heating load is vital. When having a heater installed, if it is too small, it will have problems heating it and will use much more energy in the heating process. However, if a heater is too big for a space, it will not work properly. Heating load is also important when evaluating sustainability or when considering any changes that can be done in order to make a structure a bit more sustainable.

Call Vacaville Richard’s Air Tech at (707) 425-6218 today. Our heating contractor company is in Vacaville, CA.

Richard's Air Tech