Determining Your Home’s Heat Load:
A heat load analysis is the method used to calculate how much heating and cooling a home needs to stay comfortably cool in the summer and warm and cozy in the winter. It is used to determine what size HVAC system a home needs and what sort of energy cost should accompany that system.
Why Should You Get a Heat Load Analysis?
When it comes to heating and cooling systems, bigger isn’t always better. Different sized systems operate most efficiently at different load levels, so the ideal size of a system needs to be identified for each home. The result of a heat load analysis is what we use to determine the size of the HVAC system your home needs and will ultimately save you money and help you live more comfortably.
Not having the correct size of HVAC system for your home can cause two major issues: inefficiency and air quality problems. When a system is too big or too small for the job, it ends up working harder than a properly sized one, which leads to higher power use and much higher bills.
An incorrect-sized HVAC system isn’t able to dehumidify the air in your home properly. Humidity control depends on your heating and cooling system to run optimally. Not only will your overpowered HVAC system cost too much, but it will result in overly humid air, making your home’s environment very uncomfortable.
How to Improve Your Home’s Heat Load:
No home can be completely insulated from the outdoors, but there are many improvements you can make to reduce your home’s heat load.
- First, get a heat load analysis performed to find out your home’s heating and cooling needs. You’ll need to know what you’re working with so you can decide what areas of your home need improvement.
- Find and seal air leaks. Check easy-to-forget areas like your chimney, furnace flues, exhaust fans, etc.
- Improve and maintain your insulation, especially in the ceilings, ducts, and floors.
- Invest in insulating window treatments to block cold air and drafts.
- Schedule preventative maintenance on your heating system. Regular HVAC maintenance is the most important thing you can do to keep your home’s heat load at its best level.
The correct size of heating and cooling equipment improves comfort and reduces costs, maintenance, and energy use.
