A load calculation is an assessment of your home that determines how much heating or cooling capacity it needs. Getting an accurate measure actually improves the efficiency of your HVAC system because one of the biggest problems is over-sizing. Over-sizing your air conditioner will make it cost more to install and maintain, and may even cause it to break down more often.
A professional load calculation goes into great detail in order to properly determine the right size of your air conditioner. The climate, the amount of insulation in your home, the number of people in your household, the number and size of windows, air leakage, and the number of appliances in your home all affect how hard your HVAC system must work to heat or cool it.
If you’re hiring a contractor to do a load calculation for you, you should find out what goes into his calculations. A good contractor will examine your home room by room, measuring walls and floor space, and inspecting all of the elements that determine the right “load” for your home. When the contractor gives you an estimate for the calculation, it should include all the factors that he considers when doing his calculations. As part of the contract, you can also insist that your contractor writes down all of his calculations. This way, you’ll know that the calculation gets done right, with written proof of it.
Getting exactly the right size cooling equipment will save you money in the long run. If you need to consult a professional about load calculations or would like to request service in the Tampa Bay area, contact us at ABS Air Conditioning Company.