Everything You Need to Know About Heat Load Testing

Has your HVAC service technician recommended heat load testing for your home? They may have suggested this service if you were having problems with your heat pump, or if you’re thinking about having a new furnace installed. The idea of heat load testing may seem a little daunting at first, but once you understand what it is and how it benefits you, its purpose becomes clear.

What Is Heat Load Testing?

The simplest way to describe heat load testing is to say it’s a way of measuring how much energy it will take to maintain your indoor temperatures to a comfortable level. That amount of energy is called the heat load. Generally speaking, the heat load is larger for bigger homes and poorly insulated homes. The heat load is lower for smaller homes and well-insulated homes.

How Is Heat Load Testing Done?

To conduct heat load testing, your heating and cooling technician will come to visit your home in person. Once there, they will look over the space, canvassing for specific information.

They’ll note the number of windows in the home and what condition they’re in. They’ll note what direction the home faces, how much insulation is in the walls and attic, and how many people live in the home. They’ll also take the local climate into account. Once they have all the information they need, they will plug it into a series of formulas to calculate your home’s heat load.

How Is Heat Load Used?

Your home’s heat load basically tells your home HVAC repair and installation team what size HVAC unit you need. Based on your home’s heat load, they can recommend several models that will serve your needs appropriately.

It’s vital to have a properly sized equipment. If yours is too small, it won’t be able to cool your home effectively. It may run around the clock, driving up your energy bills without ever cooling you down. A system that’s too large is not a good choice, either. Bigger is not necessarily better in the world of HVAC. A too-large unit will shut on and off too quickly, which puts a lot of wear and tear on the appliance and can lead to premature failure.

How Can You Reduce Your Heat Load?

If your home’s heat load is really high and your system can’t keep up, you may be able to make some changes to reduce your heat load. Start by adding more insulation to your attic. Seal up any cracks and crevices around your windows and doors that may be letting indoor air escape. Hanging some insulating curtains over older windows can help, too.

If you think you may need a new unit, be sure to hire an HVAC company that does heat load calculations. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment. We offer heat pump installation, and we also fix central heating systems and air conditioners.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-heat-load-testing/