Correct Sizing of Heating and Cooling Systems
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One of the most important aspects in the installation of heating and cooling systems is the proper sizing of those systems. Getting this wrong can cost the home owner in high energy rates, maintenance problems and quite often, in more expenses for proper sizing and reinstallation. The best way to avoid all these additional costs is to simply ensure that proper sizing of the heating and cooling system is done in the first place.
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), the most common mistake in sizing heating and cooling systems is oversizing. The common misconception is that heating and cooling systems with larger capacities will perform more efficiently. This is a mistake as an oversized system causes a lot of problems for the owner.
Not only are oversized systems more expensive when it comes to installation, but they actually do not perform at optimal efficiency. Because they are forced to operate in a space that is too small for their capacity, they run on a lower capacity which inhibits efficiency. Oversized heating and cooling systems are prone to constant breakdowns and are more cost more in energy bills because they are using up more energy that is needed. They also have an issue with their inability to properly dehumidify the air which can lead to the growth of mold and a stuffy, clammy feel in the air which is dangerous to anyone with asthma living in that house.
In order to correctly size a system, several factors are taken into consideration. One of such factors is the outside climate. This is really essential because hotter climates will require larger systems than cooler climates even if the required space is similar; same with heating systems and colder climates. The insulation of the house is also very important. If the house is not well insulated and cannot be better insulated, it is going to affect the heating and cooling capacity of the system. Amongst other considerations would be the size of the house which would need to be accurately calculated. If there are a lot of lights and home appliances that give off heat in the house, a larger cooling system might be required. All these can be determined by an HVAC expert.
For steam heating systems however, the rules are a bit different; the size of the boiler should match that of the radiator. It is important for the contractor to find out the capacity of the radiator so that the boiler matches it.
Proper sizing of heating and cooling systems is important if the systems are to perform optimally and for full energy efficiency. To achieve this, the services of a good HVAC contractor would be needed. However, it is in your best interest to make sure that the contractor does a thorough job when it comes to sizing the system to be installed in your house. |
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Author Resource:-
Ginger Jackson is an expert when it comes to air conditioning. To find out more about heating systems, go to http://www.searshomeservices.com/central-heating-air/improve.
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By :
Jessie Stone
Submitted
2011-08-10 05:43:27 |
Article From Article Mayhem
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