TABLE OF CONTENTS [1]
This chapter covers cooling and heating load calculation procedures for residential buildings, including detailed heat-balance methods that serve as the basis for cooling-load calculation. Simple cooling-load procedures, suitable for hand calculations, are provided for typical cases. Straightforward heating load calculation procedures are also included.
The procedures in this chapter are based on the same fundamentals as the nonresidential methods presented in Chapter 30. However, many characteristics distinguish residential loads, and the Chapter 30 procedures should be applied with care to residential applications.
Additional information about residential heating and cooling is found in Chapter 1 of the 2003 ASHRAE Handbook-HVAC Applications and Chapter 9 of the 2004 ASHRAE Handbook-HVAC Systems and Equipment.
With respect to heating and cooling load calculation and equipment sizing, the unique features distinguishing residences from other types of buildings are the following:
Smaller Internal Heat Gains. Residential system loads are primarily imposed by heat gain or loss through structural components and by air leakage or ventilation. Internal heat gains, particularly those from occupants and lights, are small compared to those in commercial or industrial structures.
Varied Use of Spaces. Use of spaces in residences is more flexible than in commercial buildings. Localized or temporary temperature excursions are often tolerable.
Fewer Zones. Residences are generally conditioned as a single zone or, at most, a few zones. Typically, a thermostat located in one room controls unit output for multiple rooms, and capacity cannot be redistributed from one area to another...
