Q&A – Apps for Doing Proper Loads – Short #215

In this short Q&A podcast, Bryan answers a listener-submitted question about apps for doing proper loads. Fred specifically asks about apps or charts that can help an HVAC contractor determine the insulation value of a home without assuming numbers or drilling into walls during load calculations.

Load calculations account for all the ways that BTUs can enter or leave a home: conduction, convection, and radiation. Insulation prevents heat transfer via conduction, so it's important to the load calculation process. High-end HVAC design software like Wrightsoft and Kwik Model 3D will have these features built into them (based on the age and location of the home). ASHRAE's handbook also has tables and data with R-values and U-factors to help you out with Manual J load calculations.

RED Calc is an app that allows you to calculate a wall's R-value with measurements, including surface and air temperatures indoors and outdoors. This RED Calc software is available through the U.S. Department of Energy, as is REScheck. The DOE insulation fact sheet is also quite valuable, as are The Engineering Toolbox and materials straight from the insulation manufacturers.

The best way to get a comprehensive load calculation is to have a lot of tribal knowledge about how houses are built in your area, analyze energy bills, and combine tools like RED Calc with building performance tests.

RED Calc is available through the U.S. DOE at https://basc.pnnl.gov/redcalc. REScheck is available at https://www.energycodes.gov/rescheck.

ASHRAE's resources are available at https://ashrae.org/technical-resources.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

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#app #hvac #insulation #load calc #r-value

Author:

Bryan Orr

Company: HVAC School

Position: Founder

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Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

In this episode of the HVAC School podcast, Bryan interviews Zach from Southeast Clean Air Solutions about the intricacies of professional duct cleaning. Zach specializes in addressing duct cleaning challenges specific to the Southeastern climate, with a particular focus on fiberglass-lined ducts. The conversation delves into the complexities of cleaning different types of duct systems, highlighting the significant variations in time, technique, and approach depending on the duct materials and home configuration.

The discussion reveals that duct cleaning is far more nuanced than many homeowners realize. A typical residential duct cleaning can take between six to eight hours, with metal ductwork being significantly faster to clean than flexible ducts or fiberglass-lined systems. Zach emphasizes the importance of careful cleaning techniques, especially with delicate flex ducts that can easily be punctured or damaged during the cleaning process. He recommends a two-person approach, with one team member working inside the home and another in the attic or crawl space to ensure thorough and safe cleaning.

Beyond the cleaning process, the podcast explores critical maintenance strategies for maintaining clean and efficient HVAC systems. Zach and Bryan discuss the importance of proper filtration, home maintenance, and understanding when duct cleaning is truly necessary. They challenge the common misconception of a fixed cleaning schedule, instead advocating for system assessment based on specific conditions like household dust, humidity, and the health needs of home occupants.

Key Topics Covered:

Duct cleaning techniques for different duct materials (metal, flexible, fiberglass-lined)
Time requirements for professional duct cleaning
Challenges of cleaning ducts in various home configurations
Importance of proper filtration and maintenance
Factors determining duct cleaning frequency
Risks associated with poorly maintained duct systems
Two-person approach to thorough and safe duct cleaning
Specialized considerations for homes in humid climates
Post-cleaning sealant application for fiberglass-lined ducts

Learn more about NADCA and find certified duct cleaning contractors at https://nadca.com/.

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool.

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 6th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.