How Cooling Load Is Calculated
A cooling load calculation estimates the total heat gain in a space that the air conditioning system must remove. Key components include:
- Envelope load: Heat gain through walls, roof, and windows based on area, insulation, and outdoor temperature
- Solar gain: Heat from sunlight entering through windows, varying by orientation
- Internal gains: Heat from people (~400 BTU/hr sensible per person), equipment, and lighting
- Infiltration: Warm outside air entering through gaps and cracks
1 Ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU/hr. Residential systems typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons.