Simple A/C calculations

[HankVRSI]

I am a structural engineer trying to size an A/C for a house I am designing for myself. Is there a website or short publication that shows how to do simple calculations, maybe that include sizing the ductwork? I'm not too comfortable with the one ton/500 sq ft rule of thumb used in my area.

 

[DUMechEng]

49 dollar home owner special...

http://hvaccomputer.com/talkref.asp

 

[IRstuff]

You can get by with 1 ton/700 sq ft, but there may be a bigger hit on the power bill

TTFN

 

[bman289]

HankVRSI,

Manual J is a widely used method to size houses. This link explains a little. DUMechEng's link is a good one....

http://www.proctoreng.com/articles/sidebar.html

Regards,

 

[ChrisConley]

Hot2000 is a -free- downloadable software developed by NRCan for modeling houses. In addition to sizing equipment the software can also be used to model energy (so you can decide if you want to spend extra dollars on high efficiency equipment).

Try:

http://www.buildingsgroup.nrcan.gc.ca/software/hot2000_e.html

 

[HankVRSI]

Thanks to everyone for replying. It has been very helpful.

Hank

 

[quark]

This can also be useful.

http://www.voltasac.com/split_ac_home.htm