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I’m considering putting a second story on my existing ranch. In trying to determine if my existing boiler (baseboard heating) has enough capacity to support this addition, I’ve been told to do a ‘heat loss study’. Are there any good books out there that detail how to do this? I live in the Northeast and I don’t want to get caught with a boiler that can’t heat the house sufficiently. Of course, I also don’t want to spend more money than I have to to ‘over design’ the boiler.
KeepTrying
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There is a book called "HVAC Equations, Data and Rules of Thumb" by Arthur A. Bell, Jr. published by McGraw-Hill (www.books.mcgraw-hill.com) that is as simple or complicated as you care to get. You will need to know the details of existing and planned construction and be able to manipulate simple algebraic equations.
*You could also try here: http://www.heatinghelp.com/wall_forum.cfm There's a link to a heat loss calc program. You can download a trial version to see if you like it; if you do, it's $39 for the full version for homeowners. The forum is helpful for questions about hot water and steam heat, too.
*KT, around here I can take my plans to the utility company and they wiil calculate the heating degree days for my area. They also estimate annual cost for gas, electric, or oil fired system, etc. They will also do an actual home inspection audit and make suggestions for improving your heat loss. And it is all free! It can't hurt to ask.Dave
*Since it is a ranch, it will be easy.Tell me the dimensions of the houseHow many windows and how big?Windows single pane, insulated glass? Aluminum?2x4 or 2x6 walls?Insulated or not?Where are you located?I have dozens of files already complete, I can just chnage the surface areas of one of the ranches I already have done.I am willing to bet the boiler is fine, but ought to be replaced due to efficiency reasons, so tell me about the boiler too.-Rob
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I'm considering putting a second story on my existing ranch. In trying to determine if my existing boiler (baseboard heating) has enough capacity to support this addition, I've been told to do a 'heat loss study'. Are there any good books out there that detail how to do this? I live in the Northeast and I don't want to get caught with a boiler that can't heat the house sufficiently. Of course, I also don't want to spend more money than I have to to 'over design' the boiler.
KeepTrying