Originally Posted by
hvacker
Ya, design data is approximate and like has been said wind, snow cover, radiant gain are not always predictable.
In the spirit of experimentation I might plug a couple of burners, if the furnace allows it, and spend some time with it. If you have a plain old furnace your output is probably 112000 now. So you would cut about 50000 input. At least you would have a real world knowledge if the lower input will work in your home. You might need to adjust anticipation for the lower input. Because the air temps will be lower, don't judge everything by comfort. A smaller furnace will fix all that.
In my experience numbers are always better when backed by experiment.
How about numbers are always better when backed by EXPERIENCE... (and IMO never mind the cool PC math).
I have seen many a load calc that did not size the equipment to the satisfaction of the HO... after all, the HO might want a blast of HOT air, they might want an oven in the winter, they might want a meat locker in the summer. Better IMO to ask questions.
And I have also seen many a situation where a LC was run... and it came out the same as my 'educated guess'...
So is a LC magic... well IMO there is no magic in the world... only experience and common sense.
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*Installation is more important than the brand of equipment
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*The value of comfort, over the long term; leave economic choices behind!
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