HVAC Project Planner

Well / Groundwater Data

Sustained Yield (GPM): The continuous supply capacity of your well. Verify with your well driller's report.

Static Head: Water depth when not pumping. Affects baseline pump size.

Dynamic Head: Pressure loss when water is flowing at design GPM. This is the major factor in pump energy cost.

Stabilized Water Temperature: Year-round groundwater temperature. Typical: 50–60°F. This baseline directly affects heat pump efficiency.

Building Envelope

Foundation Type: Affects heat loss/gain patterns. Basements naturally cooler; slabs exposed at edges; crawlspaces variable.

Perimeter (Slab): Edge length where most slab heat loss occurs. Insulation significantly reduces this loss.

Square Footage: Total conditioned area, all floors. Primary driver of heating/cooling load.

Construction Type: Frame homes respond quickly to temperature changes; CBS (concrete block) has higher thermal mass.

Home Type: Mobile homes have tighter ducts (higher static pressure) and higher infiltration at marriage lines.

Roof & Attic

Roof Material: Affects solar heat gain. Asphalt absorbs heat; clay/concrete tile reflect moderate heat; shiny galvanized reflects it best. Directly impacts cooling load.

Attic Size: Larger attics retain more heat. Used to assess attic fan sizing.

Attic Exhaust Fan: Powered ventilation reduces peak attic temps by 20–30°F, lowering cooling load on living spaces.

Passive Vents: Ridge/soffit vents provide continuous natural ventilation (no electricity). Essential for long-term building durability.

Comfort Features

Ceiling Fans: Create wind-chill effect (don't lower temp). Properly sized fan allows +4°F thermostat increase while maintaining comfort—saving 3–5% per degree on cooling.

Important: Fans are effective only in occupied spaces. Running in empty rooms adds heat via motor load and wastes energy.

Project Type

New Construction: You control the full envelope (insulation, ductwork). Calculator assumes modern efficiency standards.

Retrofit: Replacing equipment in an existing home. Envelope may be compromised (poor insulation, leaky ducts). Adds uncertainty to load estimates.

Electrical Service: Heat pumps draw significant current. 100A limits equipment size; 200A is modern standard.