| What is a load calculation and why is it so important? |
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A load calculation determines what the proper size system is for your specific home.
Completed by your dealer, it factors in a number of criteria used to determine what
size components you should include as part of your total comfort system, things like
square footage, number of windows, and year-round weather concerns.
A load calculation is important so that your system operates at maximum efficiency,
with optimum performance. Most homes have systems that are oversized, so you end up
paying more than you should to heat and cool your home. Also, systems that are improperly
sized tend to cycle too quickly or too slowly, and that can lead to maintenance problems,
uneven temperatures, and an inability to control humidity. A properly sized system based
on a correct load calculation can help ensure you enjoy long-lasting, reliable comfort
whatever the season.
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| What size system do I need for my home? |
It is important that new or replacement equipment is not sized by "Rule of Thumb" or
by duplicating the existing equipment capacity. The only accurate way to determine
the correct capacity of heating and air conditioning equipment for your home is to
have a load calculation performed on your home. There is a specific method available
to all dealers to do this calculation. This will give your dealer the heat gain and
heat loss design data for your home. These figures can then be used to select the
appropriately sized air conditioning or heating system for your home, based on
equipment-performance data.
Many factors determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these are:
- square feet to be cooled and heated
- climate
- humidity
- number of windows
- insulation factors
- which direction your home faces
- heat producing appliances, and
- the number of people who will be in the home
Oversized air conditioning systems will not remove adequate moisture from the indoor air
due to short cycling. Also, oversized systems quickly cool the indoor air temperature,
but they do not run long enough to remove the humidity.
That leaves you feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. Control of your home's climate is
rarely achieved with oversized systems and electricity consumption is higher than
with a properly sized system.
An oversized furnace is similar to an oversized air conditioning system. The furnace
run time is short, creating uncomfortable air stratification and less air filtration.
Also, the frequent cycling of the unit on and off can cause undue wear and tear on
internal working components.
An undersized air conditioning system will not adequately cool your home on the hottest
days and an undersized furnace will not adequately heat your house on the coldest days.
Contact your local independent Trane dealer for a load calculation on your home and
a recommendation of the best system to meet your family's needs.
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| How do I verify the size of my air conditioner or heat pump? |
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The capacity in tons of a Trane outdoor unit can be determined by dividing the 7th and
8th digit of the model number by 12. So if the model number is 4TTX4036A1000A, take
36 and divide by 12, equalling 3 tons.
This is only for Trane models. Other companies use a different method based on their
model number nomenclature.
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| How do I find out about promotional programs or specials on Trane equipment? |
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All promotional programs are administered locally to promote particular products during
particular times by participating independent Trane dealers. Our regional Trane wholesale
distributor can give you specifics about programs in your area and participating
dealers. You may see special offers advertised by a local dealer or ask about them
when you call for an estimate.
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| Does Trane provide financing options for equipment purchases? |
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If you don't have ample cash or credit available at the time of purchase, your Trane dealer
has some options that can help. When you call for an appointment, ask the dealer to
give you all the payment options he has available. Once financing is out of
the way, your decision will be a little easier.
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| How much will my new system cost? |
That depends. There are many factors that must be considered. These include:
- The efficiency of the equipment
- The size of your home
- Is the ductwork installed and in good condition?
- Do you need a thermostat or electronic air cleaner?
In most cases, replacing your whole system, including both indoor and outdoor
components, will result in a more efficient, longer-lasting system but will also cost
a little more. As a manufacturer of an installed product, we do not establish retail
pricing. We sell our products to regional distributors who sell them to local
independent Trane dealers, who then install them as complete systems for homeowners.
Please contact your local independent Trane dealer for equipment recommendations and
your total investment based on a load calculation performed on your home.
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