We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Electrical

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Cooling Load?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 16,017
Share

The cooling load is a calculation determining the amount of heat that needs to be removed from a structure in order to keep the temperature inside consistent. It is one of the things considered during the design phase for a building or a heating and cooling system, along with the heating load, a determination of how much heat energy needs to be added to keep the temperature stable. The goal is to build a structure with maximum efficiency to cut down on the expenses associated with heating and cooling.

A number of factors contribute to heat inside a structure. One consideration is the temperature measured directly versus the temperature and the humidity examined together. High humidity can make low temperatures seem higher, and a building in humid conditions will have a higher cooling load, as more energy will be required to make the space comfortable for occupants. Humidity also plays a role in the heating load.

People, equipment, and processes inside a structure can all generate heat, as well as humidity and impact the cooling load. Buildings are not static spaces and their uses must be considered when evaluating heating and cooling needs. Likewise, buildings themselves can contribute to the entrapment or release of heat energy. Doors, windows, and the layout of spaces can all play a role in internal temperature, as can design features like shades, screens for partially closing off areas, and so forth.

When considering the cooling load, designers usually try to evaluate worst case scenarios. Looking at temperature data for the region, they will pick unusually high temperatures and humidity and imagine what would happen inside if everything in a building was operating simultaneously, with a full complement of staffers. This is designed to develop an extreme estimate for the cooling load, allowing for the construction of a cooling system that will be able to cope with those conditions. By designing for the most intense conditions, engineers can be assured that their heating and cooling systems will not fail in normal use.

Balancing the heating and cooling load for a structure often requires similar design features. Things like better insulation can help buildings stay cool in the summer while also keeping them warm in the winter, for example, and considerations like layout can similarly conserve energy. This is helpful in climates where dramatic temperature swings can be present, as the same general design features will address climate control needs in hot and cold weather alike.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By anon281883 — On Jul 25, 2012

In which season would the HVAC cooling load be at maximum?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-a-cooling-load.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.