Hevacomp V8i Heat Loss Calculations

Question

Design database (load calculations) and Mechanical design both calculate heat loss - I'm wondering which to use for best practice and what (if any) are the benefits of using one over the other? 
 Thanks very much!

Duncan Brown · Accepted Answer

Hello Jack 
 
The Mechanical Design calculation is designed to be a quick calculation for a couple of rooms, where you will be required to specify individual surface and U-values. 
 
The version in Design Database allows for much for flexibility with room design - especially if using the CAD Input method where complex rooms and buildings can be designed quickly using existing fabric tables - and provides more consideration of central plant, including suggested pre-heat times. 
 
The further advantage of Design Database being that your project can be used for a number of different calculations, and not just the Loss calculation.