Balanced Comfort Blog
How To Size Ductwork For Residential Projects
Ductwork is the tubing that is connected to the HVAC system which is used to funnel air throughout the building. It is important to size your ducts accurately since ductwork too small will make your HVAC system overwork, and ductwork too large will lessen the speed of airflow. Finding the right ductwork size, however, is not the…
How Much Is My Title 24 Calculation Going to Cost?
Putting the final stamp on a build and handing over the keys can be the culmination of years of work. From the architect planning stage; designing the mechanical, electrical and plumbing; to coordinating with a general contractor and permits, each project presents its own unique challenges and opportunities for growth – and if we’re being…
What is NICET?
Engineer technicians who are looking to gain a certificate in particular engineering technologies will have to gain that certificate from a recognized organization. NICET – the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies – is a well-respected organization which grants various engineering certificates. NICET was established in 1961 and has been at the forefront of…
Why are Heat Load Calculations for Restaurants Important?
In most cases, the highest cost for the maintenance of a restaurant will be in the heating and cooling. You may not have considered it, but due to their complex designs and high energy consumption, restaurants require a very delicate, custom designed HVAC system to maximize energy efficiency. Now, in order to design the HVAC system properly,…
Title 24 Performance or Prescriptive? California Building Energy Code
Title 24: Performance vs. Prescriptive Approach to Compliance Title 24 of the Building Standards Code in California is an energy efficiency standard which is used to make sure that buildings are efficient with their energy use. It is used not only for the design and construction of new buildings but also for new additions or alterations…
What Are the Title 24 HVAC Requirements?
Making sense of Title 24 and the Building Energy Efficiency Standards can feel like splitting hairs when it comes to your current or upcoming project – especially when you are juggling multiple systems that require code compliance! But as a California architect, general contractor, MEP contractor, or project developer you may be wondering, “how does…
Sprinkler Pre-Action Systems Explained
Sprinkler Pre-Action Systems When it comes to fire protection systems for buildings, there are three basic models. Firstly, there is the common, traditional wet-pipe model, which most buildings have these days. With this model, water is constantly under pressure within the piping, ready to deploy at any time. Secondly, there is the less common dry-pipe sprinkler…
Why a Manual N for Commercial Load Calculations?
The Manual N for commercial load calculation is designed to instruct contractors and others on how to meet the complicated new heating and air conditioning requirements for commercial buildings. This manual treats in detail all that you will need to know, including the latest developments in the commercial construction industry such as the use of new materials,…
What Are Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems?
Deluge fire sprinkler systems are generally used in industrial type hazard areas which will require water to be applied over a large hazard area during a fire emergency. In a deluge sprinkler system, water is held back in a separate supply zone, and is not sitting within the piping itself that connects with the sprinklers. Nor is…
Can the AC Spread COVID-19?
We are currently living in uncertain times under the pandemic of COVID-19, and many people are worried about the ways the virus can spread, including breathing it in, touching your face, and lasting on surfaces. In April of 2020, a study was published by the Center for Disease Control that showed that COVID-19 was spread through the…