Unlock Optimal Comfort and Efficiency with OneAir's New Thermal Modelling Service
- Geraldine C.
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
At OneAir, we're constantly striving to bring you the most innovative and effective solutions for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. That's why we're thrilled to announce our latest service: Thermal Modelling. The software we use is validated to ASHRAE Standard 140-2017, guaranteeing the accuracy and reliability of the results.
Have you ever wondered if your HVAC system is truly operating at its peak efficiency? Are you concerned about inconsistent temperatures in your home or business? Thermal modelling, also called Heating and Cooling Load calculation, uses cutting-edge computer simulation to provide a powerful insight into your building's unique heating and cooling requirements, ensuring a comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient indoor environment.
What is Thermal Modelling?
Think of thermal modelling as a sophisticated virtual blueprint of your building's thermal performance. Using advanced software and detailed information about your property – from its size and shape, to its insulation and materials used in its construction – we create a 3D model. This model then undergoes hourly simulations using historical local climate data to pinpoint peak heating and cooling loads throughout the year.
Why is Thermal Modelling a Game-Changer for You?
Precise HVAC Sizing: Say goodbye to guesswork. Thermal modelling prevents both oversizing (which wastes energy and increases upfront costs) and undersizing (leading to uncomfortable temperatures and system strain). We'll ensure your HVAC system is perfectly tailored to your specific needs.
Maximise Energy Efficiency: By understanding exactly how your building gains and loses heat, we can design and optimise your HVAC system's performance, significantly reducing your operational costs and your environmental footprint.
Unparalleled Indoor Comfort: Enjoy consistent and comfortable temperatures in every corner of your space, no matter the season. Thermal modelling helps identify and address potential temperature imbalances.
Extended Equipment Lifespan: An accurately sized and efficiently operating HVAC system experiences less duress, leading to fewer breakdowns and a longer lifespan for your investment.
What Factors Influence Your Building's Thermal Performance?
Several elements play a crucial role in determining your building's heating and cooling needs. These include:
The size and shape of your property.
The quality of thermal insulation in your windows, walls, roof, and floors.
Ventilation patterns and potential air leakage.
Window and skylight exposure and orientation, which can lead to solar heat gain (the "Greenhouse Effect").
The overall solar heat gain based on your location and the orientation of your building.
Internal heat sources such as lighting, appliances, and even the occupants themselves.
How Does Thermal Modelling Work?
The process involves several key steps:
Data Collection: We gather detailed information, including building plans, construction materials, and your temperatures preferences for each room, in winter and summer.
3D Model Creation: Our software creates a 3D model of your building.
Simulation: The software uses historical climate data to simulate hourly heating and cooling loads throughout the year. The software used is validated to ASHRAE Standard 140-2017.
Reporting: You receive a comprehensive report detailing the total and space-specific heating and cooling loads.
Benefits of Thermal Modelling
Accurate Load Calculation: Ensures your HVAC system meets your exact needs.
Reduced Energy Costs: Optimises energy usage, lowering your bills.
Improved Comfort: Eliminates temperature inconsistencies.
Cost Savings: Avoids the extra costs of oversized equipment and wasted energy.
Who is Thermal Modelling best suited for?
Although any home or commercial space will see benefits, the larger the building, the more complex the HVAC design will be, and therefore the greater the potential for cost savings derived from the insights delivered by Thermal Modelling analysis. In general, homes above 250m2 with large glass and architectural designs will benefit significantly, while any commercial building
When Should Thermal Modelling Be Done?
Thermal modelling is most beneficial when done during the design phase of a new building or major renovation. This allows for seamless integration of the HVAC system, easier installation and optimises building design for energy efficiency - all of which result in cost savings to the owner via lower billed hours by architects, engineers and HVAC Technicians.
Cost of Thermal Modelling Service
The cost of thermal modelling can vary, but typically ranges from approximately $1000 to $1500. This investment is often recovered in the design stage alone, where correct sizing and smart equipment selection can save thousands of dollars. Couple that with long-term efficiency savings and improved comfort, and the investment clearly pays for itself in no time.
Ready to Experience the Benefits of Thermal Modelling?
At OneAir, we're committed to enhancing your indoor living experience through excellence in HVAC system design and installation. We believe a heat and cooling load calculation can offer significant advantages for many (mostly high-end) builds and look forward to providing more information to anyone interested. .
Contact us at 0800-663247 or hi@oneair.co.nz to learn more about our new Thermal Modelling service and how it can benefit your home or business today.
