Prepare for Heating and Cooling Loads Analysis

Before performing a heating and cooling loads analysis, prepare the building model.

1. Add spaces and zones to the model.

   See Spaces and Zones.

   Note: Assign all spaces in the model to a zone other than the Default zone. However, spaces that remain in the Default zone are included in heating and cooling loads calculations.
2. Specify area and volume settings:
   1. Click Architecture tabRoom & Area panel drop-down (Area and Volume Computations).
   2. On the Computations tab of the Area and Volume Computations dialog, under Volume Computations, select Areas and Volumes.
      Note: The Areas and Volumes option should always be selected. If this option was not selected when spaces were placed in the building model, select Areas and Volumes, and then verify the vertical extents and the volumes of all spaces to confirm that they are as designed.
   3. Under Room Area Computation, verify that At wall finish is selected.

      This setting specifies where on the wall the volume is calculated.

   4. Click OK.
3. Specify building parameters for the analysis:
   1. Click Analyze tabReports and Schedules tab Heating and Cooling Loads.
   2. On the General tab of the Heating and Cooling Loads dialog, define the parameters as appropriate.

      See About the General Tab.

4. Specify building type settings:
   1. Click Manage tabSettings tabMEP Settings drop-downBuilding/Space Type Settings.
   2. In the Building/Space Type Settings dialog, select Building Type, and select a building type from the list.

      You can use the filter to search for a specific building type.

   3. In the right panel, adjust individual parameters as needed.
   4. For each schedule (Occupancy, Lighting, and Power Schedule), click in the Value column and click to open the Schedule Settings dialog, and select or adjust a schedule.
   5. For Opening Time and Closing Time, click in the Value column, and click to open the Time Setting dialog and specify operational hours.

      In the Time Setting dialog, use the up/down arrows (or type in the box) to adjust the time for the opening or closing time for the building.