HVAC and Major Occupancies in Ontario

Question

HVAC and Major Occupancies in Ontario

Griff Ferguson (Structural)

(OP)

26 Jan 24 22:20

I'm currently reviewing the engineering heat loss calculations for a combined garage/office structure with a residential suite above the office. The HVAC designer has assumed that the building is non-residential even though there is a residential major occupancy that would necessitate a higher degree of thermal performance from the building envelope. The area in plan of that occupancy is small (around 15% of the total area) of the building. Is he correct in doing so? Or should I treat this as a scenario where the most stringent thermal performance applies - similar to a fire safety thing. Or can I apportion the thermal performance requirements for the exterior envelope based on the exterior walls of each assembly?

Thanks.

nuuvox000 (Mechanical) · Answer 1 · 2024-01-30 16:11:08

The difference in thermal performance vs the safety factor and rough calcs the engineer puts together for heat loss isn't going to affect equipment sizing at all so I don't see the point in spending time on this further. However, if this is just theoretical or you have to check this box as a consultant, have the engineer redo the calcs for this area.

HVAC-Novice (Mechanical) · Answer 2 · 2024-01-30 17:37:20

If in doubt, ask JHA.

Normally the architect would determine what the construction has to be. The engineer doing the load calc is just using what the architect determined.

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HVAC and Major Occupancies in Ontario