Lesson 1Inverter (variable-speed) vs fixed-speed compressors: efficiency, part-load performance, inrush current, ambient considerationsCompare inverter and fixed-speed compressors for office use, looking at how well they save power, work when not full load, starting current, wiring size, and how they handle hot and cool weather in the local climate.
How inverter drives modulate capacityFixed-speed behavior at part loadInrush current and electrical sizingEfficiency ratings at full and part loadAmbient temperature effects on capacityLesson 2Choosing system type: single-split vs multi-split, benefits and tradeoffsLearn to choose single-split or multi-split systems for a 2,000 sq ft office, thinking about room control, setup cost, upkeep trouble, backup options, and room to grow in a real business setting.
Zoning needs and temperature control goalsPiping layout and installation constraintsCost comparison: equipment and laborService access and maintenance complexityRedundancy and impact of unit failureLesson 3Estimating internal gains from computers and office equipment (W per workstation) and occupancy schedulesFigure out heat from computers, screens, printers, and people in a 2,000 sq ft office by guessing watts per desk, sharing factors, and work times, then turn them into dry and wet heat loads.
Typical W per workstation and equipmentDiversity factors for office equipment useOccupancy density and schedule profilesSeparating sensible and latent componentsConverting internal gains to BTU/h loadsLesson 4Preparing a short justification statement referencing a chosen city climate (sensible/latent balance) and recommended unit specification sheet items (capacity, SEER/IEER, sound, dimensions)Practice writing a short reason for the picked system using a city climate like Banjul, noting dry and wet heat balance, and main spec sheet parts like power, SEER or IEER, noise levels, and unit size.
Choosing a representative city climateSummarizing sensible and latent loadsReferencing capacity and efficiency ratingsIncluding sound, size, and clearance dataStructuring a clear justification paragraphLesson 5Calculating sensible and latent heat loads: people, equipment, lighting, envelopeBuild skills to work out dry and wet heat loads from people, machines, lights, and building walls, then add them up to a total design load that fits real work conditions for the 2,000 sq ft office.
People loads: sensible and latent splitsEquipment and lighting heat gain methodsEnvelope loads: walls, roof, and glassUsing CLF or similar factors for timingCombining components into design loadLesson 6Selecting capacity in BTU/h and tons: rounding, safety factors, diversity and part-load considerationsLearn to pick system power in BTU/h and tons for the office, with rounding tips, safety adds, zone sharing, and half-load work so machines run well without short stops.
Converting calculated load to nominal tonsRounding up or down from load resultsApplying reasonable safety factorsAccounting for diversity across office zonesChecking part-load operation and cyclingLesson 7Refrigerant options and implications for performance and serviceability (R410A, R32, others)Look at common coolants like R410A and R32, comparing power save, pressure, flow, fire risk, and earth harm, and see how choice affects pipe setup, tools, and future rules.
Key properties of R410A and R32Efficiency and capacity differences by refrigerantSafety, flammability, and code requirementsImpact on piping, charge, and componentsService tools, training, and phaseout risksLesson 8Using simplified load sizing rules (BTU/ft²) and comparison with manual J style estimatesLearn quick BTU per square foot rules for fast office load guesses, then match and adjust them to Manual J ways to know limits, fixes, and when full sums are needed.
Typical BTU/ft² ranges for office spacesAdjusting rules for climate and building qualityComparing quick rules to Manual J style resultsRecognizing when rules of thumb failApplying safety factors without oversizingLesson 9Selecting auxiliary features: filtration level, noise ratings (dB), controls and connectivity optionsLearn to pick filter strength, noise levels, and control choices for office ease, air clean, and tech needs, with MERV picks, dB goals, smart controls, and link to building nets.
Choosing MERV rating and filter typeNoise criteria and target indoor dB levelsFan speed settings and sound tradeoffsThermostat types and scheduling optionsConnectivity, BACnet, and app integrationLesson 10Matching indoor unit airflow and coil selection to room sensible load and thermostat placementKnow how to match indoor unit air flow and coil power to room dry loads, thinking about thermostat spot, air reach, spreader choice, and stop drafts or layers that bother office workers.
Calculating required CFM from sensible loadSelecting coils for sensible heat ratioAir throw, diffuser type, and coverageThermostat location and sensor placementAvoiding drafts, short cycling, and stratification
