Budgeting for an Air Conditioner

Quote of the Day

When we read, we start at the beginning and continue until we reach the end. When we write, we start in the middle and fight our way out.

- Vickie Karp, writer. I use the same technique when I am working through a mathematical/software concept.

Figure 1: Roof Top Air Conditioner.

Every quarter I have to forecast my need for capital equipment, which includes things like air conditioners for our lab. I just recently added 20 kW of capacity electrical capacity to the lab by ordering some energy-saving air conditioning units from National Air Warehouse. Other lab users have probably added another 20 kW of electrical capacity to the lab.

Since I am conservative by nature, I will assume that all this electrical power is going to be used and will end up as heat dissipated in the lab. So I am estimating that we have added 40 kW of heat load to the lab, which means I should provide sufficient air conditioning capacity to cool that load (Figure 1 shows a common type of commercial, roof-top, air conditioner [source]).

I know that my current air conditioner capacity just barely meets our cooling needs during the summer. I will be adding equipment to the lab during the coming winter and I will not need the extra cooling capacity during the winter because we can just bring in more outside air -- I live in Minnesota and getting cold air in the winter is not a problem. Speaking to a friend about this issue, he highlighted that talking to professionals from websites like blairsair.com could give me some perspective on how to tackle my air conditioning capacity issue. However, I must add the cooling capacity before summer comes. Also, by using the air conditioner I knew it would require greater maintenance. Looking for the right trusted company was a task as there are just so many! In the end, I came across, http://www.gohomeheating.com/ID/Twin-Falls.php, who offer a solution for Air Conditioners to ensure my premises is kept nice and cosy in the winter months!

In the US, commercial air conditioner capacity is specified in tons of cooling. We can convert from 40 kW to tons of cooling by performing the following calculation (Figure 2).

Figure 2: kW to Tons of Cooling Calculation.

It looks like I need to add about 12 tons of cooling capacity before next summer. I will call a local air conditioner shop and find out the cost of this air conditioning capacity and put it in my budget. I might also consider having a heating and air conditioning repair person around. Always a good idea to be prepared for the worst.