Heat Load Calculations Quiz: Hydronic Heating Systems

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of performing heat load calculations for a hydronic heating system?

Accepted Answer

To determine the required system capacity to maintain desired indoor temperatures.

Answer

To estimate the installation cost of the heating system.

Answer

To calculate the volume of water needed in the system.

Question 2

Which of the following factors significantly influences a building's heat loss?

Accepted Answer

The amount of insulation in the walls and roof.

Answer

The color of the building's exterior paint.

Answer

The number of occupants in the building.

Answer

The type of flooring material used.

Question 3

What does a U-value represent in the context of heat load calculations?

Accepted Answer

The rate of heat transfer through a building component.

Answer

The efficiency of a heating system.

Answer

The volume of air exchanged per hour.

Question 4

A room has a 100 square foot window with a U-value of 0.5 BTU/(h·ft²·°F). If the temperature difference between inside and outside is 20°F, what is the heat loss through the window in BTUs per hour?

Accepted Answer

1000 BTU/h

Answer

2000 BTU/h

Answer

500 BTU/h

Answer

200 BTU/h

Question 5

Which of these is NOT typically considered a source of internal heat gain in a residential building?

Accepted Answer

Solar radiation through windows.

Answer

Appliances like ovens and refrigerators.

Answer

Heat generated by occupants.

Question 6

What is the purpose of infiltration and ventilation calculations in heat load determination?

Accepted Answer

To account for heat loss due to air leakage and intentional air exchange.

Answer

To calculate the energy efficiency rating of the building envelope.

Answer

To determine the required ductwork size for the heating system.

Question 7

What is a design temperature in the context of heat load calculations?

Accepted Answer

The lowest expected outdoor temperature for the building's location.

Answer

The desired indoor air temperature setpoint.

Answer

The average outdoor temperature over a year.

Question 8

Which of the following is a common unit used to express heating load?

Accepted Answer

BTU per hour (BTU/h)

Answer

Gallons per minute (GPM)

Answer

Cubic feet per minute (CFM)

Answer

Pounds per square inch (PSI)

Question 9

Why is it important to perform accurate heat load calculations?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the heating system is adequately sized to maintain comfort without being oversized and wasteful.

Answer

To comply with building codes that mandate specific calculation methods.

Question 10

A well-insulated building will generally require a ______ heating system compared to a poorly insulated building of the same size.

Accepted Answer

Smaller

Answer

Larger

Answer

Identical