Elite Software HVAC U-Factor Calculator - Basic Data Entry Instructions

The U-Factor Calculator is a software feature found in three different windows based HVAC computer programs offered by Elite Software. The U-Factor Calculator is in Rhvac (Residential ACCA Manual J, D, and S calculations), Chvac (Commercial HVAC Load Calculations based on the ASHRAE Procedures), and HVAC Tools (Collection of 13 Different HVAC Calculation Utilities). A U-Factor is the overall heat transfer coefficient of a roof, wall, or glass surface. The U-factor Calculator is primarily based on the building materials listed in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals. The calculation of a U-Factor is dependent on the resistance to heat transfer (R-Value) of all the materials that makeup the roof or wall in question. In addition to the various resistances, there is also the issue of how the materials are arranged in the wall or roof. Are there framing members involved? Is the insulation applied only between framing members like batt insulation or is it applied on an overall basis like foam board? Are there any air spaces? Is one side of the wall exposed to wind with the other side seeing only still air? The U-Factor calculator allows for all these variables in the calculation of the overall heat transfer coefficient of a roof or wall surface. Once a U-Factor has been calculated, the calculator then automatically pastes the U-Factor into the appropriate input field of whichever program (Rhvac, Chvac, or HVAC Tools) invoked the U-Factor Calculator. More details can be seen on the U-factor calculator in HVAC Tools here https://www.elitesoft.com/web/hvacr/elite_htools_info.html