Calculating Conditioned Floor Area
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I’m calculating the conditioned floor area to determine ventilation needs for my new construction home. Is the floor of an open loft included?
My home is a 26 x 48 timberframe on a slab. Half of the ground floor–26 x 24–is an open “great room” with kitchen, dining, and living space. Above the kitchen is a 13 x 12 loft open to the “great room.” Is the area of the loft included in the total conditioned floor area?
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Replies
Alan,
I'll give your post a bump. My layman's understanding of the ASHRAE ventilation guidelines is they are more of a ballpark than a precise formula for calculating rates. That is, I don't think the loft really matters. But let's see if one of the experts will chime in.
Agreed, I'd focus more on using low VOC materials, good/comfortable/safe kitchen exhaust and assuring 15+ CFM/person to all long term occupied, closed door rooms (eg, bedrooms, office).
Steve/Jon, thanks for your thoughts. Decided not to include the loft area. Should someone with more knowledge on the subject see this, I'd love to learn more.