https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/latent-heat-is-the-wicked-witch-of-the-south/ Building science knowledge, HVAC design, & fun Mon, 19 Jul 2021 22:56:32 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/latent-heat-is-the-wicked-witch-of-the-south/#comment-5844 Fri, 21 Jun 2013 22:46:48 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=latent-heat-is-the-wicked-witch-of-the-south#comment-5844 In our hot, dry climate on
In our hot, dry climate on the West Coast, home performance experts melt the wicked witch by designing for a minimum of 500 CFM of airflow across the coil per AC ton, and utilize long fan over-run times to re-evaporate condensate between cycles (when used with leak free, very high performance distribution systems). In fact, it’s the inability to create this condition using popular “green” technologies that is one of the main reasons we think ductless mini splits are not an appropriate primary application for our climate.  
 
Average new homes studied in CA have only 326 CFM per ton, which causes more latent heat removal as Allison explained, lowering the efficiency and further drying already very dry air in homes. Existing homes average even lower- at below 300 CFM/ton. And the cooler you like your home, the dryer your air will be.  
 
Among other health and comfort issues caused by overly dry air, one of the main ones studied is respiratory and sinus irritation and infections, something much more common* and irritating than a long pointed nose, green skin, and a cackling sinister laugh!  
 
(*every American is suspected to have a respiratory infection once each year.) 
 
 

]]> https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/latent-heat-is-the-wicked-witch-of-the-south/#comment-5843 Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:52:59 +0000 http://energyvanguard.flywheelsites.com/?blog_post=latent-heat-is-the-wicked-witch-of-the-south#comment-5843 On a typical AC system
On a typical AC system sensuble and latent capacity can be traded by varying the blower speed. Lower blower speed is colder coil andmore latent heat removal. It comescat the expense of less sensible heat removal.

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