We’ve all been there. You’ve spent three hours inputting walls, windows, roofs, and internal loads into your HAP, Trace, or IESVE model. The software spits out a number: 124.7 kW (35.6 tons) .
But does that feel right?
Open your ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals. In the current edition (2021/2025), Chapter 18 (Nonresidential Cooling and Heating Load) contains the gold mine: Table 9 & 10 , typically titled “Cooling Load Check Figures for Typical Commercial Buildings.” cooling load check figures ashrae pdf
“ASHRAE Cooling Load Check Sheet (PDF)” – A one-page checklist comparing W/m² for 12 building types. (Note: Create this as a lead magnet or internal tool.) Author Note: Always refer to the current ASHRAE Handbook—Fundamentals for official tables. Values cited here are for educational illustration of the methodology. We’ve all been there