The Comfort Zone

by Maury Tiernan
Geary Pacific Corporation

No. 04
March, 1996
Page 1 of 2

The Comfort Zone column appears regularly in the Modular Building Institutes Commercial Modular Construction Magazine

HOW DOES ALTITUDE AFFECT HVAC UNITS ?

Almost all HVAC units used in the Mobile/Modular industry have both a cooling and a heating function. The cooling
performance of an HVAC unit is not affected very much (usually less than 3%) by altitude. As we have discussed in
previous articles, the site voltage, duct size, occupancy rating, etc. are greater problems to the cooling system than
altitude. Since the cooling performance isn' t a problem, lets look at how altitude affects heating design.
To start out, we need to make three assumptions: that in higher altitudes, it gets colder, there is less oxygen, and the
atmospheric pressure changes. Think of examples in the Rocky Mountain areas such as Denver and Salt Lake City,
where altitude can easily reach 7-8,000 feet.
Given these assumptions, let' s now discuss the three types of heating used in the industry.
1. Electric resistance heat strips
2. Heat Pumps with auxiliary heat strips
3. Gas heating
Altitude does not affect the output of an electric resistance heat strip, only the voltage can do that. If the heat strip is
sized properly for the winter ambient condition, there is no performance loss, and the building will be warm. Electric
resistance heating is the most expensive of the three types to operate.
Heat Pumps use the compressor to "heat" the building by simply reversing the flow of refrigerant through the HVAC
unit. Therefore, the loss of performance due to the altitude alone is the same as it would be in the "cooling" mode (less
than 3% loss). The altitude itself doesnt cause a problem . . . . it' s the outdoor temperature. At 47 degrees F, a 3 Ton
Heat Pump will produce about 36,000 BTUH of heat (just like at 95 degrees in the cooling mode). But at 20 degrees F,
the output drops to about 20,000 BTUH. The Heat Pump alone will not "heat" the building. This is why all Heat Pumps
in high altitude applications must have auxilliary heat strips installed as a back up. Heat Pump operation costs are most
effective in the Sun Belt states where temperatures remain above 30 degrees F.
Gas heating HVAC units are more "fussy" about the altitude. Not only must the BTUH output be increased for the
colder winter temperature, but modifications must be done to the unit for it to function properly. Gas heating units have
orifices and gas valves. The higher the altitude, the smaller the main burner orifices. The gas valve is set by the HVAC
manufacturer for sea level, and every gas valve must be checked for adjustment when it arrives at the site (even at sea
level). Failure to do so will result in over/under firing, sooting of the heat exchanger, and/or unit shut down, all leading to
costly service calls ($) that could have been avoided. Also note: whenever a building is moved, recheck the gas pressure
at the HVAC unit for new site altitude.
The correct orifices may be ordered when you purchase the HVAC unit if you already know the site altitude. The gas
pressure can only be set at the site once the unit is in full operation. In some areas, the local Gas Company will check
gas pressure and even change orifices (if they have the correct size/type on hand for the brand and unit model).
Otherwise, use a licensed HVAC contractor to make the changes.
Geary Pacific Corporation, 1908 N. Enterprise Street, Orange, CA 92865-4102. (800) 444-3279, Fax: (714) 279-2940

The Comfort Zone

by Maury Tiernan
Geary Pacific Corporation

No. 04
March, 1996
Page 2 of 2

One last note: Natural Gas is considered the most cost effective method of heating, but is impractical for a mobile fleet
since some sites wont have gas lines where needed. LP Gas (propane) is usually considered (in most areas) to be the
next most cost-effective method of heating. Fuel oil may also be a choice in some areas, however it is becoming less
popular each year.
It was 18 degrees below zero in Minnesota last month. Hey you guys, bundle up and keep warm . . . until the next time
we enter . . . The Comfort Zone.

Geary Pacific Corporation, 1908 N. Enterprise Street, Orange, CA 92865-4102. (800) 444-3279, Fax: (714) 279-2940