A graphical technique is introduced by which to do reliable cost estimating of HVAC systems for various types of buildings and facilities during the preliminary planning of a construction program. A cascading chart is presented by which to develop optimized selections from environmental design options in a cost-effective procedure akin to a trade-off study. Cooling and heating loads and costs of HVAC equipment installations are shown to be accurately predictable. The rough cost estimating of preliminary planning, which can lead to a funding shortfall and impose a compromised final design, is precluded by this more accurate graphical method of assuring an optimized design.

Units: Dual