How can I figure out how much heat/air is escaping from an opening?

	How can I figure out how much heat/air is escaping from an opening? The building I work in has a stairwell leading all the way up through the 7 floors to the roof. The door to the roof is left open all day (don't ask me why). When I walk in the stairwell I can feel the air moving and it is freezing in there. When I stand in the doorway to the roof I can feel all the air blasting out of the building. The supervisors I work for are rather... hard to convince of things that seem obvious to me. By my guess, a situation like this is probably emptying the entire building of all of its heated air every 10 or 20 minutes... on the coldest days all the employees are complaining about how cold it is, but nobody else seems to think that CLOSING THE ONE SINGLE DOOR that just happens to be at the top of what is basically a giant chimney and which is blasting all the air out of the building would make that big of a difference. So my question is, how can I come up with some kind of reasonable scientific estimate to confront the bosses with as to why my suggestion to close the door is actually a ridiculously simple (shockingly so) way to make a huge difference in energy costs and employee/customer comfort? Asked By: tinder - 2/6/2012

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
Interesting question and bit complicated. Take a look at http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/air-specific-heat-capacity-d_705.html For dry air at sea level, it takes about 1 kJ to heat 1 kg of air one degree Celcius. - Based on the energy source (electric, oil, gas) you can find the cost per kJ. Convert watts to joules and google the efficiency of the type of heating system. ( X $/kJ) - To find the kg per minute of air that leaves the door, you might try this... Sprinkle some confetti from above the door frame. The angle at which the confetti falls tells you about the speed of the stream of air leaving the door and from that, the kg of air per day. ( Y kg/day) - Finally, how much warmer do you want the air? ( Z degC) Now you can write... $/day = (1kJ/kg.K) * ( X $/kJ) * ( Y kg/day) * (Z degC) Expect a lot of error. Think about what would be a reasonable number, it might be anywhere from 5?o 50?f the daily heating bill. Are the original assumptions good? Is the air really dry? Is the building used for warehouse, factory, office? Does the work generate "waste" heat? Can you check it out at night or on the weekend? Also, think about the positive reasons for having th door open. Does the building need the ventilation? Are there odors or high humidity? Is there forced air heating or radient heat? Do the employees complain about health issues related to ventilation at the end of the day? Possible longer term health issues? Can you take a customer survey? Will the product suffer? At the end of the day the easiest and most accurate way to know is, just do it. Take careful records several times a day for the week before, a week during a trial and a week after. Finally, about the supervisors, if they are like some of the supers I've had, you don't want to confuse them with facts and details. Can you make it look like their idea so that they get the credit and you get the blame? Ultimately, it's their job, their responsibility. You want to "confront" the bosses? Careful, the next day you might be confronting the unemployment line. Good luck! Answered By: Doug S - 2/6/2012

Additional Answers ()

Make strips of paper and put them at the door to see how much they are flowing this should tell you how much air is escaping Answered By: PRISCILLA - 2/6/2012

Figure out the total cubic footage of the building (say, 100' x100' {floor} x 10' {ceiling} x 7 {stories} = 700,000 cu.ft.) , find out the BTU rating on the heaters in the building x (?), find out the rate ($) per BTU of your area. ADD it up! Source(s): Lic.Gen.Contr. Answered By: Candid Chris - 2/6/2012

You might see if this calculator helps. It is for one room, but you can multiply it by 7. http://www.shophmac.com/info-center/hvac-calculators/heat-load-calculator.php I used R-10 and R-20 as insulation levels and preliminarily got 40,000 Watts/137,000 btu's of heat loss, per floor. Answered By: Marko - 2/6/2012

Submit your answer or comment to this question

Other Career Questions

	Manufacturer's exploded drawings, is it possible to obtain them? Just spent all morning wrestling with a thermostat in our oven, having to work out from scratch how to go about the task. Had I an exploded drawing of the appliance the job would have been a lot easier Do manufacturers allow their drawings onto the open market or only to their appliance repairers? Is there a decent web site with drawings on it (NEFF)? Thanks for reading. Category Home & Garden > Maintenance & Repairs 2 answers - Asked By: Andrew - 2/16/2013

	I am trying to create a maintenance log for tools and equipment on a commercial construction job site? My question is does anyone know any good links to maintenance sheets outlining the different milestones, maintenance, and repair needs? Lists are great too. Right now I plan to create two reports. One log detailing all maintenance to include date, cost, and reason. Then I will make a sheet for each item indicating what maintenance it will require. This second log will be done for items such as pumps, generators, gas operated tools, battery operated tools, hand tools and vehicles. I will be creating this report using excel. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks 4 answers - Asked By: Dan B - 10/31/2008

	What kind of jobs can you get with over 30 years of experience in construction? My father has owned his own small business (very small, like only 2 employees) in concrete and construction for over 30 years now. Aside from concrete work, he has done some small home repairs, c.o. work, digging foundations for houses (he has a backhoe) and the like. The thing is, with the economy how it is now, he can no longer find any work, it has been like this for a while and he is having trouble paying the bills. He is now seriously considering bankruptcy. Does anyone know what types of positions he could get with his experience? 2 answers - Asked By: Charles - 8/9/2010


Content is not owned or controlled by Monster. Any content concerns should be addressed with Yahoo! Yahoo! Does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any Yahoo! Answers content. Yahoo! Disclaimer.

Popular Questions

	Is this normal for an interviewer to do this? So today I went in for an interview and I was going in for the 2nd interview by the head chief executive. now this is where it got weird, so she asked me about my previous jobs and said how much she liked that product over that product. then she started talking about her daughter? an her divorce ...then how she didn't finish college because she was making more money doing what she did for this company ... then she talked about how her teenage daughter is a handful... I just played it cool thinking she was using some sort of psychology thing to trick me into saying something stupid. the interview ended and she seemed happy an I was escorted to the door... now I'm freaking confused? is this normal behavior for an executive? like it felt like she was going to burst into tears at one point and tell me her life problems... is this normal? was she trying to see how I react or something? 6 answers - Asked By: Clone - 11/7/2012

	What do you say when they ask what you want to be paid? ? Wen you apply at a job and they ask how mch you want as a salary what do you say? 2 answers - Asked By: Colette - 11/24/2011

	How do I get a job with Dodgy work history and no experience? Basically- no degree, although I have tried completing one in the past and stopped because of physical and mental health issues which were overwhelming to deal with along with going to classes full time. I'm not stupid and I am quite articulate. I am 23 and have only worked for about two years retail in high school and stopped working to go to university. I worked a few months in 2010 retail after I dropped out but it was only a seasonal position, and the only reason why I have not been able to constantly work is because of mental health issues. I had also tried going back to community college during my free time since i left university in 2008/9 and I had panic attacks while in community college, which made my anxiety worse from then on. Well recently I met a good doctor and he prescribed me some meds that are stabilizing my moods and I feel the best I've felt in years, and I'm ready to work. Thing is, I don't know how to get a job now since I've spent literally years being depressed and anxious doing nothing. I don't really have anything to put on my resume, and I never finished my AA degree either. All I've done is cashiering and although I do the job well and I get promoted easily when I do these jobs because I'm a hard worker and I try to go above and beyond what they ask of me,which is the attitude I have no matter what kind of work I'm doing as long as I'm getting paid. But I hate cashiering because it's too easy and I want a job that is more interesting. Any suggestions for me on how to get a job that is NOT Retail with the type of background I have right now? I also realize I have to go to college to get certain types of jobs, I am talking about what I can do right here right now. 1 answer - Asked By: Alex Prieto - 10/14/2012

	Why honesty, hard work and dedication have no place at work? Recently I have overlooked for a project at work and I am unable to accept it why? I am hard working, dedicated, maintain a very professional decorum, very cordial with my colleagues and bosses, give respect to one and all. Still people who take the p***, argue with managers, gossip mongers have been selected for some very responsible positions at work. I seriously can't get my head around it why, why unprofessional people who have no work ethics being selected over me, whereas I have a track record of excellent performance and never shy away from any work my manager ask me to do? I am at my lowest point and not getting hold of my manager to ask the question why not me, why them who can't even bother? I am feeling like a complete loser, giving years to this place, building my performance, trust and this is how I get rewarded. Why my life is so shit, anything I wish for turns to dust? 1 answer - Asked By: network7 - 11/6/2012

	I have applied for over 100 jobs I have gotten no calls for a job interview, what can i do? As stated in my question I've applied for multiple jobs and gotten no job interview, you name a place I've applied there. I've said i will work ridiculous hours from like 12am to 5am and nothing. I've said I am willing to work weekends public holidays everything and I have gotten nothing back I am so desperate for money it's not funny. 9 answers - Asked By: Jamie - 1/9/2012

	What to wear to a job interview VS a career fair? So I have a nice white button up shirt, business skirt and pants, and a suit jacket. I'm applying for a software development job and I'm very short and can look young so I'm trying to look adult, yet professional. I'm also attractive so I'm trying not to look too sexy. For the career fair I'm thinking of wearing just my nice shirt and a skirt with low heels. My reasoning being it's approachable and attractive without going overboard since the career fair hosts are mostly younger male recent grads. I want to be remembered but not intimidating. For my interviews I was thinking pants, suit jacket (power suit). My reasoning being it'll be older execs and HR people (mostly women) so less sexy with the pants but more powerful with the suit jacket. What do you think?! 2 answers - Asked By: Beast - 9/23/2012

	What career or jobs can i get after graduating Information Technology? I am currently a 1st year irregular college student taking I.T. I transferred schools and my majors never got credited. But it's okay because i am slowly getting the logics in programming in Java. This next semester i am taking a System Analysis and Design(SADSIGN) and i am getting nervous because even though i am pretty good at logics, i am not that good at coding. But since it is a case study, we will be on group, we will be four i think. Project manager, Analyst, Documentation, and the programmer. I am asking what jobs i can get after graduating I.T. because what if i graduated I.T. and still not that good at coding, i am hoping that there will be a jobs that will require less programming. Like Database manager or in Multimedia or in charge of Network. So is there jobs that doesn't require hardcore programming skills? 2 answers - Asked By: Jay p*e - 5/6/2013

	What's the difference between computer science and computer engineering majors? Can someone tell me te difference between computer science and a computer engineering major. Is it the same? 2 answers - Asked By: Rosalva - 5/6/2013

	Which of these careers would I not have a problem getting a job in? Account Executive Hospitality Manager Sales Representative Editorial Assistant Advertising Manager Hotel Manager Personnel Specialist Writer/Author Association Administrator Presenter Special Events Coordinator Political Aide Promotions Manager Speech Writer Consumer Affairs Specialist Sportscaster Public Information Officer Communications Director Public Relations Specialist Radio/TV Announcer Technical Writer Telemarketing Specialist Customer Service Rep. Fund Raiser Training & Development Specialist Events Planner Flight Attendant Youth Worker Media Manager Recruiter Market Research Analyst Community Action Director Recreation/Attractions Manager Restaurant Manager Campaign Manager Development Director Script Writer Photojournalist Advertising Copywriter Museum Director Greeting Card Writer Production Assistant Actor, Mime Narrator Stage Manager Director Impersonator Make-up Artist Stunt Coordinator Booking Agent Talent Scout Drama Coach Stand-in Playwright Stage Manager Movie Theater Manager 2 answers - Asked By: Jolynn - 4/28/2013

	Rate my resume please? I'm really having a hard time finding a job. I'm not sure why employers aren't contacting me :( I have about 4 years in expereince ( about 1 year of management) Well, here it is Jon smith Erlanger KY, USA Cell: +1-859-111-1111 E-mail:abc.def@outlook.com OBJECTIVE Obtain a position as a project manager/coordinator allowing me to utilize my administrative, organizational and problem-solving skills with a growing organization to mutually enhance growth of professional development and success. WORK EXPERIENCE ATS Jun 2012 – Apr 2013 Project Manager I: Managed projects development and staff in different divisions to achieve projects goals through practices of planning, executing and analyzing project-related tasks. Duties, responsibilities and contributions to assigned projects include the following: • Prepare and create project scopes, SWOT analysis reports and statements of work as assigned. • Visit anticipated project sites and create assessments for necessary work. • Analyze given scopes to assist engineers into reaching projects’ objectives. • Examine and manage available resources relating to materials and manpower. • Coordinate staff and arrange regular meetings. • Inspect daily operations and quality of products used on premise. • Implement solutions to resolve complex jobs relating to the project. • Manage and ensure that operations are executed in accordance to project scope and SOW. • Review and submit documents for projects deliverables/submittals and create schedules for subcontractors. • Document all events occurred during project life cycle and submit reports to senior management. Assigned Projects: 1- Conference Rooms IT/Multimedia Project Duration: Jun 2012 – Dec 2012 2- Military Base Renovation Project Duration: Aug 2012 – Aug 2013 AT&T / U-verse Division Oct 2011 – Feb 2012 Command Center Agent II: Applied knowledge to solve common and complex related issues to consumer’s services and devices. The position allowed for individual work at minimum supervision and within teams when necessary. Duties of the position included: •Provide phone/virtual support to internal and external customers. •Audit reports submitted by technicians and follow up with customers. •Implement and updated solutions within workflow system (WFE system). •Interact with IT department personnel to resolve common issues. •Provide assistance to first level support agents. •Maintain database and accounts for customers. Cleve’s Connections May 2009 – Nov 2010 IT Specialist: Provided hands-on and virtual administration for all IT related topics and managed sales for all devices and services. This included consulting, providing solutions, and improving efficiency for small businesses in design and security areas. Tasks performed while working included: • Resolve & close all open cases submitted by staff or customers. • Setup and manage user accounts through Active Directory. • Monitor network activities and logs and report system bugs, downtimes or crashes. • On-site maintenance and installation of network equipment and computer hardware/software. • Perform system setup operations and data backups as requested. • Create case analysis and audit reports given by technicians. • On-call support 24/7. EDUCATION • Devry University, Cincinnati OH Bachelor in Management Graduation: 2012 • Cincinnati State, Cincinnati OH Associate in Network Administration Graduation: Transfer 2010 To Andy: What does my Devry have to do with anything? for profit school? I'm not sure what college you graduated from, but in the real world experience weights more than a piece of paper stating you've completed few written assignments and imaginary projects. SMH! 3 answers - Asked By: Zaid I - 5/8/2013

	How can l find a job in the pharmacitical field as a sales and marketing manager,in south africa? L want to study medicine and work as a doctor but l am limited due to luck of required monyes. however l swtched on to anther career but still within my career interests as a care giver, but this is somthing to do with sales and marketing in the pharmcitical industry. 2 answers - Asked By: tonnydanabwembya - 12/24/2005

	What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and an ARNP? Is there any difference between a "nurse practitioner" and an "advanced registered nurse practitioner"? 1 answer - Asked By: lucysmom - 3/27/2006

	Are there any career in computers that doesn't involve code scripting? 1 answer - Asked By: Big D - 5/3/2013

	I'm an exellent welder/fabricator,does anyone out in Las vegas land have a job for me? 3 answers - Asked By: hubbard_billy - 2/24/2006

	What jobs can you get from going to an engineering school? The question explains it, i am thinking of going to an engineering high school but of course it will focus on other stuff too but still. What kind of jobs can you get because i dont want to be a mechanic(no offence to any) but please help me! 2 answers - Asked By: hungergameslover - 5/13/2013

	Job description of supply and logistics manager? I am applying for a job of supply and logistics manager so I need to know more about the this job 1 answer - Asked By: waelasfour - 6/19/2006

	What can you do with a graduate degree in communications? And a BA in criminology? 2 answers - Asked By: Taylor - 5/9/2013

	I want to become an Escrow Officer, does anyone know how to go about it? What kind of training will I need? I know that Escrow is within Title industry in Texas. What would be the best way to get my foot in the door. I am assuming I will have to start as an Escrow assistant and work my way up, but I would really like to find out more about this career path. How does an officer usually get licensed? Are there classes we need to take and exam to take? Any response is appreciated. 2 answers - Asked By: schang25 - 2/10/2006

	How could I better prepare myself for a second interview? My second interview is on Monday and I want to be prepared. It's for an assistant controller position. I've already met with the controller and the hr manager. Monday I will be meeting with the president of the company. How could I prepare myself for Monday's interview? Thanks! Any comments would be great! 3 answers - Asked By: Virginia - 6/6/2009

	What can people do with these types of courses? I'll be taking Programming HTML in 10th grade (I'm in 9th right now). My school offers Java, C++, Programming HTML, Graphic Communications, Robotics, CAD, and Game Design. I am taking courses not only because I want to fulfill credits, but to also test out some things and see what I like. I'm asking this in Careers because I was wondering what careers involve any of these and if they are good jobs. My cousin got me a little interested in computers because she has her Ph.D from University of Maryland, went to UMBC, taught at Carnegie Mellon, worked at IBM, and currently has a job at Microsoft (she works with human- computer interaction) I was curious, what are some good careers in Computer Science? Are these courses good ones to take to see if I like them? How much can you make in Computer Science careers? None of my decisions for the future are concrete and I do not only look at the money in anything so please, no assumptions unless you know me. I just want to have an idea of what to do and I have plenty of time. I love to help people which is why I am looking into medical careers as well. I'll be taking an AIDS research course in a few years and I'm taking a Child Development course in case I really do wish to be a Psychologist some day (Some other careers I have thought about are Hematologist, Dermatologist, Neurosurgeon, attorney, etc. I really would love to cure my parents who have Sickle Cell and Fibromayalgia but I know how Pharmaceutical Companies are.Treatment makes more than cure) t********s to anyone who can answer and help me out (Point gaming is pretty pointless. Two points vs ten? Which is more?) Thank you! I get good grades. Honor roll, honor student, I study hard and I keep to myself a lot so I have a lot of time to study. I'm cyber schooled because of how awful my old school was (kids bullied me. To the point where I could have died but teachers didn't care because my parents aren't friends with the teachers from high school. So, I just had to suffer. They lied to my parents and eventually, we just couldn't take it anymore. I got sick of defending myself against boys anyway. Thank God I'm into Martial Arts). I have been here for 4 going on 5 years and I love it! Peace and quiet....most of the time. I still live in a small town and the bullying just continues. So I have to be completely alone to escape it. Life will be better when I move to Canada. Also what you do is very interesting! Thank you very much! I can only take HTML this upcoming school year. Then the other courses become available throughout the years. I can't choose whether C++ comes before Java. It's not all available right away. It becomes available grade by grade. I heard people say $70,000 wasn't a good salary before and that really confused me. My cousin makes that much and she traveled to Spain, France, Atlanta and California recently. I think it is all interesting. New tech always did intrigue me and my mother. I'm just dipping a toe in first though. Just in case, when I go to college, my freshman year will be undecided to sit in on some more classes. I'll see what I like, this a lot, Thank you! Oh by the way, the C++ course is actually a C++ AND Java course! It's all in one. That's helpful :) 1 answer - Asked By: Tiana - 5/8/2013

Monster Communities

Teaching Community: Where teachers meet and learn.
ArtBistro: Create and connect.
Excelle: Networking for the career-minded woman.
Nursing Link: Where nurses call the shots.
More Monster Communities

Monster Partners

Scholarships: Scholarships, financial aid and more ways to pay for school.
Education.org: Find top campus and online degree programs.
Military.com: Military portal for the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Financial Aid: Scholarships & financial aid.
Staffing for Government Jobs: Staffing and hiring solutions for federal government agency jobs.
More Monster Partners

Job Hunt Strategy

Six Ways to Make a Recruiter Hate You

If you want to blow your chances with recruiters -- and, by extension, with the companies they work for -- here are six perfect ways to do so.

Resumes & Cover Letters

Rev Up Your Resume to Relocate

Hoping to relocate? Get the ball rolling on landing the right job in the right location with these expert resume and cover letter tips.

Interviewing

100 Potential Interview Questions

Interview questions can run the gamut. You probably won't face all 100 of these, but you should still be prepared to answer at least some of them.

Salary & Benefits

10 Questions to Ask When Negotiating Salary

Most of us aren't natural negotiators, but asking these 10 questions during salary negotiations can help you get everything you deserve.

Attracting Candidates

Facebook for Employers: Make Friends, Not Fans

Recruiting? Go where the talent is. See why recruiters have befriended social networks.

Employee Sourcing

Employment Index

November Monster Employment Index Grows 13% Year-Over-Year, Tenth Consecutive Month of Positive Annual Growth.

Interviewing Candidates

Improving Interview Skills: Learn from the Experts

What’s the key to a great interview? According to experts: Practice, practice, practice.

Workforce Planning

Enhance your Small Business Marketing Strategy with Social Media

Social media. It’s everywhere. But how can it help you? Learn how to utilize social media even monetize it.

For Seekers

Campus and Online Degrees: Advance your career and earn more with an online degree.
Free Salary Wizard: What are you worth? Find out and negotiate a better salary.
Research Careers: Get information on jobs and career paths to help guide your choices
Questions & Answers: Find answers to all your career related questions -- powered by Yahoo! Answers
Resume Distribution Service: Our distribution service puts your resume right in the hands of recruiters.
Resume Writing Services: Our experts will craft a keyword-rich resume that stands out in the crowd.
More Career Resources

For Employers

Career Ad Network: Target your job posting to more candidates on thousands of websites.
Hire Right Background Checks: Explore our background check packages to improve the quality of your hires.
Hiring Home Page: Find the best candidates for your business with Monster hiring solutions.
Job Postings: Find the right solution for your hiring needs. Starting at $99.
Power Resume Search: Monster's new search technology precisely matches people with your jobs.
Resource Center: Find staffing insights, labor trends, HR best practices and more.
Target Post: Connect with skilled, hourly and administrative candidates for only $99.

Social Media

Jobs on Twitter: Find jobs in your area and industry.
Monster Careers: Tune into our career advice and discussions tackling a wide range of topics and industries.
Monster Corporate & PR: Stay up-to-date on the latest news. Get the 'Who', 'What', 'When', and 'Why' on all things Monster related.
Monster Customer Service: Got a Monster question? We've got the answer. Whether you're a job seeker or employer, we can help you find the answers you need.
Monster for Employers: Find advice on hiring.
Follow Us: Check out our many pages and stay connected with the latest industry news, events, career advice and job openings.

Are You An Employer?