In most cases, it is sufficient to record only heated rooms in the autarc software. However, there are two approaches, each with different levels of detail and effort:
Option 1: Record all rooms in the autarc software (heated and unheated)
How it works: All rooms, including unheated ones, are created in the software.
Special note: For unheated rooms, select the unheated option under the room temperature settings.
Effort: This method is more detailed and time-consuming, as all rooms must be entered and correctly classified.
Option 2: Record only heated rooms in the autarc software
How it works: Only rooms with heating surfaces are created in the software.
For unheated attics: The ceilings of the rooms below should be marked as “adjacent to outdoor air.” If roof insulation is present, a custom U-value can be specified to reflect the thermal performance.
For basements: Similarly, the ground floor should be marked as “adjacent to the ground.” If basement insulation exists, you can enter an adjusted U-value for the floor, and the insulation can be directly assigned to the floor structure.
What’s above and below the room?
Above the room:
Specify whether the space above the room is outdoor air (e.g. unheated attic), a heated space, or an unheated room. This significantly influences the heat load calculation. If the unheated attic is not created in the software, the ceilings of the heated rooms below should be treated as adjacent to outdoor air. If roof insulation is present, a corresponding U-value can be applied.Below the room:
Likewise, indicate whether the space below is soil (e.g. basement), a heated room, or an unheated space. If the unheated basement is not modeled, mark the floor above it as adjacent to the ground. Where insulation exists, a custom U-value can be defined, and insulation can be assigned to the floor construction.