Design load calculations which depend on the thermal characteristics of the building structure such as the wall, roof, and fenestration provide the basic data for selecting an HVAC system and its equipment. Most of domestic multi-family houses include a high thermal storage layer like massive concrete structure and a floor heating structure. This study is to compare the results of the design heating load between steady state and unsteady state calculation in order to comprehend the thermal storage effect in multi-family houses. The design heating load under the steady state calculation is estimated from 5.4% to 7.8% larger than that under the unsteady state in the typical floor of a multi-family house model. The design heating load considered the safety factors like a orientation and location factor also is 21.4% to 26.5% larger than that by the unsteady state calculation. So, the safety factors for use of the practicing engineer are analyzed as the main factor of a heating plant oversizing.
