BTU Heat per Square Foot

Heating Load Formula:

\[ Q = A \times \text{BTU/ft}^2 \]

Heating Load (BTU/h):

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1. What is BTU Heat per Square Foot?

Definition: This calculator estimates the heating load in BTUs per hour based on the area in square feet and the BTU requirement per square foot.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and homeowners determine the heating capacity needed for a space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = A \times \text{BTU/ft}^2 \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Heating load (BTU/h)
\( A \) — Area (square feet)
\( \text{BTU/ft}^2 \) — BTU requirement per square foot (BTU/h·ft²)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by the BTU requirement per square foot to get the total heating load needed.

3. Importance of Heating Load Calculation

Details: Proper heating load estimation ensures efficient HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet and BTU requirement per square foot (default 20 BTU/h·ft²). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical BTU per square foot value?
A: Most homes need 20-30 BTU per square foot, but this varies by climate, insulation, and other factors.

Q2: How do I adjust for different climates?
A: Use higher values (30-40 BTU/ft²) for colder climates and lower values (15-20 BTU/ft²) for milder climates.

Q3: Does this include heat loss factors?
A: The BTU/ft² value should already account for typical heat loss through walls, windows, etc.

Q4: How do I find the area of my space?
A: Multiply length by width of each room and sum all areas that need heating.

Q5: Should I add any safety factor?
A: Consider adding 10-20% to the calculated value for extreme weather conditions.