BTU Heating per Square Foot

BTU Heating Formula:

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

Total Heating Required (BTU/h):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is BTU Heating per Square Foot?

Definition: This calculator estimates the total British Thermal Units (BTU) required to heat a space based on its area and BTU requirements per square foot.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and homeowners determine heating requirements for residential or commercial spaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

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

Where:

\( Q \) — Total heating required (BTU/h)
\( A \) — Area to be heated (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 determine the total heating capacity needed.

3. Importance of BTU Calculation

Details: Proper BTU calculation ensures efficient heating system sizing, energy efficiency, and comfort in the heated space.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical BTU per square foot requirement?
A: Typically 20 BTU/h·ft² for moderate climates, 30-35 for cold climates, and 10-15 for mild climates.

Q2: Should I adjust for ceiling height?
A: Yes, for ceilings over 8 feet, multiply the result by (ceiling height ÷ 8).

Q3: What other factors affect heating requirements?
A: Insulation quality, window area, climate zone, and building materials all impact heating needs.

Q4: Is this for central heating or space heaters?
A: This calculation applies to both, though space heaters may need additional calculations for specific rooms.

Q5: How do I convert BTU to other units?
A: 1 BTU/h ≈ 0.293 watts. For tons of cooling (AC), divide BTU by 12,000.