BTU Calculator for Garage Heaters

Heating Load Formula:

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

Required Heating Load (BTU/h):

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1. What is a BTU Calculator for Garage Heaters?

Definition: This calculator estimates the heating load (in BTUs per hour) required to properly heat a garage space.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and contractors determine the appropriate size of garage heater needed for efficient heating.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

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

Where:

\( Q \) — Heating load (BTU/h)
\( A \) — Garage area (square feet)
\( \text{BTU/ft}^2 \) — Base heating requirement per square foot
\( F_g \) — Garage-specific adjustment factor

Explanation: The base heating requirement is multiplied by the garage area and adjusted for garage-specific factors like insulation and ceiling height.

3. Importance of Proper BTU Calculation

Details: Correct sizing ensures efficient operation, prevents energy waste, and maintains comfortable temperatures in the garage space.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the garage area in square feet, base BTU requirement (default 30 BTU/h·ft²), and garage factor (default 1.5). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical BTU/ft² for garages?
A: Most garages need 30-50 BTU/h per square foot, depending on climate and insulation.

Q2: Why is the garage factor higher than 1?
A: Garages typically have higher heat loss due to poor insulation, large doors, and concrete floors.

Q3: When should I adjust the garage factor?
A: Use lower factors (1.2-1.3) for insulated garages, higher (1.7-2.0) for uninsulated spaces in cold climates.

Q4: How do I measure my garage area?
A: Multiply length by width of your garage space in feet.

Q5: Should I round up the calculated BTU value?
A: Yes, it's recommended to round up to the nearest standard heater size for optimal performance.