1. What is a Cooling Load Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cooling capacity needed (in BTUs) based on room area and cooling requirements per square foot.

Purpose: Helps determine the appropriate size of air conditioning units for residential or commercial spaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Cooling load (BTU/h)
• \( A \) — Area to be cooled (square feet)
• \( \text{BTU/ft}^2 \) — Cooling requirement per square foot

Explanation: The area is multiplied by the BTU requirement per square foot to determine total cooling capacity needed.

3. Importance of Proper Cooling Load Calculation

Details: Accurate calculations ensure energy efficiency, proper humidity control, and prevent AC unit over/under sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area (default 800 sq ft) and BTU 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: For residential spaces, 20 BTU/h·ft² is common, but this varies by climate, insulation, and room usage.

Q2: Why is 800 sq ft used as default?
A: This represents a medium-sized room or small apartment, a common use case for AC sizing.

Q3: When would I need a higher BTU/ft² value?
A: For rooms with high heat loads (kitchens, sunrooms), poor insulation, or in very hot climates.

Q4: How do I adjust for multiple rooms?
A: Calculate each room separately or use the total area with appropriate BTU/ft² for the entire space.

Q5: Does this include other factors like windows or occupancy?
A: No, this is a basic calculation. For precise results, consider professional Manual J calculations.