1. What is a BTU to Square Foot Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts BTU (British Thermal Units) to square footage based on heat output, BTU per square foot, and an adjustment factor.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and homeowners determine the area that can be effectively heated or cooled by a given BTU output.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Area in square feet (ft²)
• \( Q \) — Heat output in BTU per hour (BTU/h)
• \( BTU/ft^2 \) — BTU requirement per square foot (BTU/h·ft²)
• \( F \) — Adjustment factor (accounting for insulation, climate, etc.)

Explanation: The heat output is divided by the product of BTU per square foot and adjustment factor to determine the area that can be conditioned.

3. Importance of BTU to Square Foot Conversion

Details: Proper calculation ensures efficient HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, and comfortable indoor environments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat output in BTU/h, BTU per square foot (default 30 BTU/h·ft²), and adjustment factor (default 1.0). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical BTU per square foot value?
A: For heating, 30-40 BTU/h·ft² is common in moderate climates, while cooling typically uses 20-25 BTU/h·ft².

Q2: When would I adjust the factor?
A: Increase for poorly insulated spaces (1.2-1.5) or decrease for well-insulated spaces (0.8-0.9).

Q3: How do I find my heat output (Q)?
A: Check your furnace or boiler specifications, or use a Manual J calculation for precise values.

Q4: Does this account for room height?
A: No, this is a simplified calculation. For rooms with high ceilings, consider cubic footage instead.

Q5: Can I use this for cooling calculations?
A: Yes, but use appropriate BTU per square foot values for cooling (typically lower than heating values).