BTUs per Square Foot Cooling Calculator

Cooling Load Formula:

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

Cooling Load (BTU/h):

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1. What is a BTUs per Square Foot Cooling Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cooling load in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour based on area and cooling requirements per square foot.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

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

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Cooling Load Calculation

Details: Proper cooling load estimation ensures efficient HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, and comfortable indoor temperatures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet and the BTU requirement per square foot (default 20 BTU/h·ft² for residential spaces). 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 per square foot is common, but this can vary based on climate, insulation, and room type.

Q2: How does room type affect the calculation?
A: Kitchens may need 30-40 BTU/h·ft², while bedrooms typically need 15-20 BTU/h·ft².

Q3: Should I consider other factors?
A: Yes, consider windows, insulation, ceiling height, and heat-generating appliances for more accurate calculations.

Q4: How do I convert BTUs to tons of cooling?
A: 1 ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU/h. Divide your result by 12,000 to get tons.

Q5: Does this include humidity control?
A: No, this is a basic calculation. Humid climates may require additional capacity for dehumidification.