Commercial BTU 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 Commercial BTU per Square Foot Cooling Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cooling load required for commercial spaces based on area and BTU per square foot requirements.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and facility managers determine the appropriate cooling capacity for commercial buildings.

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 of the space (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 get the total cooling load.

3. Importance of Cooling Load Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical BTU per square foot for commercial spaces?
A: Office spaces typically need 15-25 BTU/h·ft², while restaurants may need 25-35 BTU/h·ft².

Q2: How does this differ from residential cooling calculations?
A: Commercial spaces often have higher occupancy, equipment loads, and different usage patterns than residential.

Q3: What factors affect BTU per square foot requirements?
A: Occupancy, equipment, insulation, window area, and building orientation all affect cooling needs.

Q4: Should I add a safety factor to the calculation?
A: Yes, HVAC professionals typically add 10-20% to account for extreme conditions and system efficiency.

Q5: How do I convert BTU/h to tons of cooling?
A: Divide BTU/h by 12,000 (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h).