1. What is a Heating BTU Calculator per Square Foot?

Definition: This calculator estimates the heating load in BTUs based on the area to be heated and the BTU requirements per square foot.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heating load (BTU/hour)
• \( A \) — Area to be heated (square feet)
• \( \text{BTU/ft}^2 \) — BTU requirement per square foot (typically 20 BTU/h·ft² for moderate climates)

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

3. Importance of Heating Load Calculation

Details: Proper heating load estimation ensures efficient HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet 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: Moderate climates use 20 BTU/h·ft², colder climates may need 30-40 BTU/h·ft², while warmer areas may use 15 BTU/h·ft².

Q2: Does this account for room height?
A: This basic calculation doesn't account for ceiling height. For rooms with high ceilings, consider multiplying by height factor.

Q3: What other factors affect heating load?
A: Insulation quality, window area, climate zone, and building materials significantly impact heating requirements.

Q4: How do I adjust for multiple rooms?
A: Calculate each room separately, then sum the BTUs for whole-house systems.

Q5: Is this for furnace or boiler sizing?
A: This provides a basic estimate. Professional Manual J calculations are recommended for precise system sizing.