1. What is Home Heating BTU per Square Foot?

Definition: This calculator estimates the heating load in BTUs (British Thermal Units) required for a home based on its area and climate factors.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine appropriate heating system capacity for residential spaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heating load (BTU/hour)
• \( A \) — Area of the space (square feet)
• \( \text{BTU/ft}^2 \) — BTU requirement per square foot (typically 20-30 BTU/h·ft²)

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

3. Importance of Heating Load Calculation

Details: Proper heating load estimation ensures comfortable indoor temperatures, energy efficiency, and correctly sized HVAC equipment.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical BTU per square foot value?
A: For moderate climates: 20-30 BTU/h·ft². Colder climates may require 30-45 BTU/h·ft².

Q2: Does this account for insulation quality?
A: No, adjust the BTU/ft² value higher for poor insulation or lower for excellent insulation.

Q3: Should I include all floors in the area?
A: Yes, include the total heated area of all floors in your calculation.

Q4: How does ceiling height affect this?
A: For ceilings over 8 feet, increase BTU/ft² by 10% per additional foot.

Q5: Does this include heat loss through windows?
A: The standard BTU/ft² factors account for typical window areas. For many/large windows, increase BTU/ft².