1. What is a Home Heating Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the heating load in BTUs (British Thermal Units) required for a home based on area size, BTU per square foot, and a heating factor.

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heating load (BTU per hour)
• \( A \) — Area size (square feet)
• \( \text{BTU/ft}^2 \) — BTU requirement per square foot
• \( F_h \) — Heating factor (accounts for insulation, climate, etc.)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by the base BTU requirement, then adjusted by the heating factor to account for specific conditions.

3. Importance of Heating Load Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet, BTU per square foot (default 20 BTU/h·ft²), and heating factor (default 1.2). 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 BTU/h·ft² is common. Colder climates may need 30-40 BTU/h·ft².

Q2: What factors affect the heating factor?
A: Insulation quality, window types, ceiling height, and local climate all influence the heating factor.

Q3: When would I increase the heating factor?
A: For poor insulation (1.4-1.6), very cold climates (1.3-1.5), or rooms with many windows (add 0.1-0.3).

Q4: Does this include heat loss calculations?
A: The heating factor approximates heat loss. For precise calculations, use a Manual J calculation.

Q5: How do I convert BTU to other units?
A: 1 BTU/h ≈ 0.293 watts. For kW, divide BTU/h by 3412.