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Heat Load Equation:
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House heat load refers to the amount of heating required to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures during cold weather. It represents the total heat loss from a building that must be compensated by the heating system.
The calculator uses the heat load equation:
Where:
Explanation: This simplified calculation estimates heating requirements based on floor area and a standard heat load factor ranging from 20-30 BTU/ft² depending on insulation quality and climate.
Details: Accurate heat load calculation is essential for proper HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, comfort maintenance, and avoiding oversized or undersized heating equipment.
Tips: Enter the total floor area in square feet and select an appropriate factor (20 for well-insulated homes, 25 for average, 30 for poorly insulated or cold climates). All values must be valid (area > 0, factor between 20-30).
Q1: What factors affect heat load besides area?
A: Insulation quality, window types, ceiling height, climate zone, building orientation, and air infiltration all significantly impact heat load requirements.
Q2: How accurate is this simplified calculation?
A: This provides a rough estimate. Professional Manual J calculations consider more variables for precise sizing of heating systems.
Q3: When should I use higher factor values?
A: Use higher values (25-30 BTU/ft²) for older homes, poor insulation, large windows, or colder climate zones.
Q4: Can this be used for commercial buildings?
A: This calculator is designed for residential applications. Commercial buildings require more complex calculations due to different usage patterns and construction.
Q5: What's the difference between heat load and cooling load?
A: Heat load calculates heating requirements for cold weather, while cooling load calculates air conditioning needs for warm weather, considering different factors like solar gain and internal heat sources.