I need to know the formula to calculate the needed btu’s to heat a given space. I asked a few years and got some great responses but the archives are a blank. Thanks.
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Competitors Method:
Formula: 100,000 BTU x Number of Fingers = Total BTU
:)
An accurate formula incorporates the temperature difference from inside the space to outside the space, the R-values (or U-values) of all the materials that make up the walls, floor, and ceiling of the space, and the rate of air exchanged. Also any incidental heat sources such as people and appliances need to be accounted for.
Essentially the total needed heat input is equal to the heat lost through walls, windows, and infiltration on the coldest day of the year less solar heat gain (if any) and the heat generated by occupants and appliances.
Kevin
Kevin,
LOL
Isn't there an adjustment factor if you're wearing gloves?________________________________________________
"I may have said the same thing before... But my explanation, I am sure, will always be different." Oscar Wilde
Yep, he switches to a fatter pencil when he writes down the results of his calculation out there on the street. It is easier to hold a fat pencil when you are wearing gloves. :)
Kevin
Get a Grainger catalog - in the back of it there's a reference section that includes a two page form you can use for preliminary residential heat loss calculations. I stress preliminary - be sure to see their disclaimer at the top of the page. ;>)
Thanks, I actually have the catalogue sitting on my desk right now. We'll see how it goes.