1. What is the Supply House BTU Calculator?

The Supply House BTU Calculator estimates heating BTU requirements based on square footage and climate factors. It helps determine the appropriate heating capacity needed for residential and commercial spaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BTU calculation formula:

Where:

• \( SqFt \) — Total square footage of the space
• \( Climate Factor \) — BTU per square foot based on geographic location and climate zone
• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) required for heating

Explanation: The formula calculates the heating capacity needed by multiplying the area to be heated by a climate-specific factor that accounts for regional temperature variations.

3. Importance of BTU Calculation

Details: Accurate BTU calculation is essential for selecting properly sized heating systems, ensuring energy efficiency, maintaining comfort, and preventing equipment damage from over or under-sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total square footage of the space and the appropriate climate factor for your location. Climate factors typically range from 30-60 BTU/sq ft depending on climate severity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical climate factor values?
A: Climate factors vary by region: 30-35 BTU/sq ft for mild climates, 40-45 BTU/sq ft for moderate climates, and 50-60 BTU/sq ft for cold climates.

Q2: Should I include all rooms in the square footage?
A: Include only heated spaces. Exclude garages, unfinished basements, and unconditioned attics unless they will be heated.

Q3: What about room height and insulation?
A: This basic calculation assumes standard 8-foot ceilings and average insulation. For higher ceilings or poor insulation, increase the climate factor by 10-25%.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a good estimate for most standard applications. For precise sizing, consider professional Manual J calculations that account for more variables.

Q5: Can this be used for cooling BTU calculations?
A: No, cooling calculations use different factors. This calculator is specifically for heating BTU requirements.