About Heater Size Calculator (Formula)
The Heater Size Calculator is a tool used to determine the appropriate size or capacity of a heater needed to adequately heat a specific space. It assists in selecting the right heater based on the desired temperature and dimensions of the area. The formula used in the Heater Size Calculator involves calculating the heat loss or gain of the space and converting it into the necessary heating capacity.
The formula for calculating the required heater size is as follows:
Heater Size (in BTUs or Watts) = Volume of the space (in cubic feet) × Temperature difference (in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius) × Heat loss or gain factor
To use this formula, you need three pieces of information:
- Volume of the space: This refers to the total cubic footage of the area that requires heating. It is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the space.
- Temperature difference: This represents the desired temperature increase or difference between the desired indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature. It is typically measured in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.
- Heat loss or gain factor: This factor takes into account various factors such as insulation, climate conditions, windows, and doors, which contribute to the heat loss or gain of the space. The specific factor used may vary depending on the region or specific circumstances. It is often provided by manufacturers or can be obtained from industry standards.
Once you have these three values, you can multiply them together to calculate the required heater size in BTUs (British Thermal Units) or Watts.
For example, let’s say you have a room with a volume of 1,000 cubic feet, and you desire a temperature increase of 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat loss or gain factor for your particular scenario is 1.2.
Heater Size (in BTUs) = 1,000 cubic feet × 20 degrees Fahrenheit × 1.2 Heater Size (in BTUs) = 24,000 BTUs
In this example, the required heater size for the room would be 24,000 BTUs.
By using the Heater Size Calculator, you can ensure that you choose a heater with the appropriate capacity to effectively heat your space, leading to optimal comfort and energy efficiency.