How to calculate heat load (a 5-step tutorial).

Calculating a heat load is necessary before the installation of a radiant heating system
can begin, sincedifferent types of radiant heating systems have different BTU output
values.A typical heat load calculation consists of surface heat loss calculation and heat
loss due to air infiltration.Both should be done separately for every room in the house,
so having a floor plan with dimensions of allwalls, floors, ceiling, as well as doors and
windows is a good place to start.Below is a sample 6-step manual to surface heat loss
calculation:
Step 1 – Calculate Delta T (Design Temperature):
Delta T is a difference between indoor design temperature (T1) and outdoor design
temperature (T2), whereindoor design temperature is typically 68-72F depending on
your preference, and outdoor designtemperature is a typical low during the heating
season. The former can be obtained by calling your localutility company.Assuming that
T1 is 72F and T2 is –5F, Delta T = 72F - (-5F) = 72F + 5F = 77F
Step 2 – Calculate surface area:
If the calculation is done for an outside wall, with windows and doors, the calculations
for the window anddoor heat loss should be done separately.Wall Area = Height x Width
- Door Surface - Window SurfaceWall Area = 8ft x 22ft - 24sq ft - 14sq ft = 176sq ft -
38sq ft = 138sq ft
Step 3 – Calculate U-value:
Use “Typical R-values and U-values” guide to obtain the wall R-value.U-value = 1 / R-
value U-value = 1 / 14.3 = 0.07
Step 4 – Calculate wall surface heat loss:
Surface heat loss can be calculated using the formula below:
Surface Heat Loss = U-value x Wall Area x Delta T
Surface Heat Loss = 0.07 x 138sq ft x 77F = 744 BTUH
(U-value is based on assuming a 2x4 wood frame wall with 3.5” fiberglass insulation)
Step 5 – Calculate total wall heat loss:
Follow the steps 1 through 4 to calculate heat loss separately for windows, doors, and
ceiling.Door Heat Loss = 0.49 x 24sq ft x 77F = 906 BTUH
(U-value is based on assuming a solid wood door)
Window Heat Loss = 0.65 x 14sq ft x 77F = 701 BTUH
(U-value is based on assuming a double-panel window)
Ceiling Heat Loss = 0.05 x 352sq ft x 77F = 1355 BTUH
(U-value is based on assuming a 6” fiberglass insulation. Ceiling surface is 22ft x 16ft)
Now, add all the number together.
Total Wall heat loss = Wall loss + Window Loss + Door
loss + Ceiling loss
Total Wall heat loss = 744 BTUH + 906 BTUH + 701 BTUH + 1352 BTUH = 3703
BTUHAir infiltration rates should always be taken into consideration. The following
formula can be used tocalculate heat loss for a room due to air infiltration:
Air Infiltration Heat Loss = Room Volume x Delta T x Air
Changes per Hour x 0.018
Where Room Volume = Length x Width x HeightAir Changes per Hour accounts for air
leakage into the room.For example: Air Infiltration Heat Loss 22ft x 16ft x 8ft) x 77F
x 1.2 x 0.018 = 4683 BTUH