1. What is BTU/h in HVAC?

BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) is the standard measurement of heating and cooling capacity in HVAC systems. It represents the amount of heat energy needed to raise or lower the temperature of a building.

2. How Building Load Calculation Works

Professional HVAC load calculation software considers:

Key Factors:

• Building square footage and layout
• Insulation levels and window types
• Local climate conditions
• Occupancy and equipment heat loads
• Air infiltration rates

Note: This calculator provides a simplified estimation. Professional software performs detailed heat balance calculations.

3. Importance of Accurate Load Calculation

Details: Proper sizing prevents energy waste (oversizing) or inadequate comfort (undersizing). Accurate calculations can save 20-30% on energy costs compared to rule-of-thumb sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: For best results, consult with an HVAC professional who can perform Manual J or similar detailed calculations using specialized software.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/h measures energy transfer rate (power). HVAC systems are rated in BTU/h capacity.

Q2: How accurate is this calculator?
A: This provides a rough estimate. Professional load calculations consider dozens of additional factors like window orientation, insulation R-values, and local weather data.

Q3: What's Manual J calculation?
A: It's the industry-standard residential load calculation method in North America, required by most building codes.

Q4: Why not just use square footage?
A: Square footage alone ignores critical factors like insulation, air leakage, and solar gain that dramatically affect heating/cooling needs.

Q5: What about latent load?
A: Professional calculations separate sensible (temperature) and latent (humidity) loads, which this simplified calculator doesn't address.