1. What is BTU/h in HVAC?

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

2. How BTU/h Calculation Works

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Cooling Load — Heat removal requirement (BTU/h)
• Heating Load — Heat addition requirement (BTU/h)
• Ventilation Load — Air exchange requirement (BTU/h)
• Other Loads — Additional system requirements (BTU/h)

Explanation: The total BTU/h requirement is the sum of all individual thermal loads in the system.

3. Importance of Accurate BTU/h Calculation

Details: Proper BTU/h calculation ensures your HVAC system is correctly sized - neither undersized (leading to poor performance) nor oversized (leading to short cycling and inefficiency).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all known load values in BTU/h. For precise calculations, consult a professional HVAC engineer who can perform Manual J calculations.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many BTU/h per square foot?
A: Rule of thumb is 20 BTU/h per sq.ft, but this varies by climate, insulation, and other factors.

Q2: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/h measures power (energy per unit time).

Q3: How does insulation affect BTU/h requirements?
A: Better insulation reduces BTU/h needs by minimizing heat transfer through walls and ceilings.

Q4: Should I add a safety factor?
A: Professionals typically add 10-20% to calculated loads for safety margin.

Q5: How to convert BTU/h to tons?
A: 12,000 BTU/h = 1 ton of cooling capacity.