1. What is Heat Load per Person?

The heat load per person represents the total heat (sensible + latent) generated by an average person in BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour). This is important for HVAC system design to ensure proper cooling capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard heat load formula:

Where:

• 600 BTU/h — Standard heat output per person (sensible + latent)
• Number of Persons — Occupant count in the space

Explanation: The calculation assumes each person generates approximately 600 BTU/h of heat (250 BTU/h sensible heat and 350 BTU/h latent heat).

3. Importance of Heat Load Calculation

Details: Accurate heat load calculation is essential for proper HVAC system sizing. Undersized systems won't maintain comfort, while oversized systems short-cycle, reducing efficiency and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the number of persons expected in the space. For more precise calculations, consider additional heat sources like equipment, lighting, and solar gain.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is 600 BTU/h always accurate for every person?
A: This is an average value. Actual heat output varies with activity level - sedentary office work ≈ 600 BTU/h, while exercising can exceed 1000 BTU/h.

Q2: How does this relate to AC tonnage?
A: 12,000 BTU/h = 1 ton of cooling. For example, 20 persons would generate 12,000 BTU/h (1 ton) of heat load.

Q3: Should I add a safety factor?
A: HVAC systems typically include a 10-20% safety factor in design. Consult an HVAC professional for precise calculations.

Q4: How does room size affect this calculation?
A: While this calculates heat from occupants, total cooling load also considers room volume, insulation, windows, and other factors.

Q5: What about latent vs sensible heat?
A: Of the 600 BTU/h, about 250 is sensible (dry heat) and 350 is latent (moisture). Proper AC systems must handle both.