1. What is a Heat Pump Square Footage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the required heat pump size (in tons) based on your home's square footage and climate factors.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine the appropriate heat pump capacity for efficient heating and cooling.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Size} \) — Heat pump capacity (tons)
• \( \text{sq ft} \) — Area to be conditioned (square feet)
• \( \text{factor} \) — Climate factor (BTU/h per sq ft)
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (BTU/h to tons)

Explanation: The square footage is multiplied by a climate-specific factor to estimate total BTU requirements, then converted to tons.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correct heat pump sizing ensures energy efficiency, proper humidity control, and system longevity. Oversized units short-cycle, while undersized units struggle to maintain temperature.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your home's total conditioned square footage and select an appropriate climate factor (default 30 BTU/h sq ft for moderate climates).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What climate factor should I use?
A: Use 25-30 for moderate climates, 30-35 for cold climates, and 35-40 for very cold climates. Hot climates may use 20-25.

Q2: Why divide by 12000?
A: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hour. This converts BTU requirements to standard HVAC tonnage.

Q3: Does this include ductwork losses?
A: No, this is a basic calculation. For precise sizing, consult an HVAC professional who can account for duct efficiency, insulation, and other factors.

Q4: How does ceiling height affect this?
A: For ceilings over 8 feet, multiply the square footage by (ceiling height ÷ 8) before using the calculator.

Q5: What about windows and insulation?
A: Poor insulation or many windows may require increasing the climate factor by 5-10 points.