1. What is a Whole House Heat Loss Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the total heat loss of a building based on its thermal properties and environmental conditions.

Purpose: It helps homeowners, architects, and engineers determine heating requirements and improve energy efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Total heat loss (Watts)
• \( U \) — U-value/Heat transfer coefficient (W/m²K)
• \( A \) — Surface area through which heat is lost (m²)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between inside and outside (Kelvin)
• \( \text{losses} \) — Additional heat losses through ventilation, etc. (Watts)

Explanation: The formula calculates conductive heat loss through building elements plus any additional losses.

3. Importance of Heat Loss Calculation

Details: Accurate heat loss calculations ensure proper heating system sizing, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the U-value of building elements, total surface area, temperature difference, and any additional losses. All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical U-value for walls?
A: Modern insulated walls typically have U-values between 0.1-0.3 W/m²K, while older walls may be 1.0-2.0 W/m²K.

Q2: How do I calculate ΔT?
A: Subtract the outside temperature from the desired inside temperature (both in °C or K).

Q3: What are "additional losses"?
A: These include ventilation losses, air infiltration, and thermal bridging not accounted for in the U-value calculation.

Q4: Should I calculate for each building element separately?
A: For accurate results, calculate walls, windows, roof, and floor separately then sum the results.

Q5: How does this relate to heating system sizing?
A: Your heating system should have slightly more capacity than your calculated heat loss to account for extreme conditions.