HVAC Calculation

Step 1
Measure the area of the room and convert that figure into BTU's. The area of the
room is determined by multiplying the length and width. The measurement must be
in meters, (1 foot equals .3048 meters). Multiply the area by 337 to figure out the
area BTU.
Room BTU = Length x Width x 337

Step 2
If there are north or south-facing windows in the location, calculate the BTU for
each window by measuring the area of each. For north-facing windows, multiply
the area by 165. For south-facing windows, multiply the area by 870.

Step 3
Calculate the BTU of the number of people who use the location. Multiply the
occupants by 400 or 500 for the BTU.

Step 4
Any equipment in the room needs to be measured for their BTU output. To
determine the output, multiply the total wattage (power) for the equipment by 3.5

Step 5
Determine the lighting BTU by multiplying total wattage for the lighting by 4.25

Step 6
Add the figures from steps one through five. The result is your total heat load.
Multiply this number by two to determine the amount of cooling required .

Step 7
Convert your heating and cooling load to tons by dividing the BTUs by 12,000.
The resulting figure is the HVAC tonnage.