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Calculating a heat load is necessary before the installation of a radiant heating system can begin,
since different types of radiant heating systems have different BTU output values.
A typical heat load calculation consists of surface heat loss calculation and heat loss due to air
infiltration. Both should be done separately for every room in the house, so having a floor plan
with dimensions of all walls, floors, ceiling, as well as doors and windows is a good place to
start.
Below is a sample 6-step manual to surface heat loss calculation:
Use “Typical R-values and U-values” guide to obtain the wall R-value.
Follow the steps 1 through 4 to calculate heat loss separately for windows, doors, and ceiling.
Total Wall heat loss = Wall loss + Window Loss + Door loss + Ceiling loss
Total Wall heat loss = 744 BTUH + 906 BTUH + 701 BTUH + 1352 BTUH = 3703 BTUH
Air infiltration rates should always be taken into consideration. The following formula can be
used to calculate heat loss for a room due to air infiltration:
Air Infiltration Heat Loss = Room Volume x Delta T x Air Changes per Hour x 0.018
For example: Air Infiltration Heat Loss = (22ft x 16ft x 8ft) x 77F x 1.2 x 0.018 = 4683 BTUH
For actual calculations, contact your contractor or system designer.