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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.
Delta T is a difference between indoor design temperature (T1) and outdoor design temperature (T2), where
indoor design temperature is typically 68-72F depending on your preference, and outdoor design
temperature is a typical low during the heating season. The former can be obtained by calling your local
utility company.
Assuming that T1 is 72F and T2 is –5F, Delta T = 72F - (-5F) = 72F + 5F = 77F
If the calculation is done for an outside wall, with windows and doors, the calculations for the window and
door heat loss should be done separately.
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