1. What is a Heating Requirement Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the amount of heat energy needed to raise the temperature of a room by a specified amount.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals, engineers, and homeowners determine heating system requirements for spaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Heat \) — Heat energy required (kJ)
• \( Volume \) — Room volume (m³)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between desired and current temperature (°C)
• \( SHC_{air} \) — Specific heat capacity of air (kJ/m³·°C, typically 0.0012)

Explanation: The formula calculates the energy needed to raise the temperature of all the air in the room by the specified temperature difference.

3. Importance of Heating Calculation

Details: Proper heating estimation ensures comfortable indoor temperatures, energy efficiency, and correct sizing of heating equipment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the room volume in cubic meters, desired temperature increase in °C, and specific heat capacity of air (default 0.0012 kJ/m³·°C). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my room volume?
A: Multiply length × width × height of the room in meters. For irregular rooms, divide into rectangular sections and sum their volumes.

Q2: What's a typical ΔT value?
A: This depends on your climate and desired comfort. A common ΔT might be 20°C (raising from 5°C outside to 25°C inside).

Q3: Why use specific heat capacity of air?
A: Air is the primary medium being heated in most spaces, though walls and objects also absorb some heat.

Q4: Does this account for heat loss?
A: No, this is the theoretical minimum. Actual heating needs will be higher due to ventilation and building envelope losses.

Q5: How do I convert kJ to other units?
A: 1 kJ = 0.9478 BTU, or 1 kWh = 3600 kJ. For continuous heating, divide by time to get power requirements.