1. What is Radiant Floor Heating?

Radiant floor heating is a heating system that uses thermal radiation and electromagnetic waves to transfer heat directly to the floor surface, providing comfortable and efficient warmth throughout the space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the BTU/hr calculation formula:

Where:

• \( Floor Area \) — Total area to be heated in square feet
• \( Wattage Factor \) — Heating intensity (12-15 watts per square foot)
• \( 3.412142 \) — Conversion factor from watts to BTU/hr

Explanation: The calculation determines the British Thermal Units per hour required to adequately heat the specified floor area based on the selected wattage density.

3. Importance of BTU Calculation

Details: Accurate BTU calculation is essential for proper sizing of radiant floor heating systems to ensure efficient operation, prevent energy waste, and maintain comfortable temperatures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total floor area in square feet and select the appropriate wattage factor based on your heating requirements and insulation levels.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What wattage factor should I choose?
A: Standard rooms use 12-13 watts/ft², while bathrooms or poorly insulated areas may require 14-15 watts/ft² for adequate heating.

Q2: How does floor covering affect heating requirements?
A: Tile and stone floors conduct heat well, while carpets and wood provide insulation, potentially requiring higher wattage for the same comfort level.

Q3: Can this calculator be used for whole-house systems?
A: Yes, calculate each room separately and sum the results for whole-house system design.

Q4: What are typical BTU requirements for different room sizes?
A: A 100 ft² bathroom typically requires 4,000-5,000 BTU/hr, while a 200 ft² bedroom may need 8,000-9,000 BTU/hr.

Q5: Should I add a safety margin to the calculated BTU?
A: Adding 10-15% safety margin is recommended to account for heat loss and ensure the system can handle extreme weather conditions.