1. What is Conduction Heat Loss?

Conduction heat loss refers to the transfer of heat through a solid material due to temperature differences. In building physics, it represents the heat flow through walls, windows, roofs, and other building envelope components from the warmer interior to the cooler exterior.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conduction heat loss formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heat loss rate (Watts)
• \( U \) — U-value or thermal transmittance (W/m²K)
• \( A \) — Surface area (m²)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference across the surface (Kelvin)

Explanation: The U-value represents how well a building element conducts heat, with lower values indicating better insulation. The formula calculates the steady-state heat transfer through a building component.

3. Importance of Heat Loss Calculation

Details: Accurate heat loss calculation is essential for proper building design, energy efficiency analysis, HVAC system sizing, and compliance with building energy codes. It helps determine heating requirements and identify opportunities for energy conservation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter U-value in W/m²K, surface area in m², and temperature difference in Kelvin. All values must be positive numbers. For multiple building elements, calculate each separately and sum the results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical U-value for building components?
A: Modern insulated walls: 0.1-0.3 W/m²K, double-glazed windows: 1.1-2.8 W/m²K, roofs: 0.1-0.25 W/m²K. Values vary by building codes and climate zones.

Q2: How do I determine the temperature difference (ΔT)?
A: ΔT is the difference between indoor design temperature (typically 20-22°C) and outdoor design temperature (based on local climate data for heating season).

Q3: Can this calculator be used for annual energy calculations?
A: This provides instantaneous heat loss. For annual energy, multiply by heating degree days and system efficiency factors.

Q4: What other factors affect building heat loss?
A: Infiltration (air leakage), ventilation, thermal bridging, solar gain, internal heat gains, and thermal mass also significantly impact overall building energy performance.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation method?
A: It provides a good estimate for steady-state conditions but doesn't account for dynamic effects, thermal bridging, or air infiltration. More sophisticated software may be needed for complex buildings.