Heat Loss Formula:
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Heat loss through conduction refers to the transfer of thermal energy through a material due to temperature differences. The rate of heat loss is governed by the material's thermal conductivity, surface area, and temperature gradient.
The calculator uses the heat loss formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the rate of heat transfer through conduction, where U-value represents the thermal transmittance of the material.
Details: Accurate heat loss calculations are essential for building design, energy efficiency assessments, HVAC system sizing, and thermal insulation requirements.
Tips: Enter U-value in W/m²K, area in square meters, and temperature difference in Kelvin. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is U-value?
A: U-value measures how well a building element conducts heat. Lower U-values indicate better insulation properties.
Q2: How does temperature difference affect heat loss?
A: Heat loss increases linearly with greater temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments.
Q3: What are typical U-values for building materials?
A: Single-glazed windows: ~5.7 W/m²K, double-glazed: ~2.8 W/m²K, well-insulated walls: ~0.3 W/m²K.
Q4: Why use Kelvin for temperature difference?
A: Kelvin and Celsius degrees have the same magnitude, but Kelvin ensures positive values and proper dimensional analysis.
Q5: How can I reduce heat loss in buildings?
A: Improve insulation, use double/triple glazing, seal air leaks, and consider thermal breaks in construction.