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Never knew online BTU calculators were such a dark art. Can you recommend a BTU calculator that left your house feeling toasty?

2 replies

Curiousthinker · 13/05/2018 11:41

Trying to calculate BTU requirements for my radiators, but different sites produce different results. Aaaarrgh.
Think I'll go with average of 3 recommended BTU calculators from you guys ;)

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 13/05/2018 13:05

Move forward into the 1980's

Work in kW.

The calculator will probably tell you the heat lost when maintaining the indoor temp 20C above the outdoor.

But to warm it from cold takes more.

To warm it on a cold night when outdoors is -10C takes more

To warm it quickly takes more.

Radiators keep the rooms more comfortable if they are long and warm than if they are short and hot.

Builders use the calculators so they can save money and increase profits by using the smallest and cheapest qualifying heating possible.

Modern boilers usually have more than enough power, so instead of running noisily at max, they modulate down most of the time and tick along quietly. You may be surprised that a 24kW or 30kW boiler can cost the same as a 12 or 15, or less. It is often the same boiler.

I'm in favour of having radiators 50% bigger than the calculators say, for improved comfort and the ability to cope with unusual cold spells.

Thermostats and TRVs prevent your house from being overheated and using more energy.

PigletJohn · 13/05/2018 20:22

p.s.

the Baxi Knowhow boiler sizing calculator (which was very popular) seems to have been discontinued now.

Do you have a hot-water cylinder, or are you thinking of a combi?

How big is your house? Detatched? Terrace? Stone walls or brick cavity? We can make a guess.

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