How to calculate heat loss of a building on your own

Calculation of heat loss at home can be ordered from a specialized company. True, it is not cheap, and it will be impossible to check the results. It is quite another matter if you learn to analyze the heat loss in the house yourself. Then you will not have to pay anyone, and you will be 100% sure of your calculations.

The amount of heat lost by the building for a certain unit of time, and is called heat loss. This variable is not constant. It depends on the seasonal temperature variations, as well as the heat-shielding properties of the enclosing structures (such as walls, windows, floors, etc.). Significant heat losses occur and because of drafts - the air entering the room is called scientific infiltration. A great way to deal with them is the installation of modern double-glazed windows. Calculation of heat losses must take into account all these factors.

All construction and finishing materials differ in their characteristics and, consequently, heat engineering qualities. Their structure is often inhomogeneous, consists of several layers, and sometimes has closed air layers. Calculate the heat loss of this entire design can be, by adding the indicators for each of the layers.

The main characteristic of materials in our calculations is the heat transfer resistance index . It will show how much heat the part of the enclosing structure (for example, 1 m ² ) will lose at a certain temperature drop.

We have the following formula: R = DT / Q

· DT is an indicator of the temperature difference;

· Q is the amount of W / m ^{2 of} heat that the design loses;

· R is the coefficient of heat transfer resistance.

All these indicators can be easily calculated using SNiP. They contain information on most traditional building materials. As for modern structures (double-glazed windows, plasterboard and others), the required data can be obtained from the manufacturer.

Thus, it is possible to calculate the heat losses for each enclosing structure. Particular attention should be paid to exterior walls, attic floors, areas above the cold cellars and unheated floors. Additional heat losses occur through doors and windows (in particular, facing north and east), as well as external gates in the absence of a vestibule.

Calculation of heat loss of the building is made in respect of the most unfavorable period of the year. In other words, the most frosty and windy week is taken. Summarizing the heat loss thus, it is possible to determine the required power of all the heating devices in the room, which are necessary for its comfortable heating. These calculations will also help determine the "weak link" in the thermal insulation system and take additional measures.

The calculation can also be done on the basis of averaged indicators. For example, for one- and two-story buildings with a minimum air temperature of -25 ° C heat per one square meter will require 213 watts. For buildings with high-quality modern insulation, this figure is reduced to 173 watts, or even less.

Based on all of the above, we can say that to save on quality insulation should not. In conditions of constant increase of prices for energy carriers, proper insulation and ventilation of structures lead to significant benefits.