Enter the area, temperature difference, and U-Value into the calculator to determine the building’s heat loss. This calculator helps in estimating the heat loss through a building’s envelope.

Building Heat Loss Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the building heat loss.

HL = A * ΔT * U

Variables:

  • HL is the heat loss (BTU/hr)
  • A is the area through which heat is lost (square feet)
  • ΔT is the temperature difference between the inside and outside (°F)
  • U is the U-Value of the material (BTU/hr·ft²·°F)

To calculate the building heat loss, multiply the area by the temperature difference and the U-Value of the material.

What is Building Heat Loss?

Building heat loss is the amount of heat that escapes from the inside of a building to the outside through its envelope, which includes walls, windows, doors, roof, and floor. It is a critical factor in determining the heating requirements for a building and can influence the size and capacity of heating systems. Understanding heat loss is also essential for energy efficiency and can help in designing buildings that require less energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

How to Calculate Building Heat Loss?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Building Heat Loss.


  1. First, determine the area (A) through which heat is lost in square feet.
  2. Next, determine the temperature difference (ΔT) between the inside and outside in degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Next, determine the U-Value (U) of the material in BTU/hr·ft²·°F.
  4. Next, gather the formula from above = HL = A * ΔT * U.
  5. Finally, calculate the Building Heat Loss (HL) in BTU/hr.
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Area (A) = 500 square feet

Temperature Difference (ΔT) = 30°F

U-Value (U) = 0.25 BTU/hr·ft²·°F