1. What is Panel Heater Sizing?

Panel heater sizing involves calculating the appropriate power output (in watts) needed to effectively heat a room based on its volume, desired temperature increase, and insulation factors. Proper sizing ensures efficient heating and energy consumption.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the panel heater power formula:

Where:

• \( Room Volume \) — Volume of the room in cubic meters (m³)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between desired room temperature and outside temperature in Kelvin (K)
• \( Factor \) — Heating factor that accounts for insulation, room type, and other environmental factors (W/m³·K)

Explanation: The formula calculates the thermal power required to maintain the desired temperature difference in a given room volume, considering the specific heating characteristics of the space.

3. Importance of Proper Heater Sizing

Details: Correctly sized panel heaters provide optimal comfort, prevent energy waste, extend equipment lifespan, and maintain consistent room temperatures. Oversized heaters cycle frequently, while undersized heaters run continuously without reaching desired temperatures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure room dimensions accurately to calculate volume. Determine the temperature difference between your desired indoor temperature and typical outdoor temperature. Select appropriate factor based on room insulation (typically 25-40 W/m³·K for well-insulated rooms, higher for poorly insulated spaces).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical factor value for residential rooms?
A: For well-insulated rooms, use 25-35 W/m³·K. For average insulation, use 35-45 W/m³·K. For poorly insulated rooms or rooms with high heat loss, use 45-60 W/m³·K.

Q2: How do I calculate room volume?
A: Multiply room length × width × height in meters. For irregular rooms, divide into regular shapes and sum the volumes.

Q3: What temperature difference should I use?
A: Calculate the difference between your desired room temperature (e.g., 21°C) and the design outdoor temperature for your region (e.g., -5°C for moderate climates), resulting in ΔT = 26 K.

Q4: Can I use this for multiple rooms?
A: Calculate each room separately, as heating requirements vary based on room size, usage, and exposure.

Q5: What about room insulation quality?
A: Adjust the factor value accordingly: lower for well-insulated rooms (double-glazed windows, good wall insulation), higher for rooms with single-pane windows or poor insulation.