What is a BTU?
A BTU or British Thermal Unit is the amount of heat required to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree fahrenheit. All gas appliances are rated in BTU’s/hr Input which is an approximation of the amount of gas consumed on full fire in one hour as expressed in terms of the heat potential of the gas. Depending on the design and efficiency of the appliance, a certain proportion of the heat generated from burning ends up as useful heat in the room (Heat Output) while some portion is lost to vents and chimneys (Flue Loss). We encourage the use of efficient appliances in a 70% + range, both for the benefits they provide to the homeowner and as a means of conserving fuel for. Efficiency is determined at full fire, without optional blowers, and after the heater is up to operating temperatures.
BTU stands for “British Thermal Unit”. It is the amount of heat needed to raise temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. RIGHT! So how many BTUs will actually need? It all depends on the design and efficiency of the appliance, a certain proportion of the heat generated from burning ends up as useful heat in the room (Heat Output) while some portion is lost to vents and chimneys (Flue Loss). The amount of heat you will require will depend on a number of factors such as room size, insulation levels, amount and type of windows, climate and the type and use of other heating systems in the home. It will also vary from hour to hour, day to day and season to season because of these same factors. To give you a general guideline, studies average winter home heat requirement was between 10,000 and 20,000 BTU/hr. Valor For more information on BTUs and BTU calculation guide visit www.valorflame.
