The Conservatory Heat Loss Calculator estimates the amount of heat lost through a conservatory’s walls, windows, and roof. It uses the properties of the materials (U-value), surface areas, and temperature differences to calculate total heat loss over a given period. This helps homeowners and designers identify energy inefficiencies and plan for better insulation or heating systems.
Formula of Conservatory Heat Loss Calculator
Step 1: Define the heat loss formula
Q = U × A × ΔT × t
Where:
Q is the total heat loss in joules (J) or watts (W if t = 1 hour)
U is the U-value of the material (W/m²·K)
A is the surface area in square meters (m²)
ΔT is the temperature difference in degrees Celsius or Kelvin
t is the time in hours
Step 2: Calculate each component
- U-value: Determine the U-value for each material based on thermal properties.
- Surface area (A): Calculate the total surface area for each section of the conservatory (e.g., A = width × height for rectangular sections).
- Temperature difference (ΔT): Subtract the outside temperature from the inside temperature (T_inside – T_outside).
- Time (t): Specify the time duration (e.g., 1 hour or 1 day).
Step 3: Total heat loss for multiple sections
Q_total = Σ(U × A × ΔT × t) for all sections
Step 4: Convert to energy cost (optional)
Energy cost = Q × Energy rate
Table of General Heat Loss Values
| Material Type | U-Value (W/m²·K) | Example Area | Heat Loss per m² (W) for ΔT = 20°C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-glazed glass | 5.8 | Window | 116 |
| Double-glazed glass | 2.8 | Window | 56 |
| Brick wall | 1.5 | Wall | 30 |
| Insulated roof | 0.25 | Roof | 5 |
Example of Conservatory Heat Loss Calculator
Problem
A conservatory has:
- Single-glazed windows: 10 m²
- Brick walls: 12 m²
- Insulated roof: 15 m²
Indoor temperature = 21°C, Outdoor temperature = 5°C. Calculate the heat loss over 2 hours.
Solution
- Calculate temperature difference:
ΔT = 21 – 5 = 16°C - Calculate heat loss for each section:
- Windows: Q = 5.8 × 10 × 16 × 2 = 1,856 W
- Walls: Q = 1.5 × 12 × 16 × 2 = 576 W
- Roof: Q = 0.25 × 15 × 16 × 2 = 120 W
- Total heat loss:
Q_total = 1,856 + 576 + 120 = 2,552 W
Result
Total heat loss over 2 hours is 2,552 W.
Most Common FAQs
The U-value measures how well a material insulates. Lower U-values indicate better insulation and less heat loss.
Yes, by identifying high heat-loss areas, it helps prioritize insulation improvements, reducing energy bills.
Use double-glazed windows, insulate the roof, and seal gaps to reduce heat loss.