how do you size a hot water boiler?
Sizing a boiler depends on where you live; the altitude and longitude/latitude. A good general rule of thumb: very tight construction and good insulation= sq. ft. X 40 average construction and average insulation = sq. ft. X 50 (i.e.- 2000 sq. ft. X40 = 80,000BTU (boiler input) This 80,000 BTU's is for coldest day of year, when wind blows 40 mph....................This is just an average. Best way would be a complete heat loss calculation, by a pro! Kind regards! Happy New Year!
I definitely have an previous uninsulated 2 tale abode of roughly 1000 sq. feet.that is oil fired steam with a one hundred thousand BTU boiler that makes use of roughly 50000 BTU /hr on a chilly day.I stay in Massachusetts.there are maximum of aspects to evaluate,i think of which you would be able to not flow incorrect putting in a boiler that must be too super.desire this helps.
Other than that, you could figure 5 BTU/cu ft (in a mild climate, like San Francisco), figure how many radiators you'd need, then size the boiler from there. The easiest way would be to to call a place that sells boilers, especially one that sells to DIYers - they would most likely size it for you.
