How to find out what is the power of the boiler according to the parameters. Economical electric boiler and calculation of its capacity for heating the house.

One of the main components of comfortable housing is the availability of a well thought-out heating system.  At the same time, the choice of the type of heating and the required equipment is one of the main questions to be answered at the design stage of the house. An objective calculation of the boiler's heating capacity by area will eventually result in a fully efficient heating system.

We will now tell you about the competent conduct of this work. In this case, we consider the features inherent in different types of  heating. After all, they must be taken into account when performing calculations and the subsequent decision to install one or another type of heating.

Basic rules of calculation

At the beginning of his story on how to calculate the capacity of a heating boiler, we will consider the quantities used in the calculations:

  • the area of ​​the room (S);
  • specific capacity of the heater for 10m² of heated area - (Wd). This value is determined by adjusting for the climatic conditions of a particular region.

This value (Wd) is:

  • for the Moscow region - from 1.2 kW to 1.5 kW;
  • for the southern regions of the country - from 0,7 kW to 0,9 kW;
  • for the northern regions of the country - from 1.5 kW to 2.0 kW.

Calculation of power is carried out as follows:

W cat = (S * Wud.): 10

Advice! For simplicity, you can use a simplified version of this calculation. There Wud. = 1. Therefore, the heat transfer of the boiler is defined as 10kW per 100m2 of heated area. But with such calculations, to the received value it is necessary to add at least 15% to get a more objective figure.

Example of calculations

As you can see, the instructions for calculating heat output are simple. But, nevertheless, we will accompany it with a concrete example.

The conditions are as follows. The area of ​​heated premises in the house is 100m². Specific power for the Moscow region is 1.2 kW. Substituting the available values ​​in the formula, we get the following:

W of the boiler = (100х1.2) / 10 = 12 kilowatts.

Calculation for different types of heating boilers

The degree of efficiency of the heating system depends primarily on the correct choice of its type. And, of course, from the accuracy of the calculated calculation of the required boiler output. If the calculation of the heating capacity of the heating system has not been carried out accurately, negative consequences inevitably arise.

If the heat output of the boiler is less than required, it will be cold in the rooms in the winter. In case of excessive productivity, there will be an overuse of energy and, accordingly, money spent on heating the building.


To avoid these and other problems, it is not enough just knowing how to calculate the capacity of the heating boiler.

It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities peculiar to systems using different types of heaters (you can see a photo of each of them below):

  • solid fuel;
  • electric;
  • liquid fuel;
  • gas.

The choice of this or that type largely depends on the region of residence and the level of infrastructure development. Important is the availability of the opportunity to purchase a certain type of fuel. And, of course, its value.

Solid fuel boilers

Calculation of the power of a solid fuel boiler must be carried out taking into account the features characterized by the following features of such heaters:

  • low popularity;
  • relative accessibility;
  • the possibility of autonomous work - it is provided for in a number of modern models of these devices;
  • economy in the process of operation;
  • the need for additional storage space for fuel.


Another characteristic feature that should be taken into account when calculating the heating capacity of a solid fuel boiler is the cyclicity of the resulting temperature. That is, in rooms heated with it, the daily temperature will fluctuate within 5 ° C.

Therefore, such a system is far from the best. And if possible, it should be abandoned. But, if, it is impossible, there are two ways of how to smooth out the existing shortcomings:

  1. Using a thermal cylinder,  which is needed to adjust the air supply. This will increase the burning time and reduce the number of furnaces;
  2. Application of water heat accumulators,  having a capacity of 2 to 10 m². They are included in the heating system, allowing you to reduce energy costs and, thus, save fuel.

All this will reduce the required performance. Consequently, the effect of the application of these measures should be taken into account when calculating the power of the heating system.

Electric boilers

Characterized by the following features:

  • high cost of fuel - electricity;
  • possible problems due to network disruptions;
  • ecological compatibility;
  • simplicity of management;
  • compactness.


All these parameters should be taken into account when calculating the power of an electric heating boiler. After all, it is not purchased for one year.

Liquid fuel boilers

They have the following characteristics:

  • not eco-friendly;
  • convenient in operation;
  • require additional storage space for fuel;
  • have increased fire hazard;
  • use fuel, the price of which is quite high.

Gas fired boilers

In most cases, the most the best option  organization of the heating system. have the following characteristic features, which must be taken into account when calculating the capacity of the boiler:

  • simplicity of operation;
  • do not require space for fuel storage;
  • are safe in operation;
  • low fuel cost;
  • economy.


Calculation for radiators

Let's say you decided to install a radiator with your own hands. But in the beginning you need to buy it. And choose the one that is suitable for power.


  • First, we determine the volume of the room. To do this, multiply the area of ​​the room by its height. As a result, we get 42m³.
  • Further, you should know that for heating 1m3 of the area in the middle zone of Russia, 41 W must be spent. Therefore, in order to know the required radiator performance, we multiply this figure (41 W) by the volume of the room. In the end, we get 1722W.
  • Now calculate how many sections should be in our radiator. Make it simple. Each element of a bimetallic or aluminum radiator has a heat transfer of 150W.
  • Therefore, the productivity we obtained (1722W) we divide by 150. We get 11.48. We round to 11.
  • Now to the received figure it is necessary to add another 15%. This will help to smooth the growth of the required heat transfer in the harshest winters. 15% of 11 this is 1.68. We round to 2.
  • As a result, we add another 2 to the existing figure (11). We get 13. So, for heating a room of 14 m² we need a radiator with a capacity of 1722W, having 13 sections.

Now you know how to calculate the required boiler output, as well as the heating radiator. Take advantage of our advice and provide yourself with an efficient and at the same time not wasteful heating system. If you need more detailed information, you can easily find it in the corresponding video on our website.

Selecting a boiler, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether it meets the heating requirements of a particular house. It seems that there is data on the size, internal volume. But this is not enough. A modern definition requires knowledge of the heat loss characteristic of this house. It is with thermal losses that the choice of the future boiler power is associated, which should compensate them in the course of their work.

Incorrectly selected boiler output leads to additional fuel costs  (gas, solid and liquid). Each option will be described below, but for now it is necessary to take into account that, in the first approximation, insufficient boiler power results in a low temperature in the heating system, due to slow and insufficient warming-up. The power that exceeds the required one leads to the operation of the system in the pulsed mode. It causes a sharp increase in gas consumption, wear of the gas valve. Correct choice of boiler capacity and calculation of the heating system can help reduce heating costs.

Calculation of heat losses is carried out by certain methods,  different from the climatic zone of the country. Having such calculations on hand, it is much easier to navigate in the choice of all the devices of the future heating system. The abundance of incoming data, basic and auxiliary, as well as formalization of calculations, made it possible to introduce automation and conduct them using computer programs. Due to this, such calculations became available for individual execution on the sites of construction companies.

Of course, only an expert will be able to determine the exact results. But an independent determination of the value of heat losses will give quite visible results with the determination of the required power. By entering the data requested by the program, by house parameters  (cubic capacity, materials, insulation, windows and doors, etc.), after the implementation of the proposed actions, the value of heat losses is obtained. The accuracy obtained is sufficient to determine the required boiler output.

Use of house coefficients

The old way to determine the amount of heat loss was use of house coefficients of 3 types  for individual calculation  capacity of the gas boiler according to a simplified procedure:

  • from 130 to 200 W / m2 - houses without thermal insulation;
  • from 90 to 110 W / m2 - houses with thermal insulation, 20-30 years;
  • from 50 to 70 W / m2 - heat-insulated house with new windows, 21 century.

Knowing the value of its coefficient and the area of ​​the house, by multiplying, the desired value is obtained. It was even easier to determine the required power during the times of the USSR. Then it was believed that 10 kW per 100 meters of square at the time.

However, today such accuracy has become insufficient.

What affects the power of the boiler

If it is too small, then a powerful solid fuel boiler do not "burn" the remaining fuel  due to lack of air supply,   The chimney will quickly clog and the fuel consumption will be excessive.  Boilers on gas or liquid fuel (VT) will quickly heat a small amount of water and turn off the burners. This burning time will be the less, the more powerful the boilers are. In such a short time, the products of combustion that are removed will not have time to warm the chimney, and condensate will accumulate there. Formed acids quickly will lead to uselessness as a chimney, and the boiler itself.

The long operating time of the burner allows the chimney to warm up and the condensate will disappear. Frequent activation of the boiler leads to wear and chimney, as well as increased fuel consumption due to the need to warm up the chimney duct and the boiler itself. To calculate the capacity of the boiler on liquid fuel (diesel), you can use a calculator program,  taking into account a lot of features described above (structures, materials, windows, insulation), but express analysis can be made according to the procedure given.

It is believed that for heating 10 squares of a house's area, 1-1.5 kW of boiler capacity is needed. The calculation does not take hot water in a house that has high-quality insulation, without heat loss, with an area of ​​100 square meters. m. Coefficients on the level of insulation used to calculate the required capacity of the boiler VT:

  • 0,11 - apartment, first and last floors of an apartment building;
  • 0,065   - apartment in a block of flats;
  • 0,15 (0,16) - a private house, a wall of 1.5 bricks, without a heater;
  • 0,07 (0,08) - private house, wall 2 bricks, 1 layer of insulation.

For calculation, an area of ​​100 square meters. m. is multiplied by a factor of 0.07 (0.08). The received power is 70-80 W per 1 sq. M. square meters. The boiler's capacity is reserved for 10-20%, for the DHW the reserve is increased to 50%. This calculation is very approximate.

Knowing the heat loss, we can say about the required amount of heat produced. Usually for comfort in the house the value +20 degrees Celsius. Since there is a period of minimum temperatures in a year, these days the demand for heat quantity increases sharply. Taking into account the periods when temperatures fluctuate around the average over the winter, the boiler output can be taken equal to half of the value obtained earlier. In this case, compensation for heat losses due to other sources of heat is included in the calculation.

Solving the problem of excess capacity

In the case of low heat demand, the boiler's capacity becomes certainly high. There are several solutions. Firstly, in this period it is proposed to use 4-way mixing valves in hydraulic systems. Can be applied thermohydraulic valve. That allows you to regulate the heating of water without changing the boiler capacity, due to the valves and circulating pumps  . This ensures optimum operation of the boiler.

In view of the high cost of the method, a budget option multi-stage burners  in inexpensive gas and liquid fuel boilers. With the onset of this period, a gradual transition to reduced combustion reduces the boiler's power. The option of a smooth transition is modulation or smooth adjustment, widely used in wall gas appliances. This possibility is almost not used in the design of VT boilers, although the modulation burner is more advanced than the mixing valve. Modern pellet boilers are already equipped power control system  and automatic fuel supply.

For an inexperienced consumer availability of modulation burner system  may seem a sufficient reason to refuse to calculate the heat losses at home, or, at least to limit their approximate definition. By no means, the presence of such a function can not solve all the problems that arise: if, when the boiler is turned on, it starts to work at maximum power, then after a time the machine reduces it to the optimum.

At the same time, a powerful boiler in a small system manages heat the water and turn offi am even before the modulated burner transition, the required level of combustion. The water cools down quite quickly, the situation will repeat "to the blot." As a result, the boiler operates as a single-stage high-power burner. The change in power can reach no more than 30%, which eventually leads to malfunctions with a further increase in the external temperature. It is worth remembering that we are talking about about relatively cheap devices.

In more expensive boilers of condensing type, the modulation limits are wider. VT boilers can cause tangible difficulties  when trying to use in small and well insulated houses. In this house, about 150 square meters. m, to cover the heat loss is 10 kW of power. In the range of VT boilers offered by manufacturers, the minimum power is more than two times. And then an attempt to use such a boiler can lead to a situation even worse than described above.

In the furnace burned liquid fuel (solar oil), all saw a black train for the unheated and unregulated diesel. And here in the products of incomplete combustion abundant soot falls out, it and unburnt products are thorough clog the combustion chamber. And now the new boiler needs to be urgently cleaned, so as not to reduce the efficiency, and restore heat exchange. And in fact, first properly select the boiler's power, there would not be all the problems described.

In practice, the boiler output should be selected slightly below the heat losses at home. Popularity and practical use have been obtained by boilers with VSOGVS, i.e., two-circuit heating water for heating and hot water supply. And, among these two functions on the CH, the required power is less than for DHW. Of course, this approach made the choice of boiler capacity more difficult.

Method of obtaining hot water in a 2-circuit boiler - running heating. Since the contact time (heating) of running water is insignificant, the power of the boiler heater must be high. Even for low-power double-circuit boilers, the DHW system has 18 kW of power and this is only a minimum, which makes it possible to take a normal shower. The presence of a modulation burner in such a device will allow the operation with a minimum power of 6 kW, almost equal to the heat losses in a 100 meter house with high-quality thermal insulation.

In real life, the average, for the heating season, the needs will be not more than 3 kW. That is, although the situation is not ideal, it is acceptable. The way to reduce the required power dHW systems  is the use of a storage tank for hot water. And this is very similar to a single-circuit boiler equipped boiler  . Connected through the heat exchanger to the boiler boiler, has a capacity not less than 100 liters.  This is a minimum, calculated for several points of draw-off and simultaneous use of them.

Such a scheme allows reduce boiler output, combined with a water heater. As a result, the task is completed and the boiler capacity is sufficient to compensate for heat losses (CO) and DHW (boiler). At first glance, as a result, during the operation of the boiler on a boiler, hot water will not go to the heating system and the temperature will fall in the house. In fact, for this to happen, the boiler should shut down for 3 to 4 hours. The process of replacing hot water from a cold boiler is gradual. The practice of using heated water says that even draining half the volume, which is 50 liters at a temperature of about 85 degrees Celsius and as much cold to use, leads to the remainder in the tank half the volume of hot and the same cold. The heating time will not exceed 25 minutes. Since at a time in the family such volume is not consumed, the heating time of the boiler will be much less.

Example of determining the boiler output

An example methodology for determining the power of a gas boiler from the calculation of its specific power (Rud) by 10 square meters. m and taking into account the conditions of climatic zones, heated area - P.

  • 0,7-0,9 - south;
  • 1,2-1,5 kW - the middle band;
  • 1,5-2,0 kW - north

Boiler output is determined Pk = (R * Rud) / 10; where Rdq = 1;

The volume of water in the system Osist = Pk * 15; where 15 liters of water is received 1 kW

So for the house from the example with VT boiler, in the north, the calculation will look like this:

Pk = 100 * 2/10 = 20 (kW);

Calculation of boiler output,  in particular gas boiler  , is necessary not only for the selection of boiler and heating equipment, but also for ensuring the comfortable functioning of the heating system as a whole and eliminating unnecessary operating costs.

From the point of view of physics, only four parameters are involved in the calculation of the thermal power: the temperature of the outside air, the required temperature inside, the total room volume and the degree of thermal insulation at home, on which heat losses depend. But in fact, everything is not so simple. The street temperature varies depending on the time of year, the requirements for the internal temperature are determined by the residence mode, the total room volume must first be calculated, and the heat loss depends on the materials and construction of the house, as well as the size, quantity and quality of the windows.

Calculator power gas boiler and gas consumption for the year

The calculator of the capacity of the gas boiler and gas flow for the year presented here can significantly simplify the task of choosing a gas boiler - just select the appropriate field values ​​and you will get the required values.


   Dacha: accommodation 130 days (summer and weekend), other days room temperature - 8 ° C Permanent residence

   Glued conifer beam 200 mm Foamed concrete 500 mm, plaster 20 mm, limestone cladding 40 mm Brick porous 380 mm, foam polystyrene 100 mm, plaster 20 mm inside and outside

   Plate reinforced concrete on the ground 200 mm polystyrene foam 100 mm, screed 60 mm Concrete overlap overlap 200 mm above neotapl. basement, expanded polystyrene 70 mm, screed 60 mm

   Double-glazed windows double-chambered 4-10-4-10-4 Double-glazed unit single-chamber 4-16-4

Pay attention to the fact that the calculator calculates not only the optimal capacity of the gas boiler for heating the house, but also the average annual gas consumption. That's why the parameter "number of people" is entered in the calculator. It is necessary in order to take into account the average gas consumption for cooking and receiving hot water  for domestic needs.

This parameter is relevant only if you also use gas for a stove and a water heater. If you use other devices, for example, electrical, or even do not cook at home and do without hot water, put "zero" in the field.

The calculation uses the following data:

  • duration of the heating season - 5256 h;
  • duration of temporary residence (summer and weekend 130 days) - 3120 h;
  • the average temperature for the heating period is minus 2.2 ° C;
  • the air temperature of the coldest five-day trip in St. Petersburg is minus 26 ° C;
  • the temperature of the ground under the house during the heating period is 5 ° C;
  • reduced room temperature in the absence of a person - 8.0 ° C;
  • warming of the attic floor - a layer of mineral wool with a density of 50 kg / m³ with a thickness of 200 mm.

Normal operation of the heating system is not possible without equipment such as a boiler. At the same time, the determining factor is the capacity of this installation, on which it depends, whether the system will be able to meet the heat needs of each particular room. Before buying a boiler it is necessary to perform calculation of its capacity without fail.

If this is done correctly, it will help to save not only on the purchase of the device itself, but also on the costs associated with its maintenance. Having made preliminary calculations, the owner can be sure that the purchased the boiler will be able to provide required amount  thermal energy, which was originally incorporated in it by the manufacturer. Thanks to this, the device will be able to demonstrate its optimum technical characteristics during the warranty period of service.

What is the basis for calculation?

When choosing a boiler, you should pay attention to such a parameter as power. This characteristic has an effect on the amount of heat produced by the heating system, in the arrangement of which it is important to take into account the dimensions of the rooms, the number of floors, and also the heat engineering parameters. To create favorable conditions for living in a single-story country or private house, there is no need to purchase a heating boiler with a considerable capacity.

To determine the capacity of the boiler plant first of all it is necessary to start with the area of ​​the house, which must be heated. Carrying out the selection of the device taking into account the climate of the region, it is possible to achieve efficient operation of the boiler with minimal maintenance costs.

Characteristics that will affect the calculation

The most accessible option for determining the characteristics of a heating boiler is the use of the procedure defined in SNiP II-3-79. In accordance with them, during calculations it is necessary to pay attention to a number of factors:

  • The average temperature for the territory under consideration is during the coldest period of the year.
  • Heat-shielding characteristics of materials, with the use of which the construction of enclosing structures was conducted.
  • The type of wiring that was used for the heating circuit.
  • The ratio between the area occupied by the bearing structures and the openings.
  • Clarifying data related to each particular room.

How to calculate the power of the boiler? To obtain the most accurate results, it is necessary to rely on information on the types of household and digital equipment used. They must be taken into account, as they are also considered sources of heat.

Unfortunately, most owners of heating systems do not want to spend time doing professional calculations. More common situations are when an autonomous heating system is simply selected, in which instruments with higher power are used than required. In the end, it turns out that heating boilers  have a greater efficiency, rather than the calculated indicators. This can not be doubted, given that when selecting parameters their values ​​are most often rounded.

What is taken into account without fail when calculating the boiler output?

How to calculate the capacity of the gas boiler, what data should be used for the orientation? For accurate results you must follow the following rule: for every 10 square meters of a cottage with insulation, with a height of ceilings not exceeding 3 meters, there should be about 1 kW of power. If the heating boiler fulfills the task of heating and hot water supply, then the calculated value must be increased by at least 20%.

If the heating system used in the house is characterized by unstable pressure, the owner it is necessary to take care of installing a special device, which will help raise the capacity by at least 15%. If the boiler functions in addition to heating and providing hot water supply, then for the boiler's power the calculation should be performed with an increase of 15%.

How to determine heat loss?

For the capacity of the boiler, the calculations should be carried out taking into account the fact that during its operation, there will be a loss of heat. Moreover, this applies to any apparatus  regardless of the type of fuel they use. It should also be taken into account that under certain conditions the amount of heat loss will be different:

During the calculation of the boiler, all of the above factors must be taken into account. The total power factor should be determined with the inclusion of each of these factors.

The formula for calculating the boiler output

During the execution for the boiler, the final indicator still has to be rounded, since the boiler installation there must be a supply of power. For this reason, the following formula should be used in calculating the power:

W = S * Wud, where

  • S is the total area of ​​the building that needs to be warmed up, determined by the inclusion of all premises, regardless of their destination, in sq.m.
  • W - power of the boiler plant, kW.
  • Wud. - the average statistical power factor, the use of such a parameter allows to achieve greater accuracy of calculations due to the correction of indicators based on the specific climatic zone, kW / sq. M.

This parameter is derived on the basis of many years of experience of different systems for different territories. The figure obtained as a result of multiplying the area with the specified parameter will correspond to the average power value. Wherein it is subject to mandatory rounding  taking into account the above features.

Example of calculating the boiler output

For clarity, let us describe an example of calculating the power of a heating boiler. Given that in our country the most common is fuel such as gas, the calculation of capacity will be carried out for a gas boiler.

The object, for which calculations will be performed, will be a private house with an area of ​​140 square meters. As a region, we will choose the Krasnodar Territory. At once we will specify that it is a question of a gas boiler which besides the decision of a problem on heating will supply with sanitary equipment. We also mention that the calculations are carried out for the house, where a system with natural circulation , in which there is no high pressure.

For the situation under consideration, the specific power will be 0.85 kW / m 2.

If you follow all the rules of calculation, we get that for the chosen house the intermediate calculation factor will be 14 (140 sq.m / 10 sq.m.). He was identified, remembering the condition that for every 10 square meters of heated premises there should be 1 kW of heat produced by the boiler.

If we continue the calculations, we get

14 * 0.85 = 11.9 kW.

The calculated index corresponds to the amount of thermal energy, which corresponds to the needs of a house with the usual thermal characteristics. Remembering that the function of the boiler plant will include provision of hot water for shower and washbasin, it is necessary to increase the calculated index by an additional 20%.

11.9 + 11.9 * 0.2 = 14.28 kW.

Do not forget that the system is not used circulation pump, because of what the pressure in it can fluctuate. For this reason, the figure calculated at the previous stage should be increased by another 15% in order to have a reserve of heat and energy.

14.28 + 11.9 * 0.15 = 16.07 kW.

It is necessary to take into account the heat leakage that will occur during the operation of the system. For this reason, the result must be rounded up. As a result, we get that the selected boiler must have a power of not less than 17 kW.

Perform calculations of power for the boiler should be still when the design of a particular building is being developed. The fact is that it is possible to achieve an effective operation of the heating system in the presence of the necessary conditions that are associated with the allocation of a furnace room, as well as a device in the chimney and ventilation rooms.

Power is an important parameter for a heating boiler, on which the heating efficiency of each particular room depends, and the whole building as a whole. And the calculation of this characteristic is quite a complex exercise, where it is necessary to take into account various factors.

Given that the average owner is unfamiliar with most of the parameters that can affect the efficiency of the boiler, it is best to entrust this work to qualified specialists. After all, when it comes to creating the most comfortable living conditions and optimizing heating costs, it is inappropriate to take the initiative.

The basis of any heating is a boiler. On how correctly chosen its parameters depends on whether there is heat in the house. And in order for the parameters to be correct, it is necessary to calculate the boiler output. This is not the most difficult calculation - at the third class level, you will only need a calculator and some data on your property. With all you can do it by yourself.

General moments

In order for the house to be warm, the heating system must fill all available heat losses in full. Heat leaves through walls, windows, floor, roof. That is, when calculating the capacity of the boiler, it is necessary to take into account the degree of insulation of all these parts of the apartment or house. With a serious approach, the specialists order the calculation of the heat loss of the building, and by results they select the boiler and all other parameters of the heating system. This task does not say that it is very complicated, but it is necessary to take into account what the walls, floor, ceiling, their thickness and degree of insulation are made of. Also take into account what are the windows and doors, is there a system air supply ventilation  and what is its performance. In general, a long process.

There is a second way to determine heat loss. It is possible in fact to determine the amount of heat that loses a house / room with a thermal imager. This is a small device that displays the actual picture of heat loss on the screen. At the same time you can see where the outflow of heat is greater and take measures to eliminate leaks.


Determination of actual heat losses is an easier method

Now about whether it is worth taking a pot with a margin in capacity. In general, the constant operation of equipment on the brink of opportunities has a negative impact on the service life. Therefore, it is desirable to have a margin for performance. Small, about 15-20% of the calculated value. It is quite enough for the equipment to work not at the limit of its capabilities.

Too large stock is not economically viable: the more powerful the equipment, the more expensive it is. And the difference in price is solid. So, if you do not consider the possibility of increasing the heated area, a boiler with a large margin of power should not be taken.

Calculation of the boiler's capacity by area

This is the easiest way to choose a heating boiler in terms of power. When analyzing many ready-made calculations, the average figure was deduced: for heating 10 square meters of area, 1 kW of heat is required. This pattern is valid for premises with a ceiling height of 2.5-2.7 m and medium warming. If your house or apartment is suitable for these parameters, knowing the area of ​​your house, you easily determine the approximate output of the boiler.


In order to make it clearer, we give   example of calculating the boiler's heating capacity by area.  There is a one-storey house 12 * 14 m. We find its area. For this we multiply its length and width: 12 m * 14 m = 168 sq.m. By the method, divide the area by 10 and get the required number of kilowatts: 168/10 = 16.8 kW. For convenience of use, the figure can be rounded: the required boiler output is 17 kW.

Ceiling height

But in private houses, ceilings can be higher. If the difference is only 10-15 cm, it can be ignored, but if the ceiling height is more than 2.9 m, you will have to recalculate. To do this, find the correction factor (dividing the actual height by a standard 2.6 m) and multiply the figure found on it.

Example of an adjustment for the height of ceilings. In the building, the ceiling height is 3.2 meters. It is required to recalculate the boiler's power for these conditions (the parameters of the house are the same as in the first example):



As you can see, the difference is quite decent. If you do not take it into account, there is no guarantee that the house will be warm even at average winter temperatures, and it's not necessary to speak about severe frosts.

Registration of the region of residence

What else should be considered is location. After all, it is clear that much less heat is required in the south than in the Middle Strip, and for those who live in the north of the "near Moscow" capacity it will clearly not be enough. To take into account the region of residence, there are also coefficients. They are given with a certain range, since within one zone the climate still varies greatly. If the house is closer to the southern border, apply a smaller coefficient, closer to the north - greater. It is also necessary to take into account the presence / absence of strong winds and to choose a coefficient with their account.



Example of zone adjustment. Let the house, for which we calculate the power of the boiler, is located in the north of the Moscow region. Then the figure of 21 kW found is multiplied by 1.5. Total we get: 21 kW * 1.5 = 31.5 kW.

As you can see, if compared with the original figure obtained in the calculation for the area (17 kW), obtained as a result of using only two coefficients, is significantly different. Almost twice. So these parameters must be taken into account.

Power of double-circuit boiler

Above we talked about calculating the power of the boiler, which only works for heating. If you plan to also heat water, you need to increase the productivity. In calculating the capacity of the boiler with the possibility of heating water for domestic needs, 20-25% of the reserve is put (multiply by 1.2-1.25).


To not have to buy a very powerful boiler, it is necessary to maximize the house

Example: we correct for the possibility of DHW. The figure of 31.5 kW is multiplied by 1.2 and we get 37.8 kW. The difference is solid. Please note that the reserve for water heating is taken already after accounting for location calculations - the water temperature from the location also depends.

Features of calculating the productivity of the boiler for apartments

Calculation of the boiler output for heating the apartments is calculated at the same rate: for 10 square meters 1 kW of heat. But the correction goes on different parameters. The first thing that needs to be considered is the presence or absence of an unheated room from above and below.

  • if below / above there is another heated apartment, a coefficient of 0.7 is applied;
  • if the unheated room is below / top, we do not make any changes;
  • heated basement / attic - coefficient 0,9.

It is also worth taking into account the number of walls facing the street when calculating. Corner apartments require more heat:

  • if there is one external wall - 1,1;
  • two walls are facing the street - 1,2;
  • three external - 1,3.


These are the main zones through which heat leaves. They must be taken into account. You can still take note of the quality of the windows. If these are double-glazed windows, adjustments may not be made. If there are old wooden windows, the figure found should be multiplied by 1.2.

You can also take into account such a factor as the location of the apartment. Similarly, you need to increase the power if you want to buy a dual-circuit boiler (for heating hot water).

Calculation by volume

In the case of determining the capacity of the heating boiler for the apartment, you can use a different technique, which is based on the norms of SNiPa. They are prescribed norms for heating buildings:

  • for heating one cubic meter in a panel house requires 41 watts of heat;
  • for compensation of heat losses in brick - 34 Tues.

To use this method, you need to know the total amount of rooms. In principle, this approach is more correct, since it immediately takes into account the height of the ceilings. There may be a slight difficulty: we usually know the area of ​​our apartment. The volume will have to be calculated. To do this, multiply the total heated area by the height of the ceilings. We obtain the required volume.


An example of calculating the boiler output for heating an apartment. Let the apartment is on the third floor of a five-story brick house. Its total area is 87 square meters. m, ceiling height of 2.8 m.

  1. We find the volume. 87 * 2.7 = 234.9 cu. m.
  2. Round up - 235 cu. m.
  3. We consider the required power: 235 cu. m * 34 W = 7990 W or 7.99 kW.
  4. Round off, we get 8 kW.
  5. Since there are heated apartments at the top and bottom, we use a coefficient of 0.7. 8 kW * 0.7 = 5.6 kW.
  6. Round: 6 kW.
  7. The boiler will heat and water for domestic needs. To this we will give a stock of 25%. 6 kW * 1,25 = 7,5 kW.
  8. The windows in the apartment did not change, they were old and wooden. Therefore, we use an incremental factor of 1.2: 7.5 kW * 1.2 = 9 kW.
  9. Two walls in the apartment are external, therefore, we multiply the figure found by 1,2: 9 kW * 1,2 = 10,8 kW.
  10. Round off: 11 kW.

In general, here is this technique. In principle, it can also be used to calculate the boiler output for a brick house. For other types of building materials, the norms are not prescribed, and a panel private house is a rarity.