Phone 717-545-4067 Fax 610-340-2354
Calculating R-Values for Walls
To calculate the most accurate heat loss we should know the R-Value. Calculating R-values is not a tough job. The hardest part of this job is to acquire an infrared thermometer. Maybe you can borrow one from a friend, or an HVAC guy or even rent one for a day. R-Value is the resistance the heat encounters as it leaves the structure. This is know as heat loss. We calculate the heat loss for the an accurate way of sizing heating and cooling equipment. When the appliances are properly sized they operate cheaper and have less maintenance problems. Let's see how to calculate R-values. The outdoor temperature should be at least 15f colder or warmer than the interior temperature. The greater the temperature difference the more accurate it is. There will not be drastic change from the interior to exterior temperature from 15f to 40f. You should not do this when you are just coming
What you will need for the calculations
1. Infrared Thermometer and regular thermometer
3. Pencil or Pen
4. Calculator if you do not want to do simple math
Gathering Information
We must take some temperature readings.
1. Make sure there is at least a 15�� difference between inside and outside temperatures
2. Measure air temperature of room. Measure in center of the room as room temperatures change
3. Measure the temperature of an interior non-sunny wall about 3 ft above the floor
4. Measure the exterior wall approximately the same place as the interior measurement
5. Do the math
6. Plot the information on the R-Value chart
Sample Worksheet
Sample R-Value Chart
Living Room from above worksheet columns 5 & 6
Blank Worksheet Blank R-Value Chart
Heat Loss Info Tech Menu Q&A Forum Contact Us
Heat Loss Info Tech Menu Contact Us Q&A Forum