Furnace Size Calculator

Furnace BTU = ft² × climate-zone factor (30-60 BTU/ft²).

Inputs

AFUE: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. 80% standard, 90-98% high-efficiency.

Result

Furnace input rating
90,000 BTU/hr
81,000 BTU/hr heat output (90% AFUE).
  • Area1800 ft²
  • Climate factor45 BTU/ft²
  • Heat output needed81,000 BTU/hr
  • AFUE90%
  • Furnace input rating90,000 BTU/hr

Step-by-step

  1. Heat output = 1800 × 45 = 81,000 BTU/hr.
  2. Furnace input = output / AFUE = 81,000 / 0.9 = 90,000 BTU/hr.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter heated area.
  • Pick climate zone.
  • Adjust AFUE based on furnace efficiency.

About this calculator

Furnaces are rated by INPUT BTU (gas burned). Output BTU = input × AFUE (efficiency). Modern high-efficiency furnaces are 90-98% AFUE; older standard 80%. Standard residential furnaces: 60k, 80k, 100k, 120k BTU input — pick the one that meets or slightly exceeds the calculated need.

Frequently asked

Input = energy consumed. Output = heat delivered. Output = input × AFUE. The label rating is usually input.

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