Science
Heat conduction through a slab
Estimate steady heat conduction through one flat homogeneous layer.
Calculators / Ecology / Greenhouse envelope heat loss
Greenhouse envelope heat loss calculator
Estimate steady heat loss through a greenhouse envelope at two temperatures.
On this page
Envelope heat loss6,480W
Envelope heat loss in kilowatts6.48kW
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Estimate steady heat loss through a greenhouse envelope at two temperatures.
Envelope heat loss =
A*U*(inside-outside) WEnvelope heat loss in kilowatts =
A*U*(inside-outside)/1000 kWWorked example
- Exposed envelope area (m²): 120
- Thermal transmittance (W/m²/K): 3
- Inside temperature (°C): 18
- Outside temperature (°C): 0
- Envelope heat loss: 6,480 W
- Envelope heat loss in kilowatts: 6.48 kW
Assumptions and limits
Inside temperature must not be below outside. Excludes infiltration, ventilation, ground loss, solar gains and heater efficiency; this alone cannot size a heating system.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Estimate steady heat loss through a greenhouse envelope at two temperatures. Use exposed wall and roof area, not floor area, and a transmittance appropriate to the complete covering.
When this tool is useful
Use exposed wall and roof area, not floor area, and a transmittance appropriate to the complete covering.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
Exposed envelope area (m²) A | 120 |
Thermal transmittance (W/m²/K) U | 3 |
Inside temperature (°C) inside | 18 |
Outside temperature (°C) outside | 0 |
Frequently asked questions
What does this model leave out?
Inside temperature must not be below outside. Excludes infiltration, ventilation, ground loss, solar gains and heater efficiency; this alone cannot size a heating system.
How do I reproduce the example?
Enter the displayed example values in their labelled units. Apply the formula before rounding; change one input at a time to compare scenarios.