Heat contributed by occupants?

[easternbob]

Looked around on the web some but couldn't find any concenious as to how much heat the occupant of a house contributes to warming the house. Just built a new house and really notice that when we have company over the house gets warms up pretty quick. Any idea how many btu/hr the average person is putting out? How about regular light bulbs (btu/watt), refrigerator, etc? I'm sure everyone's been at parties that you have to open the windows after a while. thanks.
Bob

 

[peakbagger]

The rule of thumb I remember from HVAC was an adult was equivalent to a 100 watt lightbulb exclusive of the heat generated by actvivities (running the oven ETC). Of course you can always fire up the Matrix and see what size Duracells they use

 

[stee6043]

Too funny...peakbagger...I had the exact same "Matrix" thoughts when I read this thread title.

 

[WoodEnergy]

400 BTU/hr/person is the general consensus for moderate activity.

Although, some put out a whole lot more hot air than that. (must be the off-gassing)

 

[DaveBP]

Although, some put out a whole lot more hot air than that.

Might a radio give off significant heat then, if it were tuned to a talk radio show?

 

[Nofossil]

Of course, people (like storage tanks) lose less heat to the environment when they're well wrapped with insulation. To get maximum heat gain from your occupants, make sure that you have maximum exposed surface area.

 

[kabbott]

Of course, people (like storage tanks) lose less heat to the environment when they're well wrapped with insulation. To get maximum heat gain from your occupants, make sure that you have maximum exposed surface area.

Haaaaaa. You make the list(check signature)

 

[rotaxman]

I think Dan Holohan has it at 500/btu/hr in one of his books.


exposed and moving rapidly............

 

[DaveBP]

I think Dan Holohan has it at 500/btu/hr in one of his books.


exposed and moving rapidly….........

You mean like a nudist dance party?

 

[easternbob]

So if I figure somewhere between 200-300 btu/hr/person (depending on clothes and activity level) I should be safe.
I might try this line some evening.... "If we take our clothes off and dance around we won't need to put more wood on the fire" Or put another way..... "save a tree, dance naked"
Bob

 

[Fsappo]

If it gets too cold, remember, those people are biomass