How many BTU for 1,100 sq ft?
Updated October 24, 2026
To heat 1,100 sq ft (102 m²) you need between 16,500 and 44,300 BTU/h depending on your city and insulation. Here is the calculation city by city, using the CSA F280 method.
Assumption: a 1,100 sq ft bungalow with no heated basement, 8 ft ceilings, windows in proportion to floor area.
Heating load by city and house age
| City | After 2010 | 1990 to 2010 | 1970 to 1990 | Before 1970 | Cooling* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver (-7 °C) | 16,500 | 16,500 | 18,300 | 23,800 | 11,300 |
| Toronto (-18 °C) | 16,500 | 17,100 | 25,200 | 32,800 | 12,800 |
| Halifax (-16 °C) | 16,500 | 16,500 | 23,900 | 31,200 | 10,900 |
| Montreal (-23 °C) | 17,300 | 19,300 | 28,300 | 37,000 | 12,000 |
| Quebec City (-26 °C) | 18,500 | 20,500 | 30,200 | 39,400 | 11,300 |
| Winnipeg (-31 °C) | 20,400 | 22,700 | 33,400 | 43,500 | 12,000 |
| Edmonton (-32 °C) | 20,800 | 23,100 | 34,000 | 44,300 | 10,900 |
* Cooling for a 1990–2010 house, at the city’s summer design temperature.
Which Kanartic system for 1,100 sq ft?
Newer house in Toronto
ZERO 18,000 wall unitfrom $2,895 · DIY
Covers 100% of the heating load at -18 °C
See on kanartic.ca1990–2010 house in Montreal
ZERO 24,000 wall unitfrom $3,399 · DIY
Covers 100% of the heating load at -23 °C
See on kanartic.caPre-1970 house in Edmonton
ZERO 24,000 wall unit + ZERO 24,000 wall unitfrom $6,798 · DIY
Covers 100% of the heating load at -32 °C
See on kanartic.caWhat about 25 BTU per square foot?
The rule of thumb would give 27,500 BTU/h for 1,100 sq ft. The component calculation gives 16,500 to 44,300 BTU/h: depending on the house and climate, the rule is off by −38% to +67%.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 12,000 BTU heat pump enough for 1,100 sq ft?
In Montreal, for a 1990–2010 house, a 12,000 BTU unit covers 62% of the load at -23 °C; for a pre-1970 house, 32%. So you need a bigger unit or backup heat.
How many BTU to cool 1,100 sq ft?
Between 10,900 and 12,800 BTU/h for a 1990–2010 house, depending on the city. In Canada, heating sets heat pump size, not cooling.
Wall unit or multi-zone for 1,100 sq ft?
A wall unit is enough for an open area; if bedrooms are closed off, a 2-zone multi-zone heats each room better.
Other floor areas
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