When the temperatures start to rise, many of us begin to think about air conditioning. For most people, this means arranging a service to ensure that the system operates at peak efficiency, but some people will be thinking about shopping for a new unit. Although there are lots of facts and figures for buying new air conditioners, one of the most important numbers you need to consider is the BTU. This figure is usually prominently displayed on packaging, but you may not be aware of why it is important. So, here is a basic guide to BTUs and why they are important when choosing your new air conditioning unit.
The BTU Basics:
BTU is an acronym for British Thermal Unit. Simply put, it is a measurement of the energy approximately equal to 1055 Joules. BTUs are considered a standard unit in the measurement of power for air conditioner units. The more powerful a unit and the greater cooling capacity, the higher the BTU.
Choosing an Air Conditioning Unit:
When you start shopping for a new air conditioner, it is important to choose the right model. Unfortunately, it can be confusing for many consumers as they start to look at BTU levels on the various AC options available. Generally, there is a rough guideline that for each 500 square feet in your home, there is a need for 12,000 BTU. This means that a 2,000 square foot home would need a unit rated as 48,000 BTU. Unfortunately, it is not always this simple. You also need to consider some specific details about your home. The level of insulation and the climate in your area can also influence what BTUs are needed. If you live in a home with poor insulation or a hotter climate, you will need more than the average figure used in the example above. Therefore, it is a good idea to use the rough calculation as a starting point and expand on it according to your unique circumstances. While no one wants a massively oversized unit, it is better to purchase a unit that has a little more power than one that is underpowered.
Alternatively, you may need to purchase several units. For example, window AC units are not particularly effective when cooling multiple rooms, so you will need several in place to cool a larger home. If you have a two story home, you may also need to consider using multiple units.
Other Considerations:
It is important to note that BTUs are not the only option for denoting the power of air conditioners. Larger HVAC units or centralized air conditioners are usually marked with their tonnage. While a one ton unit doesn’t actually weigh a ton, the number is used to refer to the old cooling method that relied on the use of large ice blocks. Homes were measured for cooling in terms of how many one ton blocks of ice were used in a day. Today, each ton that a unit is measured as handling is roughly the same as 12,000 BTUs. This means that a similar equation can be used; each 500 square feet of your home will require one ton of power for cooling.
When buying an air conditioner, it is important to get the sizing right. If you miscalculate your requirements, you could end up with an inefficient model that costs you more in your utility bills and could be prone to excess wear and tear issues. So, before making a purchase decision, it is a good idea to speak to a professional HVAC specialist, who can guide you through your options.