How Many BTU Do I Need? (Air Conditioner BTU Calculator)
So you're getting ready to buy an air conditioner but aren't sure what size to get. If you’re a new buyer, sometimes companies can fool you by installing an undersized or oversized AC unit.
Obviously, they’re there to make money, so they’ll try to sell big units. However, large AC units consume a lot of power and require a lot of maintenance, so you must get a properly sized AC unit for your home.
There are different factors that come into play when buying an AC unit. You need to check your home insulation, you need to consider how hot your area is, you need to consider how many vents or windows you have, which direction they’re located, etc.
AC BTU Calculator - How Many BTU Do I Need?
Enter Sq. Ft.
Total BTU
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Note:
If you live in a hot climate and your house receives a lot of direct sunlight, then add 1000 BTUs to the overall BTUs calculated below.
If you live in a cold region with little sun exposure (a heavily shaded area), subtract 1000 BTUs from the total BTUs below.
The Importance of Choosing the Correct-Sized AC Unit - How Many BTU Do I Need?
Selecting the proper size AC is essential since it will protect you from a number of issues. Your house will be put under additional stress if you don't have an AC unit that is the right size. A circuit breaker may also be tripped by it. Breakers that trip can also cause parts to break, and replacement parts for central air conditioners can be very expensive.
It is also important to have a properly sized air conditioner to ensure that your air is as comfortable as possible. If the air conditioner is too big for the space, it will shut off too soon and won't have time to dehumidify and remove the moisture, leaving the room very cold.
But if the air conditioner is too small for the space you're trying to cool, it won't be able to effectively cool the space or remove humidity from it, and it will also use up more energy.
How to Choose the Right Size AC Unit - How Many BTU Do I Need?
The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful the air conditioner and the more cooling it can provide. By choosing the proper AC unit, you will maximize energy efficiency and air comfortability.
So how do I calculate what size AC unit I need? - How to Choose the Right Size AC Unit
It’s quite easy—simply measure the square footage of the room.
Here are some things to remember:
Square feet of the room = length of the room multiplied by the width of the room.
If it’s on the main floor, you’ll multiply the square footage by twenty.
If it’s a second floor or a kitchen area, multiply the square footage of the room by 35.
If your ceiling height is over 8 feet I always recommend adding 1,000 BTU for every foot over that 8-foot ceiling height.
For the number of people in the room for each person over the first two individuals you must add an additional 600 BTUs.
For example:
We’re going to use a room that’s 12 by 17; it happens to be on the second floor with a 9-foot ceiling.
First, calculate the square footage. 12 x 17 =204
Since it’s on the second floor multiply it by 35. 204 x 35 = 7140 BTUs
We mentioned that the ceiling height was nine feet, so we want to add an additional 1000 BTUs, i.e., 7140 + 1000 = 8140 BTUs.
In conclusion, this house will need an approximate total of 8140 BTUs.
Things You Should Consider Inspecting Before Installing an AC Unit - How Many BTU Do I Need?
The first thing you need to consider is the overall construction of the building in which the AC is being installed. You need to take down the proper details of the house, like the materials assemblies and construction assemblies that were used in making your house (for example, drywall, sheathing, exterior siding materials, structural framing system, roofing materials, etc.).
The next thing you need to consider is the overall orientation of the house. The orientation of the house can have a big effect on the sensible heat gain, depending on how many windows and opaque walls there are and how much the sun is blocked.
Another thing you must consider is ventilation and infiltration. Ventilation and infiltration let outside air into a space that has been heated or cooled. This affects how the space is heated or cooled.
Conclusion - How Many BTU Do I Need?
When choosing the ideal AC unit for your home, a variety of different aspects are taken into consideration. Choosing the right size air conditioner is crucial since it will protect you from a variety of problems. If you don't have an AC unit that is the correct size, your home will be under additional strain.
With some math skills and a calculator, notepad, and tape measure, it is possible for anyone to calculate how much BTU their home needs. But if you don't have the time or interest in math, an HVAC company should be able to figure out your BTUs for you. These companies may even be able to recommend devices and air systems that they believe will work best for your home.
