1. What is BTU Calculation?

BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculation helps determine the appropriate air conditioner size needed to effectively cool a room. The basic rule is that you need about 20 BTU for each square foot of living space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple BTU formula:

Where:

• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour (cooling capacity)
• \( Area \) — Room area in square feet
• \( 20 \) — BTU per square foot multiplier

Explanation: This basic calculation provides a starting point for determining AC requirements. Additional factors may need consideration for precise sizing.

3. Importance of Proper AC Sizing

Details: Correct AC sizing is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. An undersized unit won't cool properly, while an oversized unit will cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and increasing humidity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your room's length and width to calculate area (length × width). Enter the total square footage in the calculator. For irregularly shaped rooms, divide into rectangles and calculate each separately.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is 20 BTU per sq ft always accurate?
A: This is a general guideline. Factors like ceiling height, insulation, sunlight exposure, and climate may require adjustments.

Q2: What if my room gets a lot of sunlight?
A: For sunny rooms, add 10% to the calculated BTU value. For very shaded rooms, subtract 10%.

Q3: How does ceiling height affect AC requirements?
A: For ceilings higher than 8 feet, multiply the BTU result by (ceiling height ÷ 8).

Q4: What about rooms with many occupants or appliances?
A: Add 600 BTU per additional person beyond 2, and consider adding BTU for heat-generating appliances.

Q5: Should I round up or down when choosing an AC unit?
A: It's generally better to round up to the nearest standard unit size (5,000 BTU, 8,000 BTU, etc.) for better performance.