1. What is BTU/h?

BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) is a unit of power that measures the heat energy transferred per hour. In air conditioning, it represents the cooling capacity of an AC unit.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BTU calculation formula:

Where:

• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour (cooling capacity)
• \( Area \) — Room area in square meters
• 215 — Standard multiplier for moderate climates

Explanation: The formula estimates the required cooling capacity based on room size, with 215 BTU/h per square meter as a general guideline.

3. Importance of Proper AC Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing your air conditioner ensures efficient cooling, lower energy costs, and prevents excessive wear on the unit. An oversized unit will cycle on/off too frequently, while an undersized unit will run constantly without adequately cooling the space.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your room's length and width in meters, then multiply to get the area in square meters. Enter this value to get the recommended BTU/h rating for your AC unit.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my room has special conditions?
A: For rooms with high ceilings, lots of windows, or direct sunlight, you may need to increase the BTU/h by 10-20%.

Q2: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/h measures power (energy per hour). AC units are rated in BTU/h.

Q3: How does this compare to square feet calculations?
A: For square feet, the multiplier is typically 20 BTU/h per sq ft (≈215 BTU/h per sq m).

Q4: What about rooms with many occupants or appliances?
A: Add approximately 600 BTU/h for each additional person beyond 2, and 4000 BTU/h for a kitchen.

Q5: Is this calculation suitable for all climates?
A: This uses a moderate climate factor. For very hot climates, you might need 250-300 BTU/h per m².