BTU Calculation Formula:
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BTU (British Thermal Unit) calculation helps determine the appropriate air conditioner size needed for a given space. The general rule is 20 BTU per square foot for cooling.
The calculator uses the simple formula:
Where:
Explanation: This basic calculation provides an estimate for standard rooms with 8-foot ceilings, average insulation, and normal sunlight exposure.
Details: Correct BTU calculation ensures efficient cooling, prevents overworking the unit (too small), and avoids excessive energy consumption (too large).
Tips: Measure your room's length and width to calculate square footage. For irregular rooms, divide into rectangles and sum the areas.
Q1: What if my room has high ceilings?
A: For ceilings higher than 8 feet, add 10% BTU for each additional foot.
Q2: How does sunlight affect BTU needs?
A: Very sunny rooms may need 10% more BTU, while heavily shaded rooms may need 10% less.
Q3: What about kitchen areas?
A: Kitchens typically need additional cooling capacity (add 4,000 BTU for standard kitchens).
Q4: Is this calculation suitable for whole-house AC?
A: For whole-house systems, professional Manual J calculation is recommended for precise sizing.
Q5: What if multiple people use the room?
A: Add 600 BTU per additional person beyond two in the space.