British Thermal Units (BTU) measure the thermal energy in your cooling and heating system. This unit of measurement was first used in the late 1800s and quickly gained relevance to become one of the most critical metrics in the HVAC industry to date.
A single BTU is the amount of energy needed to raise water temperature by one degree Fahrenheit at sea level. In a nutshell, BTU measures how much energy it takes to produce or remove a certain amount of heat.
What Does BTU Mean In An HVAC System?
The BTU rating in your cooling or heating system gives you an idea of how powerful your appliance is. For example, if your heater has a BTU of 5,000, it will produce 5,000 BTUs of energy within one hour (BTU/hr). Typically the higher the BTU rating, the higher the heat output and the more powerful your heating or cooling system is.
Why Knowing The Right BTU For Your Room Is Essential
Helps in Sizing
BTUs are a critical factor when choosing the right size furnace, heat pump, or cooling system. The size of your home will determine how many BTUs are needed to adequately cool or heat each room; however, a good rule of thumb is to have between 30-60 BTUs per square foot. Once you determine your home’s square footage, consult a BTU chart that details the energy required to stay comfortable.
Cutting Down On Costs
When choosing a cooling and heating system, keep in mind that bigger is not always better. An air conditioner that is too powerful will ultimately translate to higher energy costs. On the other hand, an air conditioner that’s not powerful enough will continuously be running to keep your home cool. This results in faster wear and tear rate, which eventually leads to malfunctioning and costly repairs. You will also have to pay higher energy bills.
Trust Carini for Exceptional HVAC Systems
When choosing a new HVAC system, BTUs are a critical component to consider. If you are having trouble deciding what size air conditioner or heater to purchase for your home, it is always best to consult a professional.
Carini is a leading plumbing, cooling and heating repair service company in San Diego, CA. We provide energy-efficient HVAC and plumbing products and practical solutions to your comfort needs. If you’re looking to schedule a gas furnace repair or any other repair, don’t hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.