BTU is an acronym for British Thermal Units. It’s used to measure heat and is the amount required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. But what exactly does this mean and how does this relate to your air conditioner (A/C)? Well, Affordable Service is here to give more insight into BTUs in refrigerated air systems.
Regarding A/C units, the BTU rating indicates the strength of the appliance, as the higher the BTU rating, the stronger and more efficient your A/C will be. One thing that many don’t understand is A/C’s work by removing heat from the inside rather than bringing cool air in. They use refrigerant to absorb the heat and carry it outside. Therefore, in this case, BTUs are not a measure of added heat but the specific energy needed to remove it.
How Many BTUs Are Needed to Cool My Home?
You can determine this by considering various things, including but not limited to room sizes, ceiling heights, home insulation, ductwork condition, window quality and the number of floors in the home. All these factors help determine the proper cooling capacity needs of a home. To ensure efficient cooling, it’s crucial to determine the precise BTU requirement for your space. Excessive BTUs can result in the air conditioning unit cooling too quickly, causing it to cycle on and off frequently, leading to unnecessary energy consumption. Too few BTUs will cause the system to run non-stop, overworking itself. Both will shorten the lifespan of your system.
As Carrier experts, Affordable Service technicians can recommend various refrigerated air models with various BTUs (from 8,000 BTUs up to 60,000). They’ll find the right one for your home’s needs and as well as a unit that fits your budget. Our Affordable Service team specializes in HVAC, heating, and cooling and is available for any questions. Reach out to us today!
