Air conditioner BTU calculator: What AC is right for you?

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Not every HVAC system can be expected to fit with your needs. Some ACs may be too powerful and others too weak. You can prevent such errors by calculating the exact needs for your home with an air conditioner BTU calculator.

Air conditioner BTU calculator: measuring the size

There are different ways of measuring the size of a room or home depending on the shape.

For example, if the room is rectangular, you can get the square footage by multiplying the length and width together. If the room is circular, stand in the room's center and then measure the distance between both ends of the wall. Multiply your result by 3.14.

You can also use this method for rooms that are hexagonal or octagonal. If you plan to install a central air conditioning unit, measure the square footage of each of the rooms and then add them together.

Making an estimate

Once you have determined the size of your room, it becomes a lot easier finding exactly how much BTU the air conditioner should have. Knowing the amount of space that you are working with will help ensure that you install the right home cooling unit.

To assist shoppers, there are online air conditioner BTU calculators. Another way is to use this simple air conditioner estimate:

• For rooms that are 100 to 150 square feet, install air conditioners that provide a minimum of 5,000 BTUs per hour.
• For rooms that are 250 to 300 square feet, install air conditioners that provide a minimum of 7,000 BTUs per hour.
• For rooms that are 400 to 450 square feet, install air conditioners that provide a minimum of 10,000 BTUs per hour.
• For rooms that are 550 to 700 square feet, install air conditioners that provide a minimum of 14,000 BTUs per hour.
• For rooms that are 700 to 1,000 square feet, install air conditioners that provide a minimum of 18,000 BTUs per hour.
• For rooms that are 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, install air conditioners that provide a minimum of 30,000 BTUs per hour.
• For rooms that are 2,000 to 2,500 square feet, install air conditioners that provide a minimum of 34,000 BTUs per hour.

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Considering secondary factors

Several secondary factors should also affect your final decision, such as the type of insulation present in your home. If the room is not properly insulated, you may need to add extra BTUs to your calculation. The same is true if your home receives a lot of sunlight.

You can further improve the efficiency of your air conditioner by choosing a reliable brand that comes with a warranty.

The bottom line

Knowing how to use an air conditioner BTU calculator will protect you from making a costly mistake. In addition to searching for air conditioner prices, Reply! is a good place to search for local contractors.

Photo credit: ansik via Compfight CC.