Most Framingham homeowners want a high-efficiency air conditioner to maintain their desired indoor climate regardless of the outside weather. That’s why assessing an air conditioner’s BTU rating is important to ensure it can handle your cooling demands before installing it in your home. Unfortunately, many Framingham residents don’t know what a BTU rating is or how it affects their AC units.
So, what does BTU mean for air conditioners? To answer this and more, Pro Comfort Control created the following guide explaining everything you need to know about an AC unit’s BTU rating.
Pro Comfort Control is the go-to choice for professional heating and cooling services in Framingham, Massachusetts. If you need an experienced air conditioning installation company in Framingham, MA, contact Pro Comfort Control.
What Are BTUs for an Air Conditioner?
So, what does BTU mean for air conditioners?
BTUs (British thermal units) measure how much power an air conditioning system uses to eradicate heat from your home’s indoor air. They typically display how much warmth the unit removes in one hour, helping homeowners decide which model works best for their Framingham property. In short, the higher the BTU rating, the stronger the unit, allowing it to cool more space effectively.
That said, air conditioning systems with high BTU ratings don’t always mean they will adequately cool your home. The number of BTUs must match your home’s square footage to operate properly. Installing an air conditioner with too high of a BTU rating can skyrocket your monthly energy payments; a unit with too low of a BTU rating won’t cool your home while increasing wear and tear.
Always purchase an air conditioner with a BTU rating that matches your home’s size to prevent cooling issues and outrageously high energy payments.
Finding the Best BTU Rating for Your Home
Most AC units require 20 BTUs for every square foot of your property’s interior. Multiplying your home’s interior square footage by 20 will help you determine an ideal BTU rating for your next air conditioner. For example, if your interior is 2,000 square feet, your air conditioner should have a 40,000 BTU rating.
However, to determine a more accurate BTU rating, you’ll need to calculate your ceiling height, doorway sizes, and window sizes. Multiplying your home’s interior square footage by 20 will only provide an estimated BTU rating, so keep that in mind when shopping for a new air conditioner.
Below are some ideal BTU ratings based on a property’s square footage:
- 400-450 square feet: 10,000 BTUs
- 450-500 square feet: 12,000 BTUs
- 500-700 square feet: 14,000 BTUs
- 700-1,000 square feet: 18,000 BTUs
- 1,000-1,200 square feet: 21,000 BTUs
- 1,200-1,400 square feet: 23,000 BTUs
- 1,400-1,500 square feet: 24,000 BTUs
Additional Factors That Affect BTU Ratings
Again, finding the best BTU rating for your home requires you to incorporate various factors into your equation. Below are a few other elements that affect your air conditioner’s BTU rating.
Second Stories
Homes with second stories require additional BTUs since heat rises and typically keeps them warmer than the first story. Adding 10% to the recommended BTU rating will give you a more accurate estimate for two-story homes.
Shade and Sunlight Exposure
Air conditioners on shady properties need a bit less BTU power than homes in direct sunlight. Shade keeps residences cool since it prevents warm sunrays from reaching your property. Reducing your home’s recommended BTU rating by 10% will help you find an adequate AC unit for your shady property.
Conversely, if your home is in direct sunlight, you may need to add 10% to the BTU rating.
Multiple Residents
Properties housing multiple tenants or large families typically need more powerful air conditioners since bodies generate heat. If you have more than two people occupying a room frequently, you may need to add 600 to your home’s BTU rating to ensure quality cooling.
Contact Pro Comfort Control for Top-Quality Cooling Services in Framingham, Massachusetts
The next time you need to replace your AC unit and wonder, “What does BTU mean for air conditioners?” contact Pro Comfort Control. Our team will help you determine the best BTU rating for your unit to ensure it generates comfortable, cool air all summer. Whether you need professional air conditioner installation or want to know what the hissing sound from your AC is, contact Pro Comfort Control.
Give Pro Comfort Control a call at (508) 684-5331 or contact us online to receive exceptional plumbing services in Framingham, Massachusetts, today!
