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Getting Smart About Air Conditioners and BTUs

If you’ve done any research into a new cooling system for your home, then you’re aware by now of the many factors to consider. Will a smart thermostat make your air conditioning unit more efficient? How much will it cost to operate the system? What size unit do you need to cool your home? And maybe you’ve wondered what air conditioner BTUs are? Read on to learn more about this key metric.

What Air Conditioning BTUs Mean

BTUs are a measurement unit. One BTU is a measure of how much heat it takes to warm 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit at sea level. When it comes to air conditioning systems, BTU ratings mean how much heat the unit can transfer out of your home’s air.

Why Having the Right Amount of BTUs Matters

If you install an air conditioner with too many BTUs, it will cycle too frequently. This will lead to excessively high utility bills. Frequent cycling will also cause extra wear and tear on the air conditioner. If you choose a cooling system with too few BTUs, it will have to run constantly to keep your home cool. Even constant cycling may not be enough for an air conditioner with insufficient BTUs to keep your home comfortable.

How to Determine How Many BTUs You Need

The main way to determine how many BTUs of air conditioning your home needs is to calculate the home’s square footage. A 1,400-square-foot home needs about 23,000 BTUs of cooling power. However, there are other factors to consider as well, including how much direct sunlight your home gets and how many windows it has.

Find Out What HVAC System Will Work Best in Your Home

Would you like to see what system is ideal for you? And how much it will cost? Visit our online store, answer a few quick questions, and you’ll receive a quote for a heating and cooling system best suited for your home. For any other HVAC related questions, feel free to connect with us anytime.