Choosing the right BTU (British Thermal Unit) capacity for your air conditioner is crucial for comfort and energy efficiency. An undersized unit will struggle to cool your space, while an oversized one will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy and failing to dehumidify properly.
Understanding BTU
BTU measures the amount of heat an air conditioner can remove from a room per hour. The higher the BTU, the larger the cooling capacity.
Basic Calculation
As a general rule, you need approximately 20 BTU per square foot of living space. However, several factors can affect this:
- Ceiling height: Rooms with ceilings higher than 8 feet need more BTU
- Sun exposure: Add 10% for sunny rooms
- Kitchen: Add 4,000 BTU for kitchens
- Occupancy: Add 600 BTU per person beyond 2
Quick Reference Chart
Here's a quick guide based on room size:
- 150-250 sq ft: 6,000 BTU
- 250-350 sq ft: 8,000 BTU
- 350-450 sq ft: 10,000 BTU
- 450-550 sq ft: 12,000 BTU
- 550-700 sq ft: 14,000 BTU
Use Our Calculator
For a more accurate calculation, use our BTU Calculator which considers all these factors automatically.