AC BTU per Sq Ft Calculator

Cooling Load Formula:

\[ Q = A \times \text{BTU/ft}² \]

Cooling Load (BTU/h):

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1. What is an AC BTU per Sq Ft Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cooling capacity needed for a space based on its area and BTU requirements per square foot.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine the appropriate air conditioning capacity for a given space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = A \times \text{BTU/ft}² \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Cooling load (BTU/h)
\( A \) — Area (square feet)
\( \text{BTU/ft}² \) — Cooling requirement per square foot (BTU/h·ft²)

Explanation: The area is multiplied by the BTU requirement per square foot to determine the total cooling capacity needed.

3. Importance of Proper AC Sizing

Details: Correct sizing ensures energy efficiency, proper humidity control, and prevents short-cycling of the AC unit.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the area in square feet and BTU per square foot (default 20 BTU/h·ft² for residential spaces). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical BTU per square foot value?
A: For residential spaces, 20 BTU/h·ft² is common, but this can vary from 15-30 based on climate, insulation, and other factors.

Q2: How does ceiling height affect the calculation?
A: Higher ceilings may require increasing the BTU per square foot value or using cubic feet instead of square feet.

Q3: Should I adjust for windows or sunlight exposure?
A: Yes, add 10% for sunny rooms or 10% more BTUs for each window.

Q4: How does insulation affect the calculation?
A: Well-insulated spaces may need fewer BTUs (15-18 per ft²), while poorly insulated spaces may need more (25-30 per ft²).

Q5: Is this calculation sufficient for whole-house AC sizing?
A: This provides a basic estimate. Professional Manual J calculations consider more factors for whole-house sizing.