Air Conditioner BTU per Square Foot

Cooling Load Formula:

\[ Q = A \times \text{BTU/ft}^2 \]

Cooling Load (BTU/h):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is an Air Conditioner BTU per Square Foot 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 conditioner size 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 per hour)
\( A \) — Area to be cooled (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 BTU Calculation

Details: Correct sizing ensures efficient operation, proper humidity control, and energy savings. Oversized units short-cycle, while undersized units run constantly.

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 varies (kitchens: 30-40, sunny rooms: 25, shaded areas: 15).

Q2: Why is area important for AC sizing?
A: Larger spaces require more cooling capacity to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Q3: When would I adjust the BTU/ft² value?
A: Increase for rooms with high heat loads (south-facing, lots of windows, kitchens) or decrease for well-insulated spaces.

Q4: Does this account for ceiling height?
A: No, this is a basic calculation. For high ceilings (>8 ft), multiply the area by (height/8).

Q5: How do I convert BTU to tons?
A: 12,000 BTU/h = 1 ton of cooling. Divide your result by 12,000 to get tons needed.