BTU Calculator Air Conditioner

Cooling Load Formula:

\[ Q = A \times BTU/ft^2 \times F \]

Cooling Load (BTU/h):

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1. What is a BTU Calculator for Air Conditioners?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cooling capacity needed for an air conditioner based on room area, BTU requirements per square foot, and correction factors.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine the appropriate AC unit size for optimal cooling efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = A \times BTU/ft^2 \times F \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Cooling load (BTU/hour)
\( A \) — Room area (square feet)
\( BTU/ft^2 \) — Cooling requirement per square foot
\( F \) — Correction factor for special conditions

Explanation: The room area is multiplied by the base cooling requirement, then adjusted by factors like sunlight exposure, insulation, and occupancy.

3. Importance of Proper BTU Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the room area in square feet, BTU per square foot (default 20 BTU/h·ft²), and correction factor (default 1.0). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the standard BTU per square foot?
A: Typically 20 BTU/h per square foot, but can range from 15-25 depending on climate.

Q2: When should I adjust the correction factor?
A: Increase factor for sunny rooms (1.1-1.3), kitchens (1.4), or high occupancy (1.2). Decrease for shaded rooms (0.9).

Q3: How does ceiling height affect the calculation?
A: For ceilings > 8 ft, multiply area by (height/8) before using in the formula.

Q4: What if my room has many windows?
A: Add 1000 BTU per large sun-facing window to the final result.

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