1. What is BTU per Square Foot for Air Conditioning?

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

Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals properly size air conditioning units for optimal performance and energy efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Total cooling capacity (BTU/h)
• \( A \) — 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 BTU sizing ensures efficient cooling, prevents overworking the AC unit, and maintains comfortable indoor temperatures.

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 based on climate, insulation, and room characteristics.

Q2: When would I use a higher BTU per square foot value?
A: Use higher values (25-30) for sunny rooms, kitchens, or poorly insulated spaces. Use lower values (15-18) for shaded or well-insulated rooms.

Q3: Does this account for room height?
A: The basic calculation doesn't. For rooms with high ceilings (>8 ft), consider increasing the BTU requirement by 10% per additional foot.

Q4: How many BTUs do I need for a whole house?
A: Calculate each room separately, then sum the totals. Different rooms may have different BTU/ft² requirements.

Q5: What if my calculation falls between standard AC unit sizes?
A: Round up to the nearest available unit size for best performance, but avoid significantly oversizing.