Cooling Load Formula:
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Definition: This calculator estimates the cooling capacity needed (in BTUs) for a given area based on standard cooling requirements per square foot.
Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine the appropriate air conditioner size for a space.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The area is multiplied by the standard cooling requirement to determine the total BTU capacity needed.
Details: Correct BTU calculation ensures efficient cooling, proper humidity control, and energy savings by avoiding oversized or undersized units.
Tips: Enter the area in square feet (default 500) and BTU requirement per square foot (default 20 BTU/h·ft²). All values must be > 0.
Q1: What's the standard BTU per square foot?
A: Typically 20 BTU/h per square foot, but can range from 15-30 depending on climate, insulation, and other factors.
Q2: Why is 500 sq ft used as default?
A: It's a common room size that helps visualize cooling requirements for many residential spaces.
Q3: When would I adjust the BTU per square foot?
A: Increase for sunny rooms, poor insulation, or hot climates. Decrease for shaded areas or well-insulated spaces.
Q4: Does this account for ceiling height?
A: No, for ceilings over 8 feet, consider adding 10% per additional foot of height.
Q5: How do I convert BTU to tons?
A: Divide BTU by 12,000 (1 ton of cooling = 12,000 BTU/h).