What is BTU? Everything you need to know.

You’ve probably heard the term before: BTU. But what exactly does it mean? And why is it so important when choosing the right air conditioning system? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.

BTU: The basics

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. In simple terms, it’s a measurement of an air conditioner’s cooling capacity. It indicates how much heat an AC unit can remove from a room per hour. The higher the BTU rating, the more powerful the air conditioner.

Why is BTU important?

Choosing the correct BTU rating is essential for creating a comfortable indoor climate.

• A BTU rating that’s too low means the air conditioner won’t be able to cool the room sufficiently.

• A BTU rating that’s too high leads to energy waste and can cause uncomfortable drafts and temperature fluctuations.

How to determine the right BTU?

The required BTU depends on several factors:

• Room size: Larger rooms require more cooling capacity.

• Insulation: Good insulation reduces the workload on the AC.

• Sunlight exposure: Bright, sunny rooms need more cooling power.

• Number of people: The more people in the room, the higher the BTU requirement.

• Heat-emitting equipment: Devices like computers or ovens generate heat and increase cooling demand.

Practical tips for installers

• Don’t rely solely on square meters. Consider all influencing factors.

• Provide honest, expert advice to help customers avoid future issues.

• Use BTU calculation tables and formulas to explain your recommendations.

• Understand how much heat specific equipment produces and factor it into your estimates.

Explore our wide selection of high-quality air conditioners from LG, Daikin, Mitsubishi Heavy, and Mitsubishi Electric to meet every customer’s cooling needs.

BTU calculation table (based on European averages)

Note: This table provides general guidance only. Always consider local conditions and individual use cases.

Additional factors to consider

• Occupants: Add approx. 600 BTU per additional person in the room.

• Appliances: Add BTU for heat-generating equipment like computers, TVs, kitchen appliances. The exact value depends on the type and usage.

• Windows: Large, sun-exposed windows increase BTU needs significantly.

• Location: Top-floor apartments or buildings with flat roofs tend to accumulate more heat.

• Regional climate: Warmer regions, such as Southern Europe, often require higher BTU values.

How to use the BTU table

1. Measure the area of the room (length × width).

2. Determine the ceiling height.

3. Evaluate the insulation (good, average, poor).

4. Assess the sunlight exposure (low, medium, high).

5. Use the table to estimate the required BTU value.

6. Adjust the value according to the additional factors mentioned above.

Still have questions about BTU or choosing the right AC system?
Feel free to contact our expert team. We’re happy to help!