Prior to purchasing an air conditioner, there are several metrics to take into account. EER and SEER ratings, power, amperage, voltage, and other factors vary.
The cooling capacity, which is expressed in BTU/hr, is the most crucial metric. Your air conditioner’s size is indicated by it.
According to the general rule, you need about 20 BTUs of portable air conditioning for every square foot of floor space that needs cooling.
What does sizing for portable AC units actually mean, and how do you go about doing it? To find out, keep reading.
What is a BTU?
The energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU). The advertised BTU output of an air conditioner refers to how many BTUs per hour the unit can remove from the air around it. A higher BTU rate, in general, results in a more effective and potent cooling ability. Despite the fact that BTUs track increases in water temperature, they do not account for water-related AC incidents, such as when you are learning how to stop an AC from leaking water.
Size Calculations
You must first calculate the square footage of the room by multiplying the length by the width in order to determine the required Btu output to cool the space. Then use one of the numerous online calculators or charts that are readily available to determine the Btu output required for your square footage.
The output needed for a room that is 200 square feet in size and 20 feet wide by 10 feet long is therefore between 6,000 and 7,500 Btu per hour. If the room is in direct sunlight, the Btu should be increased by 10%, and if the room is well shaded, the Btu should be decreased by 10%. If there are typically more than two people in the room at once, add 600 Btu per person, and if the unit is being used in a kitchen, add 4,000 Btu.
Read More: How To Make A Portable Air Conditioner Quieter
How to Size a Portable AC Via BTU Measurements
The first thing to understand in this case is that an AC unit that handles too many or too few BTUs for your specific space leads to inefficient cooling and a decreased lifespan of the air conditioning system. In other words, balance is essential, but how do you determine the ideal ratio? Time to start working with some math.
Proper BTU Requirements
It can be challenging to determine your exact BTU needs because doing so requires accurate measurements of your space in proper 3D depth. To match your specific cooling requirements, it is much simpler to choose a product with the right range of BTUs.
In general, your room’s floor space needs 20 BTU for every square foot of a portable AC unit. Multiplying the length by the width will give you the size of your room. The square footage you have is that.
In other words, a portable AC with 10,000 BTU is needed for a room that is 300 square feet, and a unit with 14,000 BTU is needed for a room that is 500 square feet.
Final Words
Always match your space’s square footage and recommended BTUs when buying a portable air conditioner by following the instructions in this article.
Always remember to check the manufacturer’s specific sizing recommendations because they typically vary from model to model.
FAQs
What Size Room Will a 12000 BTU Air Conditioner Cool?
450 – 550 sq. feet: 12,000 BTUs
Is 8000 BTU Enough for a Bedroom?
A 6,000 BTU unit would be needed for a room that is 10′ x 20′ (200 square feet). You would need an 8,000 BTU or 9,000 BTU air conditioner, respectively, once you entered 340 and 400 square feet per room.
Is 7000 BTU Enough for a Bedroom?
Generally speaking, we suggest that you purchase an air conditioner with a minimum BTU rating of 7000 because this is the minimum needed to cool a small room (18 sq m) on a hot day.