May 5, 2021
Cooling Systems in Warrenton, Virginia

When it comes to air conditioners, there are a lot of choices. That can certainly be a good thing, but we understand that it can be hard for the average customer to decide which unit would be the best. Ideal HVAC Services would be happy to help you with your AC installation, and below, we’ve provided some useful information regarding the sizing of air conditioners.

BTUs and Tons

In the HVAC industry, we refer to the size of air conditioners using the terms “BTUs” and “tons.” These two terms are related, as you’ll see.

Let’s begin with BTUs. BTU stands for British thermal unit. One BTU is the amount of energy/heat it takes to increase the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree. BTUs are used to describe the energy output of many different types of appliances, and when we use the term in regards to air conditioners, we’re talking about how much heat a unit can remove.

A rule of thumb is that you’ll need one BTU for each square foot of space in a home. This would give you just a general idea, though. You would also have to take into account several other factors, including the layout of your home, how many windows it has, and what kind of insulation there is. This part can be complicated, so it might be wise to call on a professional for assistance with this.

Another way to categorize air conditioners is by how many tons they are. A 1-ton AC unit has approximately 12,000 BTUs, whereas a 4-ton unit would have about 48,000 BTUs. For larger homes, we talk about tons rather than just BTUs because of the amount of cooling needed.

A Source of Assistance

The team at Ideal HVAC Services is ready to answer any questions you may have. Our business was founded in 2013, and we’re staffed by highly trained professionals. We offer installation, repair, and maintenance services for heating and cooling units, including ductless systems. Call us to set up an appointment in Warrenton or the surrounding area.

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