HVAC Sizing: Does It Really Matter and What Are BTUs? - Pacific Aire
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HVAC Sizing: Does It Really Matter and What Are BTUs?

Lisa Lewolt

Installing a new HVAC system involves many important considerations. This is why hiring a professional with years of experience and excellent reviews is crucial.

Additionally, your HVAC contractor will be able to help you select the best system for your home, taking into account its size and characteristics.

We have information on our website about installing a brand new HVAC system or determining whether it’s best to repair or replace it, so read it before you decide.

Properly Sized HVAC System

Your new HVAC system’s heating and cooling capacity are one of the first things you should check. Consult with the HVAC technician about the system’s reviews and whether it meets the minimum requirements. Ask if the HVAC system is also properly sized.

What is a BTU? (British Thermal Unit)

The heating system capacity is measured by BTU. It is a measurement of energy. The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit is one BTU. It remains a popular measurement of heating and cooling equipment.

What is the required number of BTUs?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to heating and cooling needs. The number of factors will determine how much power you need for your home.

➡️ The size of your house
➡️ Your windows’ size and type
➡️ Home location
➡️ The type and quality of insulation
➡️ The height of your ceilings

What Does BTU Mean For Your Furnace/Air Conditioner?

The BTU is more important for furnaces while sizing matters more for air conditioning system.Choosing the right BTU is important if you are looking for a unit in your home because it measures the capacity of the system and is used to calculate the amount of energy it can deliver. The input capacity measures how much gas is burned without taking into account combustion losses. In contrast, output capacity refers to how much heat can be generated.

It’s good to know the difference between input and output BTU ratings. Generally, newer units have smaller input BTU ratings since they produce more heat and therefore produce more BTU. The higher the BTU rating, the greater the heating capacity.

For choosing the right HVAC system capacity, you should also consider cubic feet per minute (CFM), which is how much air can pass by a fixed point per minute.

Get Expert Help

An HVAC contractor can select the right size, capacity, and type of HVAC system because of the complicated measurements used for properly sizing a unit. Too big, and you’ll waste energy and money; too small, and your system will overwork without ever feeling comfortable.

Your HVAC contractor should not size your new HVAC system based solely on square footage. Before sizing a new HVAC system, make sure your HVAC technician inspects the home thoroughly. It is not advisable to simply replace a system that is of the same size with a system of the same size.

Type, Size, and Capacity for Cooling

Make sure the capacity of your new air conditioner is right for your home before you purchase it. Tons are used instead of British Thermal Units (BTUs) to measure air conditioner cooling capacity.

A ton is equal to 12,000 British Thermal Units per hour (BTUh). You should choose cooling capacity based on the size and needs of your home, just as you would with your heating system. Choosing the right air conditioner for your home requires consultation with a licensed and experienced technician.

Air conditioners and heaters have high BTU numbers, even when they are small. The average size of a whole house unit is between 60,000 and 80,000. Your home’s size will determine the BTU rating you need because a higher rating means your heating or cooling unit can produce more heat or cool air. The BTU can be used to compare the capacity of similar units at similar prices.

In order to determine the appropriate size unit for your home, a professional HVAC company can be of great help.

Visit https://bit.ly/pacificaire_schedule_an_appointment or call us at 805-737-2564 now to request an appointment for any of your HVAC needs.

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