When purchasing an HVAC system, the chances are that you have come across or heard the word BTU. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it relate to an HVAC system? Here is a breakdown of what a BTU entails, so you’ll know what to look for when purchasing an HVAC system.
What is a BTU?
BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of measure that defines the heat energy produced by a piece of equipment or device. The heat required to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit equals one BTU. Despite its name, it is not utilized in the United Kingdom.
Measurements are made to accommodate a building’s heating and cooling needs. A conventional HVAC system can be rated at 80,000 or 100,000 BTUs an hour. They have become an essential measure of HVAC system performance. As a result, the larger your home is, the more BTU will be needed for heating and cooling.
Why is it Important
BTU ratings are used primarily in the United States to measure heat energy in an HVAC system. There are two ratings. The input rating tells you how much energy your HVAC system burns. The output informs you of the quantity of power it generates, which is the efficiency. It is a unit of measure for many devices such as furnaces, air conditioners, and combustion engines, among many others.
HVAC systems absorb heat from your house and move it outside. It has a complex system of coils and fans that exchange hot and humid air with cool air through a duct. So, if your HVAC system has 8000 BTUs, it implies it absorbs 8000 British Thermal Units of heat per hour. This heat is channeled outside to make your inside environment feel better.
Why Measure With BTU?
It is vital to grasp the rating system to purchase an efficient HVAC system that gives you the desired heat or coolness level. When selecting the right HVAC system for your property, there are various aspects to look at. The kind of insulation given, the ceiling height, the type of windows, and the square footage of your rooms, among many others, are factors to consider.
Purchasing an HVAC system with too many BTUs for your home’s size will result in higher energy bills. This is because it will run for a shorter period but have frequent on and off cycles spending more energy. This could also lead to more wear and tear over time. Also, an HVAC system with insufficient BTUs will work too hard and may not have enough capacity to cool. This may result in inconsistent temperatures throughout the home, making it uncomfortable. And because your HVAC system uses more energy, you will spend more money in the long run.
You can hire an HVAC professional such as Dandi HVAC to help select an HVAC system with the correct BTU ratings. They also carry out HVAC repair, full-blown HVAC replacement, and routine preventive maintenance.