BTUs, or British Thermal Units, are a unit of measurement for thermal energy. A BTU represents the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. BTUs are commonly used to measure the cooling or heating capacity of appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, and radiators. The higher the BTU number, the more heat or cool the appliance is capable of producing.
Calculating BTUs requires taking into account several factors, including the area of the room being heated or cooled, insulation, sun exposure, number of occupants, etc. Here is a basic formula for estimating the BTUs needed to heat or cool a room:
For heating:
1. Calculate the area of the room in square feet.
2. Multiply this area by 25 if the room is well insulated, or by 30 if it is less well insulated.
3. Add 1,000 BTUs per room occupant.
For cooling:
1. Calculate the area of the room in square feet.
2. Multiply this area by 25.
3. Add 400 BTUs per room occupant.
These formulas provide a general estimate of the BTUs required.
An automatic BTU calculation system is available on our website www.kanartic.ca. Don't hesitate to use it!
