The average temperature in Texas during the summer is 84 degrees. With temperatures rising each summer, now is a good time to consider purchasing a new air conditioner unit.
While there are many options available, a BTU air conditioner is a great option for the humid Texas summers. If you’re not sure what a BTU air conditioner is, this article is for you!
Keep reading to learn more about BTU air conditioners and the benefits of having one in Lufkin, Texas.
What is a BTU Air Conditioner?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. These air conditioning units are generally placed in windows. The BTU refers to the measurement of the air conditioner’s power.
The more BTUs the unit has, the better equipped it is to cool your home. Getting a unit with a lower BTU than your home requires can lead to higher energy usage and costs. The better you cool your space, the better the air quality. If you’re unsure which BTU level is right for you, reach out to our team at McWilliams Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing for a personalized consultation.
How Many BTUs Do I Need?
To determine how many BTUs you need for your home, you must calculate the square footage. You’ll need 20 BTUs for every square foot of space. It’s important to also consider the ceiling height, how large the windows are, and if the rooms are shaded.
Once you calculate the square footage, you’ll multiply it by 20. For example, a home with 600 square feet will need 12,000 BTUs. It’s important to calculate this correctly so you can prolong the unit’s life and make the most of its efficiency.
Additionally, when you use too few BTUs, the unit will turn off and on many times to try to cool the area. This is known as short cycling and puts unnecessary stress on your air conditioning unit, leading to more maintenance and repairs.
BTU Guide
The following guide gives an estimate of the BTUs needed for common square footage. This isn’t a replacement for doing the calculations yourself, but more of a reference for when you assess your home.
For rooms that are 100 to 300 square feet, you would need 5,000 to 6,500 BTUs. Home offices and bedrooms are commonly this size.
For mid-sized rooms with 250 to 400 square feet, you would need 7,000 to 8,500 BTUs. For reference, a master bedroom or playroom is generally this many square feet.
And for larger rooms with 350 to 650 square feet, you would need 9,800 to 12,500 BTUs. Larger rooms are usually living rooms or larger playrooms.
Interested in learning the benefits of a central air conditioner? Learn more here.
Prepare for Summer Now
Now that you understand what a BTU air conditioner is, do you think you need one? If you’re located in Lufkin, TX, or the surrounding areas, consider our company to help you with your next air conditioner unit.
We also offer HVAC system installation services. Our team of experts is here to assist with your cooling needs for this coming summer.
Don’t get stuck in another sweaty and humid Texas summer. Contact our team at McWilliams Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing today to get a BTU air conditioner installed before it heats up outside!
