You may have heard the term BTU when it comes to air conditioning. Especially if you use window air conditioning units, you’re likely familiar with the term. But what does BTU stand for and how does it relate to air conditioning?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and it is a way to measure thermal heat or energy. Technically speaking, BTU, signifies the amount of energy required to raise 1 pound of water to 1°F at sea level. BTU relates to cooling and heating because it means how many BTUs it can remove from the air each hour.

Why BTUs are Important

So why should you pay attention to BTUs? Well if you’re anyone with an air conditioning system or are on the market for one, you should understand how they relate to performance.

A common misconception is that the higher the BTU, the cooler your home will be. Particularly, if you’re using window or portable air conditioning units, a higher BTU rating will indeed cool your room quicker. However, to maintain that temperature, the unit will kick back on and run its cycle more than it should. The more it cycles on and off, the lower the lifespan of the unit. This can also be a problem with central air conditioners as well. Likewise, choosing a system with a BTU that is too low can also have negative effects on your air conditioner as well as your comfort.

It’s important to have the right BTU rating air conditioner for the size of your home and your indoor air quality comfort needs. A reputable HVAC technician will be able to assess the square footage of your home and will properly size the system that is unique to your home.

If you’re using window AC units, refer to this helpful guide from Energy Star to get the right BTU capacity.

Air Conditioning Specialists in South Jersey

Living in South Jersey means that you cannot go without air conditioning in the summer. And if you’re experiencing less-than-ideal air in your home, it’s time to have a professional take a look. Maybe your system wasn’t installed properly or the BTU load wasn’t sized correctly. Whatever the case, One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning is here to get your air conditioning system in check. Contact us today for air conditioning service.