Room Size Consideration
BTUs (British Thermal Units) measure the amount of heat an air conditioner is able to remove over a given period. The higher the number, the greater the cooling capacity. However, bigger isn't always better. You have to match the BTU capacity of the air conditioner to the dimensions of the room in order to properly cool it. An underpowered air conditioner won't cool a large room properly. On the other hand, a unit with BTU rating that is too high cools the area so quickly it doesn't have time to dehumidify the air, which can leave the space feeling cold and clammy.
Always consider ceiling height, sizes of windows and doorways and whether the unit will be in a sunny room or a kitchen with extra heat from appliances, for example. All of these things are important when selecting the appropriate BTU rating to match a room by square feet.
Use the chart below to help you find the right BTU capacity for your space.
| AREA TO BE COOLED (SQUARE FEET) | CAPACITY RECOMMENDED (BTUs PER HOUR) |
|---|---|
| 100 to 150 | 5,000 |
| 150 to 250 | 6,000 |
| 250 to 300 | 7,000 |
| 300 to 350 | 8,000 |
| 350 to 400 | 9,000 |
| 400 to 450 | 10,000 |
| 450 to 550 | 12,000 |
| 550 to 700 | 14,000 |
| 700 to 1,000 | 18,000 |
| 1,000 to 1,200 | 21,000 |
| 1,200 to 1,400 | 23,000 |
| 1,400 to 1,500 | 24,000 |
| 1,500 to 2,000 | 30,000 |
| 2,000 to 2,500 | 34,000 |
