BTU Calculator - Heating & Cooling Requirements

Calculate the BTU (British Thermal Unit) requirements for heating and cooling your space.

Air Conditioning BTU Calculator

Heating BTU Calculator

Results:

Room Area: 144 square feet

Room Volume: 1,152 cubic feet

Required BTU: 7,200 BTU/hr

Recommended AC Size: 0.6 tons

Energy Efficiency: Look for units with SEER 14+ rating

Complete Guide to BTU Calculation for HVAC Systems

Understanding BTU Requirements

BTU (British Thermal Unit) is the standard measurement for heating and cooling capacity in HVAC systems. One BTU is the amount of energy needed to heat one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Understanding your BTU requirements is crucial for selecting the right size air conditioner, heater, or HVAC system for your home.

Factors Affecting BTU Requirements

Several factors influence the BTU requirements for your space:

Cooling BTU Calculation Method

Our cooling BTU calculator uses the following approach:

Heating BTU Calculation

Heating requirements vary significantly by climate zone:

Air Conditioner Sizing

Air conditioner capacity is measured in tons, where 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr:

Energy Efficiency Considerations

When selecting HVAC equipment, consider energy efficiency ratings:

Common BTU Calculation Mistakes

Professional HVAC Load Calculation

For whole-house systems or complex installations, consider professional load calculations using Manual J methodology. This comprehensive approach accounts for: