
What is BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. Usually, it refers to the amount of energy it takes to heat one pound (1lb) of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
But BTU can also be used to refer to air conditioners, and how much energy an air conditioner uses to remove heat from indoor air. The BTU rating will typically tell the user how much heat an air conditioner can remove within one hour.
When purchasing or hiring an air conditioner, it is really important to check the BTU to see how efficient the air conditioner will be at the job.
Hiring an air conditioner is efficient, as it means you don’t have to store it over winter when it isn’t in use, and you can hire a top-of-the-range model which is energy efficient without the big price tag.
HIRE COOLING PRODUCTS FROM SPEEDY THIS SUMMER
What is BTU in heating?
BTU will also be referred to if you’re choosing a new radiator or heater.
In this case, BTU refers to the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
Why is choosing the correct BTU important?
You don’t want to pick a BTU which is too low, as it will struggle to clear the warm air from the room. This will only increase your electricity bill, as it takes longer to do the job.
Likewise, don’t choose a BTU which is too high for the sake of it. Contrary to belief, this won’t cool your room quicker; it just means the humidity can’t be removed at the correct rate, and it can put a strain on the system.
A higher BTU can do the job more efficiently than a lower BTU, but don’t go to the extremes.
How can I choose the correct BTU for the room?
To calculate the BTU needed, multiply the area’s floor square footage by 25.
To find the floor square footage, measure the room in feet and then multiply the room’s length times the width.
An average living room in the UK is 16 x 20ft = 320 ft2.
320 x 25 = 8,000.
This means you need a unit with around 8,000 BTU output for this living room.
Incorporating other factors
You’re not necessarily finished there. While the above is a guide, you also need to take into account your particular room layout and conditions.
- Add 10% to the BTU rating if your room has high sun exposure
- Remove 10% off the BTU rating if your room is very shaded
- Increase the BTU by around 4,000 BTU if the air conditioner will be used in a room with ovens and other hot appliances
- If there will be more than two people in the room for a prolonged time, add 600 BTU onto the average per person
Additionally, features like a ceiling lower than the average of 8ft may mean you need less BTU. An open plan downstairs floor level will need high BTU, but you will also need to consider the positioning correctly. Place it nearer the area in use.
Most homes now have double-glazed windows. But if yours are still single-glazed, you may get away with slightly lower BTU for cooling products but need higher for heating products.
So, while 8,000 BTU may be ideal for your room, you may actually need something around 9,000 BTU if in a family room, or if your room has big windows in direct sunlight.
HIRE AIR CONDITIONERS FROM SPEEDY TODAY
Speedy Hire, the UK's leading tool hire company, have a range of air conditioning units for hire nationwide. Let us be your home of hire this summer.
Speedy has more than 200 local service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs and nationwide 4-hour delivery. It has never been easier to hire the tools and equipment you need.
You’ll find all the tools you need right here. Why not open a Speedy account today online or visit us in your local depot to start hiring today?
- 2025
- 2024
- October 2024 (3)
- September 2024 (7)
- August 2024 (8)
- July 2024 (8)
- June 2024 (17)
- May 2024 (8)
- April 2024 (6)
- March 2024 (15)
- February 2024 (4)
- January 2024 (9)
- 2023
- December 2023 (11)
- November 2023 (7)
- October 2023 (5)
- September 2023 (8)
- August 2023 (19)
- July 2023 (17)
- June 2023 (13)
- May 2023 (15)
- April 2023 (13)
- March 2023 (12)
- February 2023 (11)
- January 2023 (5)
- 2022
- December 2022 (4)
- November 2022 (9)
- October 2022 (15)
- September 2022 (11)
- August 2022 (10)
- July 2022 (11)
- June 2022 (15)
- May 2022 (10)
- April 2022 (8)
- March 2022 (5)
- February 2022 (4)
- January 2022 (2)
- 2021
- December 2021 (7)
- November 2021 (10)
- October 2021 (1)
- September 2021 (1)
- August 2021 (3)
- July 2021 (2)
- June 2021 (4)
- May 2021 (1)
- April 2021 (1)
- March 2021 (2)
- February 2021 (1)
- January 2021 (1)
- 2020
- 2019
- 2017
- 2016
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
- 2011


