In the process of choosing an HVAC system for your home, you’ll need to get the right size of equipment. Obviously, Schnelle Heating & Air will be there to help you, but it’s still good to understand what goes into the decision. We will use some math to determine how much energy it’s going to take to heat or cool your home, using a BTU formula (British Thermal Units), and then match it with an appropriate HVAC system. We do not have the time to discuss by what means the British were able to name a measurement after themselves, but I’m sure it’s a really good reason and not out of arrogance.
We’ll start by taking your square footage (you know, in US Standard Units), then multiply that number by 20, giving us an approximation of the BTUs needed to control the temperature in your home. You can play around with this HVAC BTU formula calculator to estimate your specific need.
Each unit in the British Thermal Units is a measure of how much energy it’s going to take to raise or lower the temperature of one pound of water at sea level one degree Fahrenheit. There, now that’s a thing you know. You didn’t know you needed to know it, and now that you know it, you realize you didn’t need to know it, but it’s too late. Sorry. Now let’s take another BTU formula and convert the BTUs into tonnage, which is how the sizes of the HVAC units are measured.
For every 12,000 BTU used per hour, you’ll need to add another ton to the size of the air-conditioner or heater needed. For example, a 1,500 sq. ft. home, with standard variables like an 8-foot ceiling and mild weather seasons, will need around 37,000 BTUs. So we would take that 37, 000 number and divide it by 12,000, leaving us with a recommended tonnage of 3+ for that home. This number will vary depending on considerations like climate, sun exposure, ceiling heights, your personal temperature preferences, window coverage, insulation, and the floor plan of the home. These are all variables Schnelle Heating & Air will factor in when we discuss a plan with you.
There is plenty more to say about BTUs, your HVAC options, the British in general, ways to make your home more energy efficient, and what not, but it may be easier to just talk face to