There a lots of acronyms used in reference to heating and cooling systems. One that you’ve probably heard mentioned is “BTU.” Here, we’ll explain what BTUs are and how they relate to your home heating system.
What are BTUs?
The term “BTU” stands for British thermal unit, and it’s a measurement of heat energy. One BTU equals the amount of heat energy required to raise a single pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. To put the amount of energy it represents into perspective, just one is generated by completely burning up a four-inch wooden match. Although BTUs are a commonly-used measurement here in the U.S., in spite of the name, they’re not used in the U.K.
BTUs and Home Heating Equipment
BTU ratings are an industry standard for measuring heating efficiency. Furnaces and other types of heating equipment have two such ratings: one for input and one for output. The input rating represents the amount of fuel the equipment burns, while the output rating refers to the total usable heat it generates. Essentially, the input rating tells you the size of the furnace, while the output rating tells you how efficiently it operates.
How to Determine How Many BTUs You Need
Home heating equipment comes in many different sizes, with BTU inputs ranging from 40,000 all the way up to 100,000. Bigger isn’t necessarily better when it comes to heating equipment, though. In fact, if your equipment is too large it will likely short-cycle, which leaves your home feeling too hot while it’s running and too cold whenever it cycles off.
To size new heating equipment correctly, have an experienced HVAC contractor evaluate your home and perform a Manual J calculation based on factors such as:
- Square footage.
- Size and type of windows.
- Type and amount of insulation.
- Height of the ceilings.
- Location of the home.
- Type of heating fuel.
Once the equipment size is determined, a pro can help you compare different models based on their fuel efficiency.
For help choosing equipment with the right BTU ratings for your Dayton home, contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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