BTU Calculator

Calculate the right air conditioner size for your room based on dimensions and conditions.

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Room BTU Calculator

Room area: 144 sq ft

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How to Size Your Air Conditioner

Proper sizing is crucial for efficient cooling. An air conditioner that's too small won't cool effectively, while one that's too large will cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy and failing to dehumidify properly.

Factors That Affect BTU Requirements

Room Size

The primary factor. Larger rooms need more cooling capacity.

Ceiling Height

Higher ceilings mean more air volume to cool, requiring additional BTUs.

Sun Exposure

Rooms with lots of sunlight need 10% more capacity. Shaded rooms need 10% less.

Room Type

Kitchens generate extra heat from appliances and need additional cooling capacity.

Occupancy

Each person adds about 600 BTU of heat. More people = more cooling needed.

Common Mini-Split Sizes

6,000 BTUUp to 250 sq ft (small bedroom, office)
9,000 BTU250–400 sq ft (bedroom, small living room)
12,000 BTU400–550 sq ft (master bedroom, medium room)
18,000 BTU550–800 sq ft (large living room, open area)
24,000 BTU800–1,000 sq ft (very large room, multiple rooms)

Why Choose a Mini-Split?

  • Energy Efficient: Up to 30% more efficient than traditional AC
  • Flexible Installation: No ductwork required
  • Zone Control: Cool only the rooms you're using
  • Quiet Operation: Indoor units are whisper-quiet
  • Year-Round Comfort: Many models provide heating too

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Our goal is to provide the HVAC community with helpful resources. If you have ideas for new calculators, improvements to this tool, or technical suggestions, we'd love to hear them.