Climate control is a top priority for most US homeowners since seasonal extremes in any area can be uncomfortable. Many people ensure their comfort during hot summers and cold winters by investing in HVAC technology for their homes and commercial businesses. However, many worry about the potential costs associated with HVAC service. The good news is: most people worry too much, and it’s merely because they don’t understand the science behind their climate control technology. Learning a few simple terms and knowing how they apply to your machines is one of the easiest ways to achieve peace of mind and make educated decisions about your HVAC service. For example, when you know what Btu stands for you’ll be in a better position to understand the HVAC sizing process and avoid potential issues with your climate control infrastructure.
Btu Stands for British Thermal Unit
One Btu is defined as the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a single pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The term first became common in the late 1800s, possibly inspired by the “units of heat” described by William John Macquorn Rankine in 1885’s Steam Engines.
Btu is an incredibly important unit of measurement in heating and cooling and has been used throughout the world for over a century. However, due to the migration to the metric system in the 1970’s, it’s no longer used in England where it originated.
From 19th Century England to 21st Century America
Btu initially helped to refine technologies such as the steam engine, the operation of which was considerably less predictable before the use of Btu. However, it also became instrumental when more modern heating and cooling technologies began to emerge. Btu can be used as measurements of power for different devices, as in the case of Btu/hr. Today, Btu/hr is commonly used in heating and cooling technology throughout the US.
At this point, you might have questions. You know what Btu is, but you are probably still wondering what its purpose is in heaters or air conditioners. Don’t worry—just keep reading. We’re going to help you understand the role Btu plays in your HVAC so that you can approach your service options with more confidence.
What Does Btu Have to do With Your HVAC?
The primary area in which an understanding of Btu can be useful is when it comes to sizing your HVAC. Sizing your HVAC is one of the most important aspects of efficient climate control. Contrary to popular opinion though, sizing your HVAC has very little to do with the physical size of the heating and cooling units themselves. Instead, sizing refers to matching the capacity of a system with an appropriate space. Different HVACs draw different amounts of power, which make them more or less suitable for changing the temperature in a given area.
An HVAC with a higher Btu/hr rating can heat or cool a larger space efficiently, whereas one with a lower Btu/hr rating will be better suited to a smaller area. However, the amount of space that an HVAC can efficiently heat or cool does not grow in direct proportion to its Btu/hr rating. There are also numerous other factors that affect the Btu/hr rating a heater or air conditioner will need to change the temperature in each space efficiently. These factors are considered during the Manual J Load Calculation, which is a complex equation performed by HVAC technicians before installing a new system.
Choosing the Right Technician for Your HVAC
Knowing that your HVAC has an appropriate Btu/hr rating for the size of your home is critical to using it responsibly, so it’s important to make sure that your HVAC professional is highly qualified. Always look for a company with a C-20 license, so that you can be confident they have the required skills and experience to size your unit and install it correctly. When people find an HVAC company with the proper qualifications, they often enter a regular service contract with them. This type of contract will engage the technician to visit your home once or twice each year and perform diagnostic services, duct cleaning, or small repairs to keep your unit in proper shape. Choosing the same technician who performed your installation means that you’ll benefit from their prior knowledge of your home and its needs. You’ll be relying on them for important work though, so it’s critical to make sure they have that license.
Your comfort is paramount, especially when you’re in your own home. Make sure that you can enjoy all the benefits of efficient climate control by understanding some key terms and choosing professionals who understand them just as well. Remember what Btu stands for, and why it matters when your HVAC is being installed. If you do, you should be able to stay comfortable in any weather, while using your system efficiently.
Check in with us here at Valley Comfort Heating and Air, our customers love our attention to detail and our friendly, affordable service. (707) 539-4533