How to choose the right power air conditioner
When we talk about the size of an air conditioner, it's not about its physical dimensions, but about its cooling capacity, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Whether you choose a window air conditioner or a central air conditioning system, it is important to choose the right size according to the area to be cooled. This will ensure optimal efficiency and lower operating costs.
How to calculate the appropriate size?
To determine the required size of the air conditioner, you must first calculate the volume of the room in cubic meters. This is done by multiplying the length by the width by the height of the room or area you will be cooling/heating. Then multiply the total area by 100 BTU to provide enough cooling regardless of the weather, or 170 BTUs to provide enough power in heating mode.
Example: If the room measures 5 meters wide, 4 meters long and 2.7 meters high, it has an area of 20 sq.m. and a volume of 54 cubic meters Multiply the volume of the room by 100 BTU, you will get the minimum required cooling capacity: 5400 BTU, respectively for heating mode 54 cubic meters X 170 BTU = 9180 BTU.
Why isn't bigger always better?
Choosing an air conditioner with too much capacity can be inefficient. A large air conditioner will cool the room faster, but it won't run long enough to keep the temperature in the room even, resulting in little comfort. In addition, overly powerful appliances often turn on and off, leading to faster wear and tear, higher energy bills and less efficiency.
Therefore, it is important to accurately measure the cooling area and calculate the required BTU capacity to avoid these problems.
Additional tips:
- If you are cooling several connected rooms, with no doors in between, take into account the total area, but this way you risk disturbing comfort and noise levels. It is recommended to install several air conditioners, with a power corresponding to each room separately
- For rooms with minimal solar illumination, you can reduce the capacity by about 10% in cooling mode and increase by 10% in heating mode.
- For sunny rooms, increase capacity by 10% in cooling mode.
- Add 600 BTU for each additional person if the room is used by more than two people.
- For small rooms such as bedrooms and offices, choose an air conditioner up to 12,000 BTU.
- For larger rooms or rooms with more activity, choose an air conditioner with 18,000 to 24,000 BTUs, also taking into account the noise level.
- For living rooms with an area of up to 30 sq.m or open spaces, an air conditioner with a capacity of 12,000 to 18,000 BTU is most suitable.
- Take into account the exposure, the availability of insulation and quality joinery, the number of external walls and other factors that can affect the heat load of the room.
|
Cooling capacity BTU |
Room |
|---|---|
|
9 000 BTU |
10-25 sq.m |
|
12 000 BTU |
20-35 sq.m |
|
18 000 BTU |
30-45 sq.m |
|
24 000 BTU |
40-60 sq.m |
|
Heating capacity BTU |
Room |
|---|---|
|
9 000 BTU |
10-20 sq.m |
|
12 000 BTU |
20-28 sq.m |
|
18 000 BTU |
29-38 sq.m |
|
24 000 BTU |
39-50 sq.m |
For more information or assistance, please contact Alpin Customer Service on 02 851 08 95 or our authorised distributor.
