Purchasing HVAC? Terms You Need To Know

5 June 2019      

When purchasing a temporary cool set, it's important to understand HVAC terminology that will be helpful in determining the right unit for your need. Here are two common AC terms that you hear when renting or purchasing an AC unit:

BTU

BTU or British Thermal Unit (BTU) is measure of the amount of heat needed to elevate the temperature of one lb. of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It's a unit of measurement commonly used for AC and heating equipment.

TON

The term “Ton” within the HVAC industry relates to the amount of heat needed to melt a ton (2,000 lb) of ice at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. There are 12,000 BTUs to one ton. Most portable air conditioners and heaters are rated in tons or BTU, so a 5-ton unit is 60,000 BTUs.

Selecting the Right Cooling Option for You

When purchasing a spot cooler, it is smart to figure out what kind of cooling you require. As a rule, estimate 1 ton of cooling for every 500 square feet in a standard 8-foot ceiling for spacious settings. But in a sparsely-populated spaces, 1 ton of cooling for every 250 square feet is advisable.

Take into account that when purchasing a portable air conditioner, you have to determine the number of people who will be staying in the area that is being cooled. Approximately, each person can produce 600 BTU's.

Contact Americool LLC to help you determine how much cooling you'll need for your application.