Tonnage: In HVAC contexts, tonnage refers to the ton of refrigeration, a unit of measurement of heat transfer.One BTU is also equivalent to approximately 1,055 Joule. One BTU is equivalent to the heat needed to increase the temperature of one pound of water by 1☏. British Thermal Units: The BTU is a unit of heat.The HVAC industry uses two specific units of measurement to calculate an air conditioner’s size: British Thermal Units (BTU ) and tonnage. When it comes to mini split air conditioners, the term “size” refers to the capacity of the unit to heat or cool a specific space or room. How the Size of an Air Conditioner Affects Its Cooling Capacity Learn everything you need to know to choose the right size and capacity for your home’s dimensions and environment. Here is a breakdown of every element relevant to air conditioning sizing. In other words, choosing the right size, capacity, or BTU rating for your mini split system is one of the most critical decisions you can make. It will also influence its cost-effectiveness, affecting your long-term energy bill expenses. While there are many other data points and elements to consider before deciding what to purchase, making sure you have chosen a properly sized unit should be on top of your checklist.Ĭareful consideration of your mini split’s sizing will significantly impact the comfort level you’ll be getting from your unit. Remember that size, in this respect, means capacity or BTU rating. When buying a ductless mini split system, ensuring your system has the right size for your house is critical. Sizing Your Mini Split Air Conditioner: What’s the Right BTU Rating to Effectively Cool or Heat Your Room? Every system is designed to operate in rooms of a specific size, and choosing the right size for your needs is critical to ensure your air conditioning system works as intended.įollow this complete mini split sizing guide and make the best purchasing decisions when shopping for a mini split air conditioner or heat pump. These values refer to the system’s capacity or size. All mini split air conditioning systems feature specific ratings and numbers such as BTUs and tonnage.

Mini split calculator