How to Determine the Required Power of an Air Conditioner? What is a “12,000 BTU” Unit, and What is a “9,000 BTU” Unit? What Does the BTU Rating Mean? Which Energy Classes Exist and Are They Important? Is it Worth Buying an Inverter Air Conditioner?
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Reading articles on online portals that advise on choosing the right air conditioner, you often encounter different types of air conditioners, such as window units, portable units, or split systems. Split systems with separate indoor and outdoor units are the most popular today, so we will focus on selecting the ideal split air conditioner.
Determining Air Conditioner Capacity
The basic step is to determine the capacity of the air conditioner. The required power depends on the square footage of the space, but also on several other factors such as insulation quality, number and size of windows, and the orientation of the apartment (north, south, attic, etc.). Additionally, factors like the purpose of the space and the number of people present also influence the needed capacity.
What Power of Air Conditioner is Needed?
A rough estimate, which is generally reliable, is that an air conditioner can adjust to the space. For studios and spaces up to 400 square foots, a 9,000 BTU unit is sufficient. For apartments up to 600 square meters, a 12,000 BTU unit will be enough, while larger spaces require an 18,000 BTU unit.
When talking to salespeople and technicians, terms like “9,000 BTU” and “12,000 BTU” are common. What do they actually mean? A “12,000 BTU” air conditioner provides 12,000 BTU per hour, which is equivalent to 3.5 kilowatts (1 kW = 3412.14 BTU/h). This means a “9,000 BTU” unit provides 2.6 kW, a 12,000 BTU unit provides 3.5 kW, and an 18,000 BTU unit provides 5.3 kW.
Choosing the Right Energy Class
Choosing the right energy class is important after determining the required capacity. Higher energy class air conditioners are more expensive, but it’s crucial to consider that an air conditioner is a significant energy consumer. Therefore, it’s advisable to purchase the most efficient unit possible.
Energy classes range from A+++ to G, with A+++ being the most efficient and G the least. Opting for a higher efficiency unit is wise as it’s expected to be in use for many years.
Is it Worth Investing in Inverter Air Conditioners?
Inverter air conditioners have compressors with adaptable operating modes. Unlike standard air conditioners, where the compressor is either on or off, inverter units operate at variable speeds. Initially, they run at full capacity and then gradually reduce power, especially in maintenance mode to keep the desired temperature.
UNDERSTANDING INVERTER AIR CONDITIONERS AND THEIR EFFICIENCY FOR HEATING
This results in significant energy savings, with consumption up to 40% lower compared to traditional air conditioners. Moreover, inverter units are far more efficient for heating during winter months and can effectively heat even when outdoor temperatures drop to -4°F. However, it should be noted that inverter air conditioners are considerably more expensive.
Photo: LG Electronics