Btu is an abbreviation for British thermal unit. It measures the heat energy required to lower or raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. Btu is an important metric for heating and air conditioning. It’s a rating system that indicates how powerful your unit is.

BTU: Your Air Conditioner

It is important that you understand the Btu of your air conditioner in comparison to the size of your home because you do not want to have an air conditioner that is not serving you well. A 12,000-Btu air conditioner means that it is removing 12,000 tons of heating per hour from your home. If your house is big, you would require an air conditioner with a higher Btu. At GVEC, we’re a leading heating and air conditioner company that’s been in business in South Central Texas for over 50 years. We can help you find the right size air conditioner for your home.

BTU: Your Heat Pump

Btu is also used to rate energy in heat pumps, furnaces, cooking devices, and other heating appliances. These heating appliances come in different capacities or ratings. For instance, if your heat pump rating is 12,000 Btu, it means that it can produce 12,000 tons of heating per hour. Just like you would need a bigger AC system if you have a larger house, a larger heat pump with a higher Btu can help heat your home better.

The same thing applies to furnaces. Getting the right furnace for your size of home is important. For example, if you have a 3,000-square-foot home, you’ll need a furnace that generates roughly between 120,000 to 135,000 Btus. We can also advise you about getting the right heat pump or furnace to heat your home properly.

Reach Out to GVEC Today

At GVEC, we’re proud to offer AC/heating sales and installation, repair service, and maintenance. We partner with industry leaders and sell Bryant® and Champion® products, central HVAC systems, indoor air quality accessories, and ductless systems. Contact us today at 877.466.5506 for more information on how we can help you with your home comfort systems.

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