What BTU Output Does My PTAC Unit Need?

BTU output has an incredible impact on the efficiency of your PTAC units. Make sure you understand the implications of a PTAC’s BTU output before purchasing and installing one in your Senior Living facility. Learn more about BTU output below:

What does BTU stand for?

BTU is an acronym that stands for British Thermal Unit, and is a form of energy measurement. It refers to the amount of energy that’s required to increase the temperature of a pound of water by 1° F.

How does BTU impact PTACs?

BTU output measures how much space a PTAC can effectively heat or cool a room. It is important that every PTAC be properly sized and situated in order to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels.

How do I determine what BTU I need for my room?

A rough estimate of BTU needs can be found by multiplying the room’s square footage by 30. However that number could be higher or lower depending on the following factors:

Usage : How many people typically occupy the room?
Room Characteristics : How high are the ceilings? Is the room well-insulated?
Impact of Outside Weather : How much sunlight does the room receive? Afternoon or morning sunlight? Which way does the room face?

What if I can’t find a PTAC with a BTU output appropriate for my room?

Sometimes you can’t find a PTAC with a BTU output that matches your heating and cooling needs. In most cases it is better to use an undersized unit for the space.

Slightly undersized PTAC units operating continuously provide more comfort and savings in a smaller room than oversized units operating intermittently. In larger rooms, two smaller units can cool the room more efficiently than one large unit. In milder weather, you can save money by running a single unit.

Why shouldn’t I use a PTAC with a higher BTU rating than I need?

Oversized PTAC units with a cooling capacity greater than required for the room will typically cool down the room too quickly, causing the compressor to cycle on and off. Since dehumidification only takes place when the compressor is operating, this typically results in a cool but humid space.