What does BTU Mean for Your Furnace?

If you’re in the market for a new furnace, you’ve probably heard the term BTU thrown around a lot. But what does it mean? BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is a unit of measurement used to quantify how much heat energy a furnace can produce. In this article, we’ll explain what BTUs are and how they impact your furnace choice.
What is a BTU?
British Thermal Units or BTUs are a unit of heat energy. They’re used to measure how much heat needs to be added for an object’s temperature change by one degree Fahrenheit (as well as other measures).
In furnaces, it refers to the amount of fuel burned per hour on average. In metric, it is equivalent to 0.293 watt-hours. BTUs are important because they help you understand how much heat your furnace can produce and whether or not it will be suitable for your home.
How Many BTU’s Do You Need?
Every house is different, but if you want to find the number of BTUs needed for your home, a few factors will help determine it. First, consider how much your home leaks heat through its doors and windows – this can be measured using an insulation R-value test or by hiring an energy auditor to do so (usually for free).
The higher the R-value, the less heat will escape your home. You can also calculate BTUs needed based on square footage. Multiply the length of your house by the width of your house, and that will give you the total square footage. Then, find a furnace with a BTU rating equal to or greater than the number you calculated.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a BTU Rating for Your Furnace
When choosing a BTU rating for your emergency furnace repair colorado springs co or installation in Hinsdale, there are many factors to consider. One of them is the weather in which you live because if there’s more heat outside then, it will take less energy for an HVAC system to warm up inside air by one degree Fahrenheit (or Celsius).
Another factor is how often you run your a/c colorado springs, co. If you have a home with high ceilings, more than one floor, or live in a very warm climate, you’ll need to choose a furnace with a higher BTU rating.
You should also consider the efficiency of the furnace and the best time to buy a new furnace. Furnaces with a higher AFUE rating will use less energy to produce the same amount of heat as furnaces with lower ratings. It means that if you want to save money on energy bills, it might be worth considering investing in an efficient furnace and paying more upfront costs.
To Conclude
This was a brief overview of BTUs and what they mean for your furnace choice. You may also consult with a qualified HVAC technician to get more specific advice on what BTU rating you need for your home.