Definition

Btu is a measurement unit that reflects the amount of energy or heat required to raise the temperature of 1 lb. of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. In air conditioning terms, this refers to the amount of heat the air conditioner can remove from a home.

Function

Air conditioners cool homes by removing heat from the structure. Air conditioners with higher Btu ratings can remove larger volumes of heat, allowing them to cool the home more quickly.

Application

An air conditioner rated at about 10,000 Btu should efficiently cool a room of up to about 950 square feet, according to air conditioning experts at Sylvane Air. The company cautions that a number of factors, ranging from occupancy of the home to air flow in the house, can affect an air conditioner’s efficiency.