When shopping for an air conditioner, the machine’s BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating is one of the first things that you should consider. BTU is the standard unit that is used to measure heat or thermal energy. When it comes to air conditioning and heating systems, this measurement is expressed by the amount of BTUs an equipment can remove from or add to the air per hour. A 6500 BTU air conditioner, therefore, removes that much amount of heat from the air at any given hour.
In looking for the right BTU rating for an air conditioner, it is important to remember that a higher BTU rating doesn’t always mean the best for your needs. A higher BTU isn’t necessarily the answer to your air conditioning requirements, because investing in an air conditioner that has a much higher BTU level than what you need may cause your space to cool quickly, which will in turn cause your unit to cycle off and on more frequently in order to maintain your desired or optimal temperature. Not only will this frequent on and off cycle consume more energy, it will also overwork your air conditioners compressor, effectively shortening your machine’s lifespan.
This is why it is critical to know the right BTU rating recommendation for the type and size of space you are cooling. A 6500 BTU air conditioner is ideal for small rooms between 100 and 300 square feet in size. This BTU rating is recommended for small bedrooms, guest rooms, home offices, and similar types of spaces. When shopping for the right air conditioner, there are certain specifications and features that you should seriously consider, such as the unit’s noise rating, energy saving features, and installation requirements.
Look for a 6500 BTU air conditioner with an Energy Star certification to ensure compliance with energy saving standards and industry specifications when it comes to sealing, insulating materials, and leakage protection. Choose a unit with excellent noise test scores so as not to be stuck with a unit that runs disturbingly loud.