How many BTUs do you need for your space in Yopal? A guide for the plains climate
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Cooling is also calculated
The definitive guide to how many BTUs you really need in Casanare and how to avoid one of the most costly mistakes when buying an air conditioner.
If you've ever bought an air conditioner that doesn't cool enough, takes too long to lower the temperature, or ends up increasing your energy bill, the problem might never have been the equipment.
You probably chose the wrong BTUs.
And in a climate like Casanare's, that mistake costs more than in any other region of the country.
What are BTUs and why do they matter so much?
BTUs (British Thermal Unit) measure the cooling capacity of an air conditioner.
The more BTUs an appliance has, the greater its capacity to keep a space comfortable.
The problem arises when generic formulas are used that do not consider factors such as extreme heat, humidity, or the characteristic sun exposure of Casanare.
The basic formula for warm climates
As a starting point, we recommend:
| Space | Area | Minimum BTUs |
|---|---|---|
| Small room | 15 m² | 9,000 BTU |
| Standard room | 20 m² | 12,000 BTU |
| Living room or office | 30 m² | 18,000 BTU |
| Commercial premises | 40 m² | 24,000 BTU |
But this is only the starting point.
Factors that change the calculation in Casanare
☀️ Direct sun
If the space receives intense sun in the afternoon, especially on west-facing facades, add approximately an additional 10% to the initial calculation.
📏 Ceiling height
Ceilings higher than 3 meters increase the volume of air to be conditioned. In these cases, we recommend increasing the calculation by 15%.
👥 Number of people
Each additional person after two adds heat to the environment. Consider approximately 600 extra BTUs per person.
💻 Electronic equipment
Computers, printers, and other equipment generate constant heat that must be taken into account when selecting the appropriate capacity.
Humidity: the most ignored factor in the Llanos
The thermal sensation in Casanare does not depend solely on temperature.
High humidity makes the body perceive more heat and hinders the feeling of comfort.
Recommended BTUs for common spaces
🏠 Rooms
12,000 BTUs work correctly up to about 22 m². If it gets a lot of sun or has large windows, consider 18,000 BTUs.
🏢 Offices and consulting rooms
In spaces of 25 to 35 m² with computers and several people, we recommend starting from 18,000 BTUs.
🏬 Commercial premises
24,000 BTUs is usually the ideal starting point when there is constant customer traffic.
🏭 Industrial spaces
Require professional technical evaluation due to variables such as volume, machinery, and heat sources.
When to request a technical evaluation?
There are situations where a quick calculation is no longer enough:
- Complex commercial premises.
- Spaces with very high ceilings.
- Projects with several units.
- Needs exceeding 36,000 BTUs.
- Installed air conditioners that are not cooling properly.
Buying fewer BTUs to save money usually has the opposite effect: higher electricity consumption, greater wear and tear, and a reduced lifespan of the equipment.
Nor do we recommend choosing solely based on price. In demanding climates like Casanare, the quality of the equipment is directly reflected in consumption, maintenance, and long-term performance.
Still have questions?
At S&G Aires Acondicionados, we evaluate your space and recommend the ideal capacity based on real usage conditions, with no purchase obligation.
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