Hvac Btu Calculation: Sizing Your Ac Unit Right

HVAC systems require precise measurement for optimal performance. Air conditioners use British Thermal Units (BTUs) to measure heat output. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. Calculating BTU is essential for selecting correctly sized air conditioning unit.

Alright, folks, let’s face it: air conditioning isn’t just a luxury these days, it’s practically a survival tool, right? I mean, who wants to live in a sweltering oven of a home when it’s 90 degrees and humid outside? So, A/C units swoop in like modern-day superheroes! In this age of smart homes and complex technology, the humble air conditioner can feel like a bit of a mystery.

But fear not, because we’re about to decode the world of air conditioning together! Think of this blog post as your friendly neighborhood guide to understanding all those confusing terms and numbers. We’re here to empower you, the homeowner and the savvy consumer, to make informed decisions. No more nodding blankly when the HVAC guy starts talking about BTUs!

Our mission, should you choose to accept it, is to break down complex concepts like BTU, cooling capacity, and energy efficiency into simple, understandable terms. Why? Because understanding these terms gives you power! You’ll be able to save money on energy bills by choosing the right AC unit, ensure your home is perfectly comfortable (not too hot, not too cold – just right!), and even reduce your environmental impact. Basically, it’s a win-win-win situation! So buckle up, and let’s get started on this cool journey!

BTU: The Basic Unit of Cooling Power Explained

Alright, let’s talk BTUs. No, not the breakfast taco you devoured last Sunday (though that did involve heat, didn’t it?). We’re diving into the wonderful world of British Thermal Units, the unsung heroes of cool air and the key to understanding how your AC unit tackles that summer heat. Think of BTU as the basic building block of cold air.

What Exactly IS a BTU?

Simply put, a BTU is the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Picture this: you’ve got a pound of water (about two cups), and you want to heat it up by just one degree. The energy needed to make that happen? Yep, that’s a BTU!

BTU: The Horsepower of Cooling

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Water? What does that have to do with my air conditioner?” Good question! Think of BTU like horsepower in an engine. Horsepower tells you how much oomph your car has, and BTUs tell you how much cooling power your AC unit packs. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat your AC can remove from your room. So, in the AC world, BTUs = Cooling Power. The more BTU the higher the rate of colling.

BTU and Your Air Conditioner’s Cooling Capacity

Every air conditioner has a BTU rating, which tells you its cooling capacity. This number represents the amount of heat the unit can remove from a room in one hour. So, an AC with a 10,000 BTU rating can theoretically remove 10,000 BTUs of heat per hour. That’s why it’s important to match the BTU rating of your AC to the size of your room.

Busting BTU Myths:

Before you go running off to buy the highest BTU AC you can find, let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.

• Myth #1: More BTUs are always better. Nope! Oversizing your AC can actually make your home less comfortable and waste energy. If your AC is too powerful for the space, it’ll cool the room quickly but won’t run long enough to properly dehumidify the air, leaving you with a cold, clammy feeling.
• Myth #2: BTU is the only thing that matters. While BTU is important, it’s not the only factor to consider. Energy efficiency ratings (like EER and SEER) are also crucial for saving money and reducing your environmental impact.

So, there you have it! A crash course in BTUs. Now you’re one step closer to understanding the science behind staying cool. Next up, we’ll dive into cooling capacity and how to figure out exactly how much cooling power you need for your space.

Cooling Capacity: Getting the Heat Outta Here!

Okay, so you know that BTU thing we just talked about? Think of it as the individual soldiers fighting the war against summer’s sweltering heat. But what happens when you need a whole army? That’s where cooling capacity comes in! Cooling capacity is all about speed. It’s how fast an air conditioner can boot out that unwanted heat, measured in – you guessed it – BTU per hour (BTU/hr). So, if an AC unit has a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU/hr, it means it can remove 12,000 BTUs of heat from your room every hour. Pretty neat, huh?

BTU and Cooling Capacity: Best Buds

Now, let’s connect the dots. BTU is the amount of heat, and cooling capacity is the rate at which your AC can kick that heat to the curb. Basically, a higher BTU rating generally means a higher cooling capacity. Think of it like this: a firehose can move a lot more water (BTUs) in an hour (cooling capacity) than your garden hose. Got it? Awesome!

Size Matters (for AC Units, That Is!)

So, how do you figure out what cooling capacity you need? Well, it all depends on the size of your room, and a few other sneaky factors. Getting the right cooling capacity is super important. Too little, and your AC will be sweating overtime trying to keep up. Too much, and it’ll cool the room way too fast, leading to short cycling (turning on and off constantly) which is not good for energy bills or the lifespan of your unit.

The kinda, sorta, maybe Square Footage Guide

Here’s a very general guideline to get you started (but please, read the fine print that follows!):

• 100-300 square feet: 5,000 – 6,000 BTU/hr
• 300-500 square feet: 7,000 – 10,000 BTU/hr
• 500-800 square feet: 10,000 – 18,000 BTU/hr
• 800-1,200 square feet: 18,000 – 24,000 BTU/hr

BUT WAIT! Before you run off and buy an AC based on those numbers alone, listen up! Those are just rough estimates. Your actual BTU needs will vary based on things like:

• Insulation: A poorly insulated room needs a lot more cooling power.
• Climate: If you live in Death Valley, you’re gonna need more BTUs than someone chilling in San Francisco.
• Windows: Big, sunny windows let in a ton of heat.
• Ceiling Height: Higher ceilings mean more volume to cool.
• Number of People: Each person in a room radiates heat.
• Heat Generating Appliances: Ovens, computers, even lights can add to the heat load.

Because of all these factors, it’s a good idea to really analyze your situation to accurately gauge your needs. When in doubt, it is best to consult a professional HVAC technician. They will be able to perform a load calculation and give you the best recommendation for your specific needs.

Heat vs. Temperature: It’s Not the Same Thing, Folks!

Okay, let’s get something straight. Heat and temperature? They’re not exactly the same twins, even if they often hang out together. Think of it this way: they’re more like cousins who get invited to the same family reunions but have totally different jobs. So, what’s the real difference?

Heat, my friends, is a form of energy. It’s all about the movement of those tiny little particles we learned about in science class – atoms and molecules, buzzing around like caffeinated bees. The more they move, the more heat something has. Simple enough, right?

Now, temperature is a measure of how fast those little guys are zipping around on average. It’s essentially a reading of the average kinetic energy of those particles. So, if you stick a thermometer in something, it’s telling you how much those particles are vibing on average, not how much total energy is there.

How Your AC Zaps Heat (and Cools You Down)

So, how does this all relate to your trusty air conditioner? Well, AC units are basically heat-removal machines. They don’t just magically make things cold. Instead, they work tirelessly to suck the heat energy out of your room.

Think of your AC unit as a tiny heat-absorbing superhero. It grabs the heat energy from inside your home and ejects it outside. This reduction in heat energy inside causes the temperature to drop. That’s how you go from sweltering to ahhhh, refreshing!

Analogy Time: Coffee vs. Swimming Pool

Let’s try another analogy to really nail this home. Imagine a cup of piping hot coffee versus a swimming pool of lukewarm water. That coffee has a high temperature – those molecules are jiggling like crazy. But, it doesn’t contain a whole lot of heat overall, because there is not a lot of volume. The lukewarm swimming pool, on the other hand, has a lower temperature, but it contains way more heat because there’s so much more water. You could heat your house for a week with all the thermal energy in a swimming pool vs a coffee cup.

See? Different amounts of total heat energy, even with different temperatures! So next time you crank up the AC, remember it is not cooling you down, it is removing the heat!

EER and SEER: Decoding Energy Efficiency Ratings

Okay, let’s talk about EER and SEER. No, they’re not characters from a sci-fi movie, but they are super important when it comes to understanding how efficiently your AC unit chills your home. Think of them as the MPG for your air conditioner. Who wouldn’t want to save money on gas (or electricity, in this case)?

So, what exactly are these acronyms? Well, EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. It’s like a snapshot of how efficiently your AC is cooling at a specific moment under specific conditions. It’s calculated by dividing the BTU (remember those?) by the watts of electricity the unit uses. Simply put, it’s BTU/watt.

Think of it like this: If your AC has a high EER, it’s like a superhero efficiently using its energy to defeat the heat villain. A “good” EER value depends on the type of AC, but generally, the higher, the better. Look for values of 10 or higher.

Next up is SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This one’s the big picture. It measures your AC’s efficiency over an entire cooling season (think summer). It accounts for variations in temperature and usage, giving you a more realistic idea of how much energy you’ll actually use.

A higher SEER rating means more energy savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Everyone wins! It’s also worth noting that many regions and countries have minimum SEER rating requirements for new AC units. These values can be used in purchasing an air conditioner.

So, where do you find these magical ratings? They’re usually plastered right on the AC unit itself! Look for a bright yellow and black sticker called the EnergyGuide label. It’s required by law to be displayed on all new air conditioners. This will show you both the EER and SEER of the unit. In addition, the label also shows an estimated annual operating cost, which can help you compare similar models.

As technology marches on, so do energy efficiency standards. Government agencies regularly update regulations to encourage manufacturers to make even more efficient AC units. This means higher SEER ratings and lower energy bills for you! Keep an eye out for the latest updates.

In the US, ENERGY STAR is a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions.

The Role of Refrigerant: Your AC’s Unsung Hero

Ever wonder what actually makes your air conditioner blow that sweet, sweet cold air? It’s not magic; it’s all thanks to a fascinating substance called refrigerant. Think of refrigerant as the hardworking delivery person of the cooling world, constantly moving heat from inside your home to the great outdoors. Without it, your AC would just be an expensive fan!

The Refrigerant Cycle: A Chilling Adventure

So, how does this refrigerant work its magic? It’s all about a cleverly designed cycle:

• Evaporation: Inside your home, the refrigerant starts as a cold, low-pressure liquid. It passes through the evaporator coil, absorbing heat from the warm air blowing across it. As it absorbs heat, the refrigerant turns into a gas. Think of it like water boiling on a stove, but at a much lower temperature.
• Compression: The refrigerant gas then travels to the compressor, which squeezes it, increasing both its pressure and temperature. Imagine pumping up a bicycle tire – it gets warmer as you compress the air.
• Condensation: Now a hot, high-pressure gas, the refrigerant moves to the condenser coil, usually located outside your house. Here, it releases the heat it absorbed inside your home, turning back into a liquid.
• Expansion: Finally, the liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, which lowers its pressure and temperature, ready to start the cycle all over again.

Refrigerant Types: A Chemical Cocktail

Over the years, different types of refrigerants have been used in air conditioners. Some common ones include R-22, R-410A, and the newer R-32. However, some refrigerants are more environmentally friendly than others.

• R-22: This older refrigerant is being phased out due to its ozone-depleting potential.
• R-410A: A more environmentally friendly alternative to R-22, but still has a high global warming potential.
• R-32: This newer refrigerant has a lower global warming potential than R-410A and is becoming increasingly popular.

Eco-Friendly Refrigerants: Cooling with a Conscience

With growing concerns about climate change, the industry is moving towards more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Look for AC units that use refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) to reduce your carbon footprint. The phase-out of older, harmful refrigerants is a positive step, ensuring that future cooling solutions are both effective and sustainable. Make sure any AC services you need are with a licensed professional and ask what kind of refrigerant they are using to refill your unit.

Heat Load: Decoding What’s Making You Sweat (Besides This Explanation)

Alright, let’s talk about heat load. No, we’re not talking about how much your overly competitive family stresses you out during game night (though that is a type of heat!). We’re talking about the total amount of heat that your AC needs to kick out of your space to keep you from turning into a human popsicle. Think of it as the enemy your air conditioner is constantly battling to keep you cool, calm, and collected.

Factors Influencing Your Home’s Heat Load: The Culprits Behind the Sweat

So, what exactly contributes to this heat load monster? Well, a bunch of things, actually! It’s like a party, but an uninvited one where everyone brings heat. Let’s break down the usual suspects:

• Insulation Effectiveness: Think of insulation as your home’s cozy winter coat (or in this case, summer shield). If your walls are poorly insulated, heat can sneak in like a ninja through the cracks. Poor insulation = higher heat load.

• Climate Conditions: Obvious, right? If you live in a place where the sun shines brighter than your future (think Arizona or Florida), your AC will have to work much harder than if you’re chilling in a milder climate. Consider temperature, humidity, and the intensity of sunlight beating down on your humble abode.

• Number of Occupants: Each person is essentially a little heat radiator. The more people, the more body heat contributing to the overall load. Sorry to break it to you; your family is making it hotter!

• Appliances Generating Heat: Your trusty oven, your gaming computer that sounds like a jet engine, even your lights – they all pump out heat. It might not seem like much individually, but it adds up. Especially when you’re baking cookies while gaming.

• Window Size and Orientation: Huge, beautiful windows are great for natural light… and letting in a ton of heat! Especially if they’re facing the sun all day long. Window orientation matters greatly.

• Lighting: Traditional incandescent bulbs were basically tiny heaters disguised as light sources. Even some older CFLs put out a fair amount of heat. Switching to LED lighting is a great way to reduce this contributing factor.

Heat Load Reduction: Tips and Tricks to Help Your AC Chill Out

Alright, so you know what’s causing the heat load, but what can you do about it? Here are some simple steps to reduce heat load:

• Improve Insulation: This is probably the biggest bang for your buck. Insulating your walls, ceilings, and attic can make a huge difference. Think of it as giving your home a suit of armor against the sun!

• Use Window Coverings: Blinds, curtains, or even special solar films can block out a significant amount of sunlight and heat. Close ’em up during the hottest parts of the day!

• Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances: Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances. They’re designed to use less energy and produce less heat. Your kitchen will thank you (and so will your wallet!).

By understanding and tackling the factors contributing to heat load, you can help your AC run more efficiently, save money on energy bills, and keep your home feeling comfortable all summer long. Now that’s cool!

Matching AC Size to Your Space: Square Footage and Beyond

Okay, so you’re thinking about getting a new AC unit, or maybe you’re just trying to figure out if your current one is up to snuff. Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the world of AC sizing. It’s not as simple as just grabbing the biggest one you can find, trust me! Think of it like trying to wear shoes that are five sizes too big – you could technically walk, but you’d look ridiculous and probably trip a lot.

Square footage definitely plays a huge role in figuring out what size AC you need. It’s like the foundation of a good AC sizing strategy. Generally, the larger the area you’re trying to cool, the more cooling power (BTUs) you’ll need.

Finding the sweet spot – calculating BTU based on square footage:

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. You can’t just slap any old AC in any old room. So how do you figure out the right BTU for your space? Here’s a more detailed guideline, but remember, it’s not an exact science! Think of it as a starting point for your AC adventure.

• The Basic Formula: A common rule of thumb is to use 20 BTU per square foot. So, if you have a 500-square-foot room, you might start by thinking about a 10,000 BTU AC unit.

• Insulation Matters: Got great insulation? Awesome! You might be able to go a little lower on the BTU. But if your house is like a sieve and lets air in from everywhere, you might need to bump up the BTU a bit.

• Climate Counts: Living in the Sahara Desert? You’ll need more cooling power than someone chilling in San Francisco. Account for your local climate and its intensity. The more humid or hotter your climate, the more BTUs you’ll likely need.

• Window Wisdom: Big, sunny windows are great for natural light, but they also let in a lot of heat. South-facing windows are the worst offenders. Add some extra BTUs if you have a lot of sunlight streaming in. Window coverings can help reduce this effect.

The Horrors of Oversizing and Undersizing:

Oversizing:

Imagine buying a fire extinguisher that’s way too big for your kitchen. It’s overkill, right? Well, the same goes for AC units. An oversized unit will cool the room super fast, then shut off. This leads to short cycling, which means the unit turns on and off frequently.

Why is this bad? It wastes energy, doesn’t dehumidify properly (leaving you feeling clammy), and can wear out the AC unit faster. Plus, you won’t save money despite having that “powerful” unit; you’ll actually spend more!

Undersizing:

On the flip side, an undersized AC unit is like trying to cool your house with a tiny fan. It’ll run constantly, struggling to keep up, and your energy bills will skyrocket.

The result? An uncomfortable, muggy house and a stressed-out AC unit that’s working overtime.

When in Doubt, Call a Pro:

Look, I get it. All this BTU talk can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get a pro involved. HVAC technicians are like AC whisperers. They can assess your specific situation, take into account all the relevant factors, and recommend the perfect AC size for your needs. Plus, they’ll install it properly, which is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Think of it as an investment in your comfort and your wallet!

Watts and Kilowatts: Cracking the Code to Your AC’s Power Appetite

Okay, so we’ve talked about BTUs, SEERs, and all sorts of other acronyms that might make your head spin. But before you throw your hands up in the air, let’s tackle something a little more straightforward: watts and kilowatts. Think of them as the language your AC unit speaks when it’s trying to tell you how much energy it’s munching on. Understanding this lingo is key to keeping your energy bills from skyrocketing!

What’s a Watt? And Why Should I Care?

A watt is simply a unit of power, like horsepower for your car, but for electricity. Imagine it as the rate at which your AC is guzzling energy at any given moment. The higher the wattage, the more power it’s using right now. To give you a simple example, a light bulb’s brightness is defined by the amount of watts it takes to power it.

Kilowatts: Watts on Steroids

Now, a kilowatt (kW) is just 1,000 watts bundled together. It’s like going from single dollar bills to a stack of hundreds – a more convenient way to talk about larger amounts of power. When you look at your electricity bill, you’ll notice that you’re charged for kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is how many kilowatts you used over a certain period (in this case, an hour). So, if your AC unit is rated at 1.5 kW, it’s using 1,500 watts every hour it’s running at full blast.

Decode and Calculate: Unmasking Your AC’s Consumption

Want to figure out how much your AC is costing you to run? It’s easier than you think! Here’s the formula:

(Wattage of AC unit / 1000) x Number of hours used per day x Electricity cost per kWh = Daily operating cost

So, let’s say your AC is 1500 watts (1.5 kW), you run it for 6 hours a day, and your electricity costs $0.15 per kWh. The calculation would be:

(1500 / 1000) x 6 x $0.15 = $1.35 per day

That’s how much your AC is adding to your bill every day. Scary, right? But don’t worry, we’re not done yet!

Taming the Power Beast: Tips for Slashing AC Consumption

Now that you know how much your AC is potentially costing you, let’s talk about how to cut back on that energy drain:

• Programmable Thermostat: These are your best friend! Set it to automatically raise the temperature when you’re not home and lower it just before you return. It’s like having a smart little energy-saving ninja.
• Set It and Forget It (…Responsibly): Every degree you raise the thermostat can save you a significant chunk of change. Aim for a comfortable but not frigid temperature. You might be surprised how little difference a few degrees makes.
• Maintenance Matters: A dirty air filter forces your AC to work harder, which means it sucks up more power. Clean or replace your filters regularly (usually every 1-3 months). Consider annual professional maintenance, too.
• Strategic Shading: Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block out sunlight and reduce the amount of heat entering your home.
• Ceiling Fans: Use ceiling fans to circulate the air. This can make a room feel cooler, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher.

The Bigger Picture: Your AC and the Environment

Beyond just saving money, reducing your AC’s power consumption is also a big win for the environment. Less energy used means fewer emissions from power plants, which helps combat climate change. It’s a win-win! So, understanding watts and kilowatts isn’t just about your wallet; it’s about doing your part to create a cooler, greener future for everyone.

Insulation: Your Home’s Cozy Sweater (and AC’s Best Friend)

Ever walked outside on a chilly day and immediately regretted not grabbing a jacket? That’s kind of what your house feels like without proper insulation. Insulation is like a big, comfy sweater for your home, but instead of keeping you warm, it keeps your house the right temperature. More importantly, it makes your AC’s job way easier. Think of it this way: your AC is trying to keep the house cool, but without insulation, heat is sneaking in through the walls, attic, and floors. Good insulation acts as a barrier, slowing down the transfer of heat and giving your AC a fighting chance. This means your AC doesn’t have to work as hard, saving you money and preventing it from working itself to death!

Types of Insulation: From Pink Fluff to Foamy Goodness

So, what kind of “sweater” are we talking about? There’s a whole world of insulation out there! Here are some of the most common types you’ll find:

• Fiberglass: The classic pink stuff! It’s affordable and widely available but can be itchy to install. You’ll often see it in batts or rolls.

• Cellulose: Made from recycled paper, this is an eco-friendly option that’s often blown into attics and walls.

• Spray Foam: This stuff expands to fill every nook and cranny, creating a really tight seal. It’s more expensive, but it’s super effective.

• Rockwool: A very effective and environmentally sound choice, it is made of volcanic rock or recycled industrial waste.

Each type of insulation has an R-value, which measures its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Where you live will determine the R-value you need to keep your house at its best.

Insulating Your Home: Where to Focus

Now, where do you need this magical insulation? Think of the places where heat can easily escape or enter your home:

• Walls: This is a big one! Make sure your walls are properly insulated to prevent heat from seeping in during the summer and escaping during the winter.

• Ceilings/Attics: Heat rises, so your attic is a major area for heat loss or gain. Insulating your attic is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

• Floors: Especially if you have a basement or crawl space, insulating your floors can help prevent heat loss in the winter.

The Payoff: Save Money, Save the Planet (and Stay Comfy!)

Investing in good insulation is a win-win-win. Not only will you save money on your energy bills, but you’ll also reduce your environmental impact by using less energy. And, most importantly, you’ll be more comfortable in your home, no matter the weather outside. So, give your AC a break and treat your home to a nice, cozy sweater!

Dehumidification: More Than Just Cooling

Okay, so we’ve talked about BTUs, SEERs, and all sorts of other fun AC-related stuff. But what about that sticky, uncomfortable feeling you get even when the temperature isn’t that high? That, my friends, is all about humidity. And that’s where dehumidification comes in – it’s way more than just a fancy word!

What Exactly is Dehumidification?

Simply put, dehumidification is the process of kicking the excess moisture out of the air. Think of it like this: imagine a soaked sponge. Dehumidification is the act of squeezing that sponge to get rid of the water. It’s all about reducing the amount of water vapor floating around in your indoor air.

Your AC: A Silent Dehumidifying Hero

Here’s a fun fact: your air conditioner isn’t just chilling the air; it’s secretly sucking out the moisture, too! As warm, humid air passes over the AC’s cold coils, the water vapor condenses (turns into liquid) and drips away. That’s why you see that little puddle forming outside your AC unit. Pretty cool, right? Your AC unit is a dual-action superstar!

Why Should You Care About Dehumidification?

Alright, so why is getting rid of moisture so important? Well, for starters, it makes you feel way more comfortable. High humidity makes the air feel heavier and hotter, even if the temperature is relatively low. Dehumidification nixes that sticky feeling, making your home feel fresher and more comfortable.

But the benefits don’t stop there. Dehumidification also helps:

• Reduce Mold and Mildew: Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. By reducing moisture, you’re making your home a less hospitable place for these unwelcome guests.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Less moisture means fewer allergens and irritants floating around. Your lungs will thank you!

Humidity’s Sneaky Temperature Trick

Ever notice how 80 degrees feels completely different depending on the humidity? That’s because humidity affects how your body cools itself. When it’s humid, sweat doesn’t evaporate as easily, making you feel hotter. Dehumidification removes that humidity, allowing your sweat to do its job effectively and making you feel cooler at the same temperature! Basically, you can set your thermostat a little higher and still feel comfy, saving you some serious cash on your energy bill.

Supercharge Your Comfort: AC + Dehumidifier

If you live in a particularly humid climate, you might want to consider teaming up your AC with a dedicated dehumidifier. This dynamic duo can work together to create the ultimate comfort zone, keeping your home cool, dry, and fresh all season long.

Alright, so next time you hear someone throw around “tons” and “BTUs” in the same sentence, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about. It’s all about understanding the relationship between cooling power and heat – pretty cool stuff, right? Now you’re armed with the knowledge to make smart decisions when it comes to keeping your space comfortable!