How Many BTU Do You Need For A 30X40 Shop?

Do you want to install an air conditioner in your shop but aren't sure what size to use? So, how many BTU do you need for a 30x40 space? Keep calm! Let's find it out, as we've researched the answer to your question.

If the shop's area measures 30x40 feet, it's 1,200 square feet. Considering that there are 20 BTU per square foot, you'll need 24,000 BTU for this size shop.

This time, we'll discuss computing a BTU to identify what size air conditioner you need. We'll share with you important things you should know. There's no time to waste! Let's keep reading!

How Many BTU Do You Need For A 30X40 Shop?

BTU is the thermal unit used to measure the amount of heat to raise the temperature of water by a degree Fahrenheit per pound. See below the solutions on how to compute the amount of BTU you need for a 30x40 shop.

First, you should convert 30x40 into the area, which equals 1,200 square feet. Now, the standard recommendation for a one-foot area is 20 BTU. Therefore, a 1,200 square foot area multiplied by 20 BTU is 24,000 BTU. As a result, you need 24,000 BTU for a 30x40 shop. Check the calculation below:

What to Do with the BTU Calculation?

The quick answer is to find the right size of air conditioner you should use. Since BTU is important in determining the change of temperature in an area, you should know the size air conditioner you need by finding the tonnage.

Tonnage refers to the capacity of an air conditioner to cool down the area, measured by 1 ton being capable of removing 12,000 BTU of heat. For instance, we got 24,000 BTU based on our previous calculation. You should divide 24,000 BTU by 12,000 BTU to identify the tonnage.

This gives us two as an answer. That's why you'll need a two-ton air conditioner for a 30x40 shop or an area of 1,200 square feet. See the detailed computation below:

  • 24,000 BTU ÷ 12,000 BTU = 2 (or 2-ton air conditioning unit)

Also, 12,000 BTU is equivalent to a 600 square foot area. So, another way to find tonnage is to divide the square footage of the area by 600. See below on how to do it:

  • 1,200 sq. ft. ÷ 600 square ft. = 2 (or 2-ton air conditioning unit)

Why BTU and Tonnage Are Important?

BTU and tonnage are both important for HVAC systems. They're the key indicators of how much an appropriately sized system can alter the temperature in an area. However, there are more things you should know about such importance. Check the list below.

Why BTU and Tonnage Are Important. How Many BTU Do You Need For A 30X40 Shop

Proper Air Conditioner Size

Computing the BTU will help you determine the tonnage, leading to knowing the correct air conditioner size. Since air conditioners differ in model, features, and other specifications, they also have different cooling capacities.

For instance, if the area needs 24,000 BTU, you don't want to buy a half-ton air conditioner that's good for 600 BTU. Similar to using an oversized unit that can exceed beyond 24,000 BTU requirement. That's why a correctly sized unit will matter in its performance and efficiency.

Temperature Efficiency

For instance, you can turn off the air conditioner once the room temperature is comfortable and sufficient enough for the area. You don't have to run the unit all day long. Otherwise, the components and motors will overheat and get exhausted. Also, an accurate calculation of BTU and tonnage helps cut the cost of your electric bills.

Health Concerns

Since you need an air conditioner, your health could be affected. Regulating air temperature and air quality help to maintain a healthy heart and reduces the occurrence of illness and effects of allergies. 

How to Install a 2-Ton Air Conditioner 

Installing a two-ton air conditioner is similar to other generic air conditioners, as their physical appearances don't differ that much. You just need to check the product description and find the tonnage. Keep in mind that installation steps may differ by brand, model, and type of air conditioner.

So, see below the steps on how to install a split-system air conditioner:

  1. Clear the obstacles on the wall where you'll install the indoor unit.
  2. Measure the wall. You can consider at least 7 feet high and 6–12 inches of space on all sides.
  3. Place the mounting plate on the wall, and mark the holes for screws.
  4. Drill the holes and mount the plate with screws.
  5. Drill at least a three-inch hole for the drain hose.
  6. Inspect the wires of the unit, and connect them according to the product installation guide.
  7. Pull the drain hose and other pipes to connect them into the unit.
  8. Mount the unit onto the plate.
  9. Prepare a safe spot, such as a concrete pad on the ground.
  10. Place the outdoor unit on top of the concrete pad, then screw its feet down with a rubber cushion and metal plate.
  11. Read the manual again to connect the wires to the outdoor unit.
  12. Connect the pipes from the indoor unit.
  13. Proceed to bleed the system's refrigerant lines to create a vacuum. This process is technical and could require the expertise and equipment of a professional HVAC technician.
  14. Using a silicon caulk, seal the drain hose and pipes that run through the wall.
  15. Test the air conditioner by turning it on and controlling it with a remote. 

How Much Electricity Does a 2-Ton Unit Consume?

You can expect at least 1.71kWh of energy consumed per hour by a two-ton unit. This is approximately 41.04 kWh per day. So, turning the unit off when not in use will help you save a lot.

What is a SEER Rating?

SEER, short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, is an important aspect of the HVAC world to identify how much energy the unit consumes compared to how much of a bill you pay.

Most air conditioners have a SEER of around 14, depending on unit type. You can check the unit label to find your model's SEER.

How to Improve Ventilation in a Small Shop?

If you have a shop, it's possible that people from the outside come and go. This can result in air contamination. That's why it's important to improve ventilation to allow clean air circulation. See below some tips you can do aside from using air conditioner.

How to Improve Ventilation in a Small Shop. How Many BTU Do You Need For A 30X40 Shop

Use a Mechanical Fan

A mechanical fan helps circulate natural air throughout the area. You can use it alongside the air conditioner to maximize the effectiveness of the airflow. It can also save cost, as a mechanical fan uses less energy than an air conditioner.

See this fan on Amazon.

Open the Windows

You'll want to open the shop's windows to push the contaminated air outside and allow the cleaner air to enter. However, this is only possible if the air outside is not polluted.

For instance, if your shop is near the street where cars often pass through, you can't guarantee clean air. But opening the windows at least provides an optimal exchange of air.

Install an Exhaust Fan

An exhaust fan is a device that pulls the hot air out, causing the cooler air to fill in the area. You can have an air conditioner, mechanical fan, and exhaust fan all in one place. However, doing so will depend on how much space is available for the shop.

See this exhaust fan on Amazon.

Refer to the installation steps below:

  1. Measure the exhaust fan and mark it on the wall.
  2. Cut a hole. You can also use the pre-made hole for the exhaust fan.
  3. Mount the exhaust fan into the square hole. If the wall is made of cement, you can add a wooden frame to support the unit.
  4. Connect the wires into the outlet, then use some clips to hold the wires on the wall.
  5. Turn the exhaust fan on, and observe the improvement in ventilation.

Use an Air Freshener

An air freshener is a quick alternative to cleaning the air, but it doesn't do that much when it comes to ventilation. You can use air fresheners, especially if the shop is often full of customers from the outside. It can also eliminate odor and make the area more appealing.

See this air freshener on Amazon.

Air conditioner service indoors. Air conditioner cleaning technician. How Many BTU Do You Need For A 30X40 Shop

Conclusion

It's such another useful article, isn't it? In which we learned how much BTU is in a 30x40 shop, as well as the steps in finding the BTU and tonnage. Always consult an HVAC technician for the safety and effectiveness of the air conditioner. 

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